Protect yourself from the sun this summer
Skin cancer rates have rocketed in the past four decades, partly due to the popularity of the ‘package holiday’ abroad. But the dangers of sunburn are still very real in this country too, as two top dermatologists explain...
People still underestimate the damage sunburn can do to their skin. Since the 1970s, the rate of malignant melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer – has more than quadrupled in the UK.
A few simple steps will help protect you from harmful sunburn and the risk of skin cancer.
“With the summer holiday season now here, people need to know about the risks of spending too much time in the sun and what can be done to keep safe,” said consultant dermatologist Dr Colin Long.
“Protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun – don’t go red and don’t burn.
“Children in particular need to be covered up with a hat, T-shirt and UV glasses and wear a high-factor sun cream (SPF 50) because if you burn as a child, you are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer later on.
“When swimming, everyone needs to reapply sun screen afterwards.”
Dr Long, who works at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospitals, said malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer as it may potentially spread to other areas and can be fatal.
He said the second, more common, type of skin cancer is non-melanoma skin cancer which includes basal cell carcinoma.
This tends to be seen in older people but is sometimes found in younger people who have had prolonged sun exposure.
He added: “While we need some sun exposure to help us make healthy levels of vitamin D, this only amounts to 10 to 20 minutes a day from May to September and shouldn’t involve sunbathing, being in direct sun between 11am and 3pm or using sunbeds. “In the UK, more than 50 people die from skin cancer each year while working outside in construction, agriculture and leisure industries. “We want people to enjoy the warmer weather but stay safe, especially when on holiday and take extra precautions if you have a fair complexion. “As we age, our skin becomes naturally drier and so we need to moisturise more and do this regularly.” The British Association of Dermatologists recommends people to tell a doctor about any changes to a mole. A GP can then refer the patient to a consultant dermatologist on the GMC Register of specialists, who will be the most expert person to diagnose skin cancer.
SAcne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked.
More than 80% of cases of adult acne occur in women because of changes in hormone levels, including periods, pregnancy and ovarian cysts.
Effective treatment for both men and women is available from a GP referral to a dermatologist, which takes only about four months, once you have seen a specialist.
Sebaceous glands are tiny glands which produce sebum to lubricate hair near the skin’s surface.
The glands are attached to hair follicles. At puberty secondary hair follicles develop. Acne occurs when the glands begin to produce too much sebum.
The excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and both substances form a plug in the follicle and create blackheads or whiteheads.
Normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then contaminate the infected plugged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.
It is a myth to think that poor hygiene results in acne.
Consultant dermatologist with Nuffield Health, Dr Girish K Patel explains: “The important thing to know is that you are not on your own and it is unlikely to be a result of anything you have done which has caused the acne.
“In teenagers, it is simply a matter of increased hormone production which has the effect of producing too much sebum for the maturing hair follicles.
“In women, another common cause is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which also leads to the formation of small cysts inside the ovary.
“Acne may also be genetic, as it can run in families, with a higher risk if both parents had it.
“So far, research hasn’t found any foods that cause acne, so the chocolate connection is a misconception but eating a healthy and balanced diet is recommended because it’s good for your health in general.
“However picking spots will significantly worsen the condition and leave scars.”
Dr Patel said it is important to see a family doctor for treatment or referral to a dermatologist if the acne is bothering you.
He added: “It is worth noting that people with either of the two separate conditions of acne and hair loss are those where they are sold over the counter products which do not actually work.
“Reassuringly for acne sufferers, depending on the severity, there is a successful four-month prescription treatment with a specific antibiotic, isotretinoin or where the cause is PCOS with a particular contraceptive pill.
“Careful consideration of an appropriate prescription treatment for each individual is needed as there are side effects to consider.
“For isotretinoin, these commonly include dryness of the skin, lips and eyes, sensitivity to the sun and muscle and joint ache after exercise.”
He said it is often very difficult for people, especially teenage boys and girls, to pluck up the courage to discuss this with a doctor.
He added: “More than 85% of people will suffer with acne to some degree in their lifetime.
“The treatments are effective and, once resolved, the skin will heal naturally and further peel treatment can help remove traces of scarring, where necessary.
“Armed with this knowledge, the journey to good skin health can be so much shorter and smoother, if you see your GP quickly.”
See the British Association of Dermatologists website at www. bad.org.uk for more advice, leaflets and where to find a world UV App, which provide real time data across 10,000 locations worldwide.