According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. As we age, the rates of squamous and basal cell cancers as well as melanoma rise exponentially. In adults aged 75 and older, the rates of these cancers are 14 times higher than in adults aged 30 to 44, with cumulative exposure over time being the primary driver of skin cancer development. So how can we protect ourselves and enjoy the summer heat? Let’s find out!
Sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. Use an SPF of at least 30 on any exposed skin and re-apply every two hours if you remain outdoors, especially after sweating or swimming. Include eyelids, ears, hands, scalp and the back of the neck. Daily sunscreen use reverses photoaging, even in those who start consistent use later in life, and leads to fewer cases of invasive skin cancers. There is also no solid evidence that sunscreen significantly reduces our body’s ability to synthesize Vitamin D.
Limit exposure to UV rays
Stay in shady areas during peak UV hours, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear sun-protective clothing such as UV-protective sunglasses, broad brimmed hats and long sleeves. Nothing protects against damaging UV rays like barrier protection, not even sunscreen. Be wary on overcast days as UV rays penetrate through clouds and reflect off of concrete, sand and water. Avoid indoor tanning beds!
Medications
Be aware of medications that make your skin more prone to damage if exposed to the sun’s rays. Below are some common offenders but this is not an exhaustive list. If a photosensitizing medication can’t be discontinued, talk to your doctor about taking once daily medications in the evening. Avoid the sun during peak hours. Since phototoxic effects are primarily mediated by UVA exposure, use a sunscreen with strong protection against UVA rays such as zinc oxide and avobenzone.
- Topical treatments: retinoids
- Antibiotics: doxycycline, tetracycline, levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin
- NSAIDs and over the counter pain relievers: naproxen, ketoprofen, piroxicam
- Cholesterol medications: statins (atorvastatin and rosuvastatin)
- Diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide
- Heart medications: amiodarone, calcium channel blockers (amlodipine, diltiazem and verapamil)
- Other: proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole and pantoprazole), quinine
Know how to check your skin and when to see your doctor about worrisome skin changes
Perform skin self-exams and use the ABCDE rule to determine which skin spots are concerning. In particular, if you notice any new, changing or unusual skin lesion, or a sore that doesn’t heal over 2 to 3 weeks, please see a dermatologist!
- A – asymmetry
- B – border irregularity (ragged, notched or blurred edges)
- C – color (uneven pigmentation with multiple shades of brown, black, red, white or blue)
- D – diameter (lesions larger than 6mm)
- E – evolving (change in shape, size, or color over time)
With summer around the corner, now is the perfect time to review your sun-safety habits. Protecting your skin today can help prevent skin cancer and premature aging for years to come. Questions about sun protection, skin changes, or medication-related photosensitivity are worth discussing with your physician. At our concierge practice, we have the time to address these concerns and many other preventive health topics in detail. If you are interested in learning more about our practice, please reach out to schedule an introductory visit. We would be honored to care for you and your family.
Shivani Golden, MD is a double board-certified Geriatrician and Family Medicine physician, Medical Director, and part of the dual physician team at SoHo Concierge -a new membership-based medical practice that utilizes the latest evidence and world-class trained physicians to inform treatment in geriatrics, primary care, acute care and longevity/functional medicine. She frequently lectures at national medical conferences and is deeply committed to advancing thoughtful, relationship-based care. If you are interested in joining, please visit sohoconcierge.com or call (702) 582-5324 to learn more. If you have a question you’d like to ask the doctors, please email them at office@sohoconcierge.com.
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