July 20, 2016
Live Well @ Citi Health Services & The Citi Fit Group
There is much more to the sun than meets the eye…
-Our knowledge of ultraviolet light and its effect on skin has increased rapidly in recent years
Of what is sunlight made?
– Sunlight is made of various wave lengths that are both visible and invisible to the human eye
– Two of the invisible wavelengths that are important to your health are:
– Ultraviolet A (UVA)
– Ultraviolet B (UVB)
What is Ultraviolet A?
– Ultraviolet A (UVA) is commonly known as “black light”
-UVA is the most abundant component of sunlight and is the fluorescent light used in tanning beds
-UVA penetrates much deeper into the skin than any other light and contributes to:
– Wrinkling
– Blotchy pigmentation
– “Age-associated” skin thinning
– Loss of skin elasticity
What is Ultraviolet B?
– Ultraviolet B (UVB) makes up only 5% of the sunlight that reaches the earth
– UVB stimulates the production of Vitamin D in the skin
– UVB is an environmental human carcinogen – in prolonged exposure, the DNA molecules in skin cells mutate, which can lead to skin cancer
– High intensity of UVB are hazardous to the eyes, and may lead to cataracts, causing vision loss
Your skin’s reaction…
– Common sun-induced changes to your skin:
– Suntan and sunburn are the first signs of skin damage
– Suntan is the result of injury to the top layer of skin, or epidermis – light speeds up the body’s production of melanin
– Sunburn is the result when skin cell DNA is damaged and several inflammatory pathways are set in motion.
When exposure causes cancer…
– Skin cancer develops when damaged skin cells from a group called a tumor begin to grow out of control
– Benign tumors do not spread and are usually not harmful
– Malignant tumors spread from their sources and can grow into life-threatening cancers
What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?
– Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer
– Basal cells are the cells that line the deepest layer of the skin
– This type of skin cancer is fairly easy to treat when detected early
Basal Cell Carcinoma
– The five most typical signs of basal cell cancer are:
1) Open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for 3 or more weeks
2) Reddish patch or irritated area that may hurt or itch
3) Shiny bump or raised area that is pearly or translucent
4) Pink growth with a slightly elevated rolled border and a crusted indentation in the center
5) Scar-like area which is white, yellow, or waxy and often has irregular borders
What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
– An abnormal growth of cells on the skin’s surface caused by over-exposure to the sun
– It is the second most common form of skin cancer
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
– Most often appears on the face, neck, bald scalp, hands, shoulders, arms, and back
– Squamous cell tumors are thick, rough, and shallow
– When identified early and treated promptly, most squamous cell cancers are not serious
What is Melanoma?
– Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer
– If recognized and treated early, it is often 100% curable
– Melanoma originates in the cells that produce melanin – the majority which are black or brown
Melanoma
– The warning signs of melanoma include:
1) Asymmetrical in shape
2) Borders tend to be uneven
3) May have a variety of colors
4) Usually larger in diameter than the size of a pencil eraser
5) Any change in size, shape, color, elevation or other trait
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to reduce your exposure to UVA and UVB:
– Stay in the shade, avoiding the sun from 10am-4pm
– Use sunscreen products on your skin with an SPF of 15 or higher and are “broad spectrum”
– Children under the age of six months should be covered in clothing and a hat
– Wear a hat with a wide brim and help shade the neck, ears, eye and head
Sunglasses
– Your eyes need protection from the sun’s rays as well
– Sun damage is cumulative and can increase your chances of vision loss
– When selecting your sunglasses, keep the following tips in mind:
1) Look for glasses labeled 99%-100% UV protection
2) Keep in mind that the cost of sunglasses or the color of the lenses is not an indication of how much protection they provide
3) Wrap around styles provide the best protection since they keep UV light from entering the sides
4) Remember to wear sunglasses whenever you are outside
Early detection of skin cancers provide the best treatment options
– Carefully examine your skin once a month and look for changes in the size, shape, color or feel of birthmarks, moles, and other skin spots
– If you notice any of these changes, seek care immediately from a health care provider.
REFERENCES and RESOURCES:
– American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org
– American Academy of Dermatology: http://www.aad.org
– Skin Cancer Foundation: http://www.skincancer.org
Many thanks to our Guest Speaker: Dr. Thomas F. Wright
| Dr. Thomas F. Wright is a board certified Phlebologist, cosmetic surgeon, and dermatologist, serving the O’Fallon, St. Louis, and Chesterfield areas for more than 15 years, offering personalized state of the art medicine with expert care. Dr. Wright is experienced in skin cancer screening.Professional Associations: American College of Phlebology (ACP) American Medical Association (AMA) Missouri State Medical Association (MSMA) American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Surgery (ARDMS) |
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