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Sun SafetyWritten ByPartha Nandi, MD

When are people going to learn that “tanning” takes lives.

Sun Safety

Let’s talk about sun safety, a critical topic for adults and children. More than 1.2 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills one person every hour. Overexposure to the sun is the number one cause of skin cancer. In fact, one blistering sunburn can double a child’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer! Let’s discuss how we can protect ourselves from the sun and prevent this disease.

So what does the sun do to the skin?

The ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers to the skin called elastin and causes the skin to sag, stretch and lose its ability to go back into place. These are the reasons for the aging appearance of the skin. In addition, this damage also increases the risk of skin cancer.

What can we do to prevent sun damage?

Avoid exposure to the sun between 10am and 4pm when the sun’s rays are strongest. Wear dark clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 with broad-spectrum protection. This type of sunscreen protects from both UVA and UVB rays. If you have a sunburn, avoid any more sun exposure and treat the burn immediately. Children less than 6 months should not be exposed to the sun.

What are some symptoms of skin damage from the sun?

Early on, we see a change in pigmentation or color of the skin or wrinkle formation around eyes, mouth and forehead. Also, we can see spider veins of face or neck or loss of color and fullness in lips. Later, deepening wrinkles and forehead lines can be seen. Skin becomes leathery and pre-cancerous lesions can be seen. Finally, skin cancers are found.

Be your own health hero by making healthy living part of every day! Namaste

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About the author

Partha Nandi, MD

Partha Nandi M.D., F.A.C.P. is the creator and host of the internationally syndicated medical lifestyle television show, Ask Dr. Nandi.

A practicing physician and a renowned international speaker, his appearances include TEDx, college commencements, numerous charity functions, premier medical meetings such as Digestive Disease Week, and nationally syndicated television programs such as The Katie Couric Show.

Dr. Nandi has partnered with the Ministry of Health in multiple countries, including Jamaica and India, and has collaborated with The World Health Organization in multiple areas throughout the globe, Dr. Nandi delivers passionate and inspiring talks to diverse audiences.

He continues to travel internationally for conferences and symposia, meeting with global health leaders on his quest to improve health care quality, access, and to empower people across the world β€œTo Be Your Own Health Hero.”

DrNandi@AskDrNandi.com

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