Most people enjoy the sunshine, and the ultraviolet (UV) rays produced by the Sun help us to produce certain vitamins in our bodies. However, too much exposure is very harmful and can lead to serious diseases such as skin cancer. Always protect your-self with sunscreen and try to keep covered up for most of the time that you spend in the sunshine.
The main risk factor for sunburn, premature skin aging, skin damage, and skin cancer is exposure to UV light from the sun. More than 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. Using tanning beds and tanning lamps also increases the risk for skin damage and skin cancer.
The risk for skin damage and skin cancer is related to the number of sunburns a person experiences throughout his or her lifetime. The following physical characteristics also increase the risk for sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer:
- Blond or red hair
- Blue or green eyes
- Fair skin
- Freckles
- Moles (also called nevi)
The risk for skin damage and skin cancer is higher in people with lighter skin. However, people who have darker skin also must protect their skin from the sun to reduce lifetime exposure to harmful UV rays and help prevent skin damage and skin cancer. Lifetime exposure to the sun, which is associated with an increased risk for skin cancer, often is higher in older people and in men.
Certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, antidepressants, acne medications [retinoids]) can increase sun sensitivity. Patients should speak with a physician about medications that can make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
Having a family member with skin cancer increases the risk for the disease in adults and also in children. It is important to learn what to look for and how to monitor the skin for significant changes (e.g., asymmetrical mole, sores that do not heal normally).
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