10 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Skin Cancer During Summer
- Written by NewsServices.com
Summer comes with the big plus of allowing people to enjoy picnics in the open and having a free day in summer. This means that you and your family or friends could easily decide to sit out somewhere in the open nature and enjoy some bonding time.
But then, the statistics of skin cancer rates in Australia always hit home; it has been reported by professional anti-cancer organizations that 2 out of 3 people in Australia, especially from the Southern part of the country, are likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer at age 70.
Does that mean we should give up the joys of summer outings? No! However, precautions are necessary, and here is a list of precautions you can take while enjoying the outdoors in summer. This article will highlight some of them to get you more informed and equipped for heading out in the summer.
Top Safety Tips for You this Summer
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Sunscreen: the use of sunscreen as protection from skin cancer will never go out of fashion. It is one of the most important things to protect your skin. Doctors recommend using sunscreen with SPF number 30 or above. The higher the number, the greater the protection it provides.
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Correct use of sunscreen: it is one thing to have a shoe and another to wear it correctly. Improper application of sunscreen reduces the protection it provides. Use sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading out and reapply once every two to four hours.
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Wear a hat: wearing a broad-brimmed hat that provides cover not just to your face but ears and necks will serve as good protection.
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Sunglasses: UV rays damage the skin and could also affect the eyes. Wearing sunglasses, especially sunglasses structured to block UV radiation, will go a long way in protecting your eyesight.
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Appropriate clothing: wearing a sleeveless top compared to a long sleeve with a turtle neck provides lesser protection under the mid-day sun. This is due to the increase in the area of coverage. Also, the clothing material has an impact on the degree of protection. I.e., clothes made of fabric with high-density weave allow less light and protect against sunburns.
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Cloudy weather: cloudy weather doesn’t equate to the absence of UV rays. Because you cannot feel the heat does not mean the UV rays are absent. Regardless of the weather, protect yourself from sun radiation when stepping out.
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Stay hydrated: cooling off by going to the pool or swimming is nice. However, this is more effective when paired with enough water.
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Freeze water bottle beforehand: trying to stay cool in summer with water that has already gotten warm due to the weather can be frustrating. Therefore, it is advisable to freeze beforehand.
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Right sunburn treatment: You may come down with a sunburn once in a while. How you treat the scar is essential. Drink a lot of water and when taking showers, use the cooler water to apply on the area gently.
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Monitor your skin: pay attention to your skin and the changes it shows. A newly developing mole change in the shape, color, or size of an existing mole should be noted and discussed with your doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Skin cancer is dangerous and should be prevented as much as possible. We hope this article has helped you with tips on staying safe in summer. If it’s been a while since you last had a skin check, arrange a booking with a respected skin cancer clinic.
