CentraState - Healthy Directions

A fter a winter that didn't seem to want to end, we're all eager to head back outside and have some fun in the sun. However, it is important to remember the essentials of sun protection. Even if you're only going to be out in the sun for a few minutes, or believe you're more of a tanner than a burner, you should still take precautions against sun exposure. "Just like brushing your teeth in the morning, applying sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body at least 30 minutes before you go outside ─ regardless of the weather forecast is crucial," says Jarrod Kaufman, MD, a board-certified surgeon specializing in skin cancer with Advanced Surgical Associates of Central Jersey and on staff at CentraState. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers mean more protection. "Choose a brand that offers a broad- spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30," Dr. Kaufman advises. "Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your skin reacts badly to one product, try another brand. Also, if you are in the sun during peak hours, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., you will burn more quickly." According to Dr. Kaufman, just because your daily moisturizer claims to have SPF coverage does not mean it's enough protection. "I have found the information regarding SPF coverage in beauty products is unpredictable at best. While creams, lotions and lip balms can add another layer of protection, don't rely on them solely as your daily sun protection," Dr. Kaufman says. Instead, apply your sunscreen first and then add these skin treatments for an added level of protection. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN Contracting melanoma has more to do with your genetics than with sun exposure, but while you can't change your genetics, you can protect yourself from the sun. Priya Sivanesan, MD, a dermatologist on staff at CentraState and medical director of CentraState's Melanoma Center, offers the following sun-safe tips: • Wear a T-shirt instead of a tank top. When in doubt, wear more clothing instead of less to cover your skin as much as possible. Wear hats when possible, and use umbrellas at the beach. • Apply sunscreen on whatever parts of your body clothes don't cover. "Apply a half hour before you go into sun so it's absorbed and active," Dr. Sivanesan advises. "Use SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours. Also, wear sunscreen any time you're in the sun, not just at the beach— such as doing yard work, at a BBQ, taking a walk, etc." • There are two different kinds of sunscreen: chemical sunscreens (helioplex), and physical sunblock. "If you're sensitive to chemicals, use physical blockers (zinc oxide or titanium oxide)," Dr. Sivanesan says. "The chemical sunscreens are very good technology and last as long as the physical blockers – they used to degrade faster, but now are better. Also try to use sunscreens that don't contain potential skin irritants, such as fragrances or PABAs (para-aminobenzoic acid)." • For children, a physical blocker is advised due to their sensitive skin, and they should use sun-protective clothing and stay in the shade as much as possible. "Most sun damage happens before the age of 5," Dr. Sivanesan warns. "Kids are out enjoying themselves at the beach and parents may not realize the potential for sun damage. • Eye protection is very important. "Cataract risk is high with UV exposure," Dr. Sivanesan says. "Children should wear sunglasses as much as possible while in the sun. Even cheap children's sunglasses these days provide a level of UV protection." CentraState's Melanoma Center offers a highly trained medical team of dermatologists and surgeons who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, as well as the screening service MoleSafe: a skin documentation system that uses total body photography. For more information about MoleSafe and the Melanoma Center at CentraState, call 855-411-CANCER (855-411-2262). To make an appointment for MoleSafe, call 877-MOLESAFE (877-665-3723). HD www.centrastate.com Summer 2014 3 Stay Sun Safe this Summer Jarrod Kaufman, MD, board-certified surgeon Priya Sivanesan, MD, board-certified dermatologist

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