Skin cancer is a serious disease. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their life time.

There are three types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell cancers are the most common. But melanoma is the deadliest because it can spread to internal organs. In fact, one American dies from skin cancer every hour.

What increases the risk for developing skin cancer?
> Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor
> Caucasians with fair skin
> Redheads and blondes
> Those with blue or green eyes
> Those with many, large, or unusual moles
> Family history
> Personal history of skin cancer

What can be done to prevent it?
> Apply water resistant sunscreen SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15, generously to all exposed skin (face, ears, hands and arms). Use lip balm with sunscreen for the lips.
> Apply 15 - 30 minutes before going outside
> Use everyday, even cloudy days and under makeup
> Reapply every 2 hours, after swimming or heavy sweating
> Wear protective clothing long sleeved shirts, pants wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
> Avoid being outdoors between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when sun rays are the strongest
> Avoid tanning beds
> Apply a sunless self-tanning product if you want a tan, but you still need to use sunscreen with it
> Check your skin frequently for changes

Is there a difference between UVA and UVB rays?
Ultraviolet A rays are aging rays. They cause wrinkling and age spots. Ultraviolet B rays are burning rays. They cause the actual burning. Both rays can cause skin cancer.

How can you recognize skin cancer?
Skin cancers appear mainly on the upper back, chest, lower legs, head and neck. Look for new moles or a mole that has changed or is different. Use the ABCD rule as a guide for the warning sign that a mole may be cancerous:

Asymmetry-- one half does not match the other half
Border-- the edges are irregular, ragged
Color- not one uniform color; different shades of tan, brown or black; may have dashes of red, white or blue
Diameter-usually 6mm in size (size of pencil eraser)

It is important to examine your skin regularly, including palms, soles of feet, and scalp. Early stages are curable so it is important for early detection as with many forms of cancer.

How do you treat sunburn?
It may take up to 24 hours before sun damage is noticeable.

For first degree burns, redness may have peeling within a few days. Treat with cool baths, moisturizers, and if necessary, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and hydrocortisone creams to help with pain and itching.

Second degree burns will cause blistering. Don’t break the blister because that will slow the healing process and can cause infection. Lightly cover it with a layer of gauze until healed.

Severe burns with headache, chills or fever need to be checked by a health care professional immediately.