A&T Specialist Advises on Summer Skin Protection 

July 31, 1998 

Greensboro, NC: High temperatures and high humidity are facts of life for North Carolinians who work outdoors. Unfortunately, if the right precautions are not taken, skin cancer too can become a fact of life.

"When the weather gets hot, we often think of our comfort before we think about our health," says Dr. Ellen Smoak, a clothing and textiles specialist in North Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension Program. "Wanting to be comfortable, we expose more of our skin to the sun's harmful rays. Though this practice might provide short-term relief from heat, it can lead to trouble such as skin cancer down the road."

According to Smoak, covering skin while in the sun is a highly effective means of reducing skin cancer risk. Smoak recommends that people use a hat or scarf shading the face, ears and neck, and long sleeves and pants to protect arms and legs.

Because it's not possible to completely cover areas such as the face and hands, which are also exposed to the sun, Smoak recommends that people also use sunscreens.

"Most people should choose a sunscreen which offers a sun protective factor, or SPF, of at least 15," says Smoak. "People should also be aware that some sunscreens need to be reapplied after a period of time or after contact with water. Reading the package directions will tell you if this is the case for your sunscreen."

Smoak also recommends that people familiarize themselves with the facts surrounding exposure to the sun and skin cancer. For example:

• the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  
• more protection from the sun is needed at higher altitudes.
  
• the sun's rays can penetrate as much as three feet of water.
  
• sunburn can occur on cloudy days.
  
• sunburn can occur in the winter as well as in the summer.

"Damage from sun exposure can't be undone, but 90 to 95 percent of all skin cancer can be successfully treated when detected early," said Smoak.

"If you see a warning sign that might indicate skin cancer, contact a physician immediately."

Warning signs associated with skin cancer include:

• a small, shiny, pearly bump on the skin.
  
• a red, scaly, sharply outlined patch.
  
• a small, round, slightly elevated spot, red and crusty, often with a sore in the center that does not heal.
  
• unusual sensations, such as itching, tenderness and pain.
  
• asymmetrical mole-like growths, which are growing or which display unusual colors and borders.

"Unfortunately, many people treat sunburns lightly and don't take skin cancer seriously," said Smoak. "Simple precautions can go a long way toward avoiding the short-term discomfort associated with sunburn, and the long-term consequences of developing skin cancer."

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For more information, please call Dr. Ellen Smoak, NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, (336) 334-7956.