Navigating Healthcare: A Guide to Modern Medicine and Wellness

Tag: sun damage

Things You Did Not Know About Sunburn

5 Things You Did Not Know About Sunburn

Most of us have suffered from sunburn at one time or another in our lives. In fact, we’ve all probably seen more than just one sunburn when we looked in the mirror following a long day in the sun. But the truth about sunburn starts and ends with the fact that it can be hazardous. That’s why it’s important to prevent it whenever you can. And you can. You don’t have to suffer from sunburn; you just need to prevent it. There are a lot of things most of us don’t know about sunburn. For instance, did you know that just one blistering sunburn can double your chances of getting melanoma? It’s true. Suffering from just a single bad sunburn in childhood or adolescence can nearly double your risk of developing certain skin cancers. Here are more facts about sunburn you likely didn’t know, brought to you by dermatologists in New Jersey who care about your skin.

How to Reduce The Risk for Skin Cancer

Once the gloriously warm and sunny days of late Spring or Summer arrive, slowly we begin to show a little more skin to the rest of the world.  First, the tee-shirts and shorts get pulled out of the drawer, followed by sandals.  No one wants their skin to be the same color as Swiss cheese – we want to look healthy and vibrant.

Well, it’s wonderful to sport that sun-kissed glow, but here are a few facts that might make you re-think that coveted golden brown skin.  For example:

  • Did you know that skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States?
  • More than 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in this country each year.

Take heart though, because, unlike other forms of cancer, all skin cancers are highly treatable if found early.

Things You Did Not Know About Sunburn sunburn in childhood

How to Protect Skin from Sun Damage

With summer fast approaching, there are so many feelings of excitement in the air as everyone prepares for vacations, trips to the beach, and spending quality time with friends and family.  Indeed, with sunnier days comes an increase in outdoor activities as people are more inclined to venture outside and enjoy the warmer weather ahead of them.  This also means there is an increase in exposure to direct sunlight and in turn, more exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.  While natural sunlight is undoubtedly important for a healthy dose of Vitamin D, there are still risks involved with overexposure to the sun.  Beyond dry, peeling and even blistered skin due to sunburn, there is also the increased risk of developing skin cancer.  To avoid such health implications, protect your skin during the summer by following these simple daily health tips for a fun, yet safe summer season.

How to Prevent Sun Damage in Winter

Sun Damage in WinterEveryone loves the magic and allure of a winter wonderland, with its Christmas sparkle and rich, crystal beauty. But nobody loves what winter’s harsh winds and dry air can do to their skin. First, there are those harmful UV rays. Did you know they can age you faster than just about everything else? This is a fact, which is why you not only need sunscreen on those days you head out for a sunny day at the beach; you also need it through the winter to minimize the sun’s effects, especially for skin cancer prevention. Then there’s the cold. Those frosty winds whipping around your face and other skin surfaces can dry out your skin, leaving it rough and scaly. And, finally, because of all those frigid temps, you’re likely turning up the heat inside your home, which is like adding insult to injury on your poor skin cells. And there you have it… the perfect combination for turning soft, supple skin into a veritable alligator bag. Following are some tips from dermatologists in New Jersey on how to prevent sun damage to skin in winter.