Sunscreen saves skin from damage

Skin cancer is "definitely a problem in our community," said Findlay dermatologist Dr. Michael Cairns, urging people to wear sunscreen and take other precautions. Cairns, who practices at Blanchard Valley Medical Associates, said many people locally participate in activities that result in "significant sun exposure," including hobbies like boating and golfing, as well as professions like farming. "We unfortunately have a lot of farmers" who develop skin cancer, he said. The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Cairns said they most often appear as pink spots that can continue to enlarge. Often they are fragile and may bleed and not seem to heal, he said. A third type is melanoma, which may or may not occur in previous moles. Cairns said melanoma can be a brown spot with irregular colors, borders or size. Melanoma can be "more aggressive" than the other types of cancer and spread more readily to other parts of the body, but it is less common, Cairns said. Cairns said sunscreen is one component of skin cancer prevention. He encouraged people not to lie outside to deliberately get sun exposure — and, he said, avoid tanning booths. Cairns said people may not be aware of how dangerous ultraviolet rays are over time, or people may think getting a tan is healthy. But, in fact, tanning indicates damaged DNA, and it is the same process that can promote skin cancer, he said. "There is no such thing as a safe tan," Cairns said. It's better to be out earlier or later in the day, Cairns said. Follow the shadow rule, meaning that if your shadow is taller than you are, it's a safer time to be outside. When you are out in the sun, it's important to protect your skin from ultraviolet light, Cairns said. This means wearing a hat, preferably with a brim, and sunglasses with UVA protection. Cover exposed areas with clothing if possible and if shade is available, seek it out. Cairns recommends applying sunscreen of at least SPF 30 several minutes before going out. Reapply it every two hours, or if your skin is exposed to water. He declined to recommend a specific product, but he said products containing zinc and titanium are preferred. "Sunscreen is similar to pizza in that different people enjoy different varieties," he said. People with fair skin who burn easily are particularly at risk, as are people with a family history of skin cancer. But, Cairns said, sun protection is important for everyone. Cairns noted that there are a lot of benefits to spending time outdoors, and exercise is good for both physical and mental health. So, he said, he isn't telling people they must stay indoors — just that, when you are outside, take precautions. He urged anyone with questions to look at the American Academy of Dermatology website for more information, at aad.org Arthurs: 419-427-8494