Summer sunshine is lovely: Fun and games in the sun, but with consequences…
Most of us will not give our skin a second thought apart from applying some sunblock. We only become aware of our skin and take the danger of sunburn seriously when we are in pain after a carefree day of over exposure – or when someone close to us is diagnosed with skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in South Africa with about 20 000 reported cases on an annual basis. Tragically, this results in 700 deaths every year!
Skin cancer is directly related to over exposure to the sun from a very early age. A tan was thought to be cool but in the long run it causes ageing and skin cancer. It affects young and old, no matter what our skin tone is.
Non-melanoma skin cancer and malignant melanomas are on the rise globally, with South Africa having the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world after Australia.
The good news is that we can prevent cancer by respecting the sun and teaching our children from an early age to take care when in the sun.
Redness of the skin is damage that can become skin spots and ultimately skin cancer.
Check your skin regularly, all over the body, not only where the sun has burnt the skin. Arrange for a check up with your Doctor on a regular basis.
When checking your skin, the worrisome skin markings are moles. These are dark brown and flattish lesions on the skin.
You should be particularly concerned when your mole has any of the following characteristics:
- Moles that are round and symmetrical in shape.
- Watch for anything that differs in color. Moles are usually one color: brown or black.
- Check the shape, as in poorly defined edges. Moles have smooth edges. The size should not be anything that is bigger than 6mm in diameter.
- Check if you moles have changed in any way.
There are many different skin cancers so anything that gives you concern should be checked by your Doctor immediately. Treatment for some skin cancers is a cream or freezing. These treatments are very effective.
Always check your skin and get advice. Arms hands and faces are particularly at risk from sun damage. Ask a family member to help you check your back and the top of your head.
To limit sun damage, cover up your hands and arms with our Sun Sleeves and Hand Covers. Use Sun Sleeves and Hand Covers after treatment. This will protect the treated areas from bumping, prevent infection and cover the raw and unsightly areas after treatment.
Our products are recommended by Dermatologists and are CANSA approved, so take action NOW and prevent the unpleasant complications from skin cancer.
We would like to encourage you to explore the alternatives that are available. If you are not sure how to go about this or would like some guidance with regards to your unique circumstances, please contact us and we’ll be happy to share some more ideas with you.