Invariably, the most common denominator in most of our Summer plans, courtesy of Africa, is the merciless sun.
According to The Cancer Association of South Africa, Skin cancer is one the most common forms of cancer in South Africa – Risk levels for South Africans are amongst the highest worldwide with melanoma (the most deadly type of skin cancer) on the rise.
This means extra precautionary measures must be taken as you go about your outdoor activities this festive season.
Jessica De Kock learnt her lesson when she recently experienced sunburn whilst on a weekend getaway for a music festival in Dullstroom. “Sun burn is very painful, your skin feels very tight and hot”, says Jessica.
She further explains that to relieve her sunburn and reduce the redness and blotchiness of her skin, she used Tea-Tree Oil to moisturize and re-hydrate the skin, as well as a product called Freeze after sun gel.
In just four days, her skin appeared to be on the mend. “My advice for holiday-goers this festive season is to make sure you are using the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) that is suitable for your skin type. I was using SPF 50, and now I will increase it to SPF 100 from the Nivea range. Also avoid the sun at its peak, and keep your skin thoroughly moisturized!”, she emphasizes.
Factors that may increase your risk of skin cancer include:
· Fair skin
Anyone, regardless of skin colour, can get skin cancer. However, having less pigment (melanin) in your skin provides less protection from damaging UV radiation. If you have blond or red hair and light-coloured eyes, and you freckle or sunburn easily, you’re much more likely to develop skin cancer than is a person with darker skin.
· A history of sunburns
Having had one or more blistering sunburns as a child or teenager increases your risk of developing skin cancer as an adult. Sunburns in adulthood also are a risk factor.
· Excessive sun exposure
Anyone who spends considerable time in the sun may develop skin cancer, especially if the skin isn’t protected by sunscreen or clothing. Tanning, including exposure to tanning lamps and beds, also puts you at risk. A tan is your skin’s injury response to excessive UV radiation.
· Sunny or high-altitude climates
People who live in sunny, warm climates are exposed to more sunlight than are people who live in colder climates. Living at higher elevations, where the sunlight is strongest, also exposes you to more radiation.
· Moles
People who have many moles or abnormal moles called dysplastic nevi are at increased risk of skin cancer. These abnormal moles — which look irregular and are generally larger than normal moles — are more likely than others to become cancerous. If you have a history of abnormal moles, watch them regularly for changes.
· Precancerous skin lesions
Having skin lesions known as actinic keratosis can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. These precancerous skin growths typically appear as rough, scaly patches that range in colour from brown to dark pink. They’re most common on the face, head and hands of fair-skinned people whose skin has been sun damaged.
· A family history of skin cancer
If one of your parents or a sibling has had skin cancer, you may have an increased risk of the disease.
· A personal history of skin cancer
If you developed skin cancer once, you’re at risk of developing it again. Even basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas that have been successfully removed can recur.
· A weakened immune system
People with weakened immune systems have a greater risk of developing skin cancer. This includes people living with HIV/AIDS or leukaemia and those taking immunosuppressant drugs after an organ transplant.
· Exposure to radiation
People who received radiation treatment for skin conditions such as eczema and acne may have an increased risk of skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma.
· Exposure to certain substances
Exposure to certain substances, such as arsenic, may increase your risk of skin cancer.
Courtesy of The Skin Cancer Foundation, here are some sunburn hints and tips:
- · Seek the shade, especially between 10:00 and 16:00
- · Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
- · Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
- · Apply 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Re-apply every two hours.
- · Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- · Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreen should only be used on babies over the age of six months.
- · Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- · See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
Keep these facts in mind just before you venture out into the sun this holiday, and remember to take a hat with before you board that boat cruise in Cape Town, or braai that steak in your back garden.
For more information on sun burn and safety, visit: www.skincancer.org
