HEALTH
of the skin, and into the dermis, the inner layer. This causes
an increase in melanin, responsible for skin pigmentation.
The reaction results in tanning. Although a tan may look
healthy, it’s actually a sign of skin damage.
SKIN CANCER CASES INCREASE
Fair-skinned people have less melanin that darker-skinned
people, so they are more at risk for sun burning and skin cancer.
However, Ioannides has seen an increase in skin cancer
cases for darker skinned patients, such as Hispanics and Italians.
46
He’s also seen an increase in recent years for skin cancer
along the Treasure Coast overall.
“South Florida has one of the highest incidence of skin
cancer in the world,” Dr. Ioannides says.
It’s not just going to the beach or a park; increased risks of
skin damage may occur to people who work in the sun all
day, such as construction workers or farmers. Fishermen and
other outdoor sportsmen need protection from the sun.
Along with sunscreen and protective clothing, people
can plan or limit their exposure to the sun, avoiding direct
sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as much as possible or taking
breaks from the sun by going inside or in the shade.
Although parents are often instructed to protect their
children from the negative effects of the sun, they shouldn’t
become so overly concerned that it interferes with healthy
activities, Ioannides explains. “I don’t think parents should
freak out when their kids are outside for 20 to 30 minutes, if
they’re not getting sunburned. That’s probably OK.”
Getting the proper amount of vitamin D is also important
when people decide to avoid the sun completely because low
levels of the nutrient are associated with a host of disorders,
including diabetes and cancer. Ioannides recommends a minimum
of 2,000 IU vitamin D in supplements a day for those
who don’t get enough sun exposure.
KNOW THE SIGNS
There are two types of skin cancers: melanoma and nonmelanoma.
Melanoma is less common than nonmelanomas,
which are very treatable. A 2012 study published in the
Southern Medical Journal found that Florida had the second
highest incidence of melanoma in the U.S. with more than
600 Floridians dying each year from it. California was first.
Signs of melanoma may show up as black or brown moles,
even pink or white. It is still often curable through surgery
when detected early.
Basal cell carcinoma, a nonmelanoma and the most common
type of skin cancer, is unlikely to spread but still needs
treatment. Signs include red or pink raised areas that are
often shiny or patchy. Squamous cell carcinoma is a little
more harmful than basal cell and more likely to spread. Signs
include scaly red patches or crusty lesions.
Actinic keratoses may indicate a risk in developing skin
cancer. They may cause changes in the size and shape of skin
growths.
Take note of any changes in the skin or any growth, mole,
sore or skin discoloration that appears suddenly, and have
regular checkups with a dermatologist, who can determine
skin conditions with accuracy. This will eliminate any worries
about your skin so you can enjoy the outdoors while taking a
few precautions.
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