Board-certified dermatologist shares 5 tips for Skin Cancer
Awareness Month
ROSEMONT, Ill., May 21, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Sunburns can be painful and damaging to your skin,
while also increasing your risk of skin cancer, the most common
cancer in the United States and
one of the most preventable. A new survey by the American Academy
of Dermatology shows that one in three Americans (36%) got a
sunburn in 2023, a significant increase over the previous year.
A new survey by the American Academy of
Dermatology shows that one in three Americans (36%) got a sunburn
in 2023.
"No matter your skin tone, you can get a sunburn if you are
outside without proper protection," said Veena Vanchinathan, MD, FAAD, a board-certified
dermatologist in Morgan Hill,
Calif. "It's important to practice safe sun because both
tanning and sunburning harms your skin. If you repeatedly
experience sunburns, your skin will become more damaged over
time."
Prevention is key. Protect your skin from the sun to prevent
sunburn and reduce your risk of skin cancer and premature skin
aging. Seek shade, and wear sun-protective clothing — such as long
sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV
protection. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with
an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.
The same AAD survey showed that fewer than 34% of Americans use
sunscreen, with only one in three reapplying it every two hours,
which is the recommended timeframe. As many as 27% of people who do
use sunscreen tend not to reapply sunscreen at all. Since
sunscreen's protective qualities wear off over time and sweat and
water can wash it off the skin, it's important to reapply sunscreen
to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays and reduce your
risk of sunburn.
If you do get a sunburn, the first step to treating it is to get
indoors and out of the sun. Once indoors, Dr. Vanchinathan and the
AAD recommend following these tips to help relieve your
sunburn:
- Take cool baths or showers to help relieve any pain.
Afterward, gently pat your skin dry.
- Soothe your sunburn by applying moisturizer containing
aloe vera or soy while your skin is still damp and whenever you
feel discomfort. You can also apply calamine lotion, place a cool,
damp washcloth on the affected area, or take a colloidal oatmeal
bath.
- Take aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling
and discomfort from your sunburn.
- Drink extra water, as having a sunburn can make you
dehydrated.
- Do not pop sunburn blisters. A blister means you have a
second-degree sunburn. Allowing blisters to heal — instead of
popping them — protects you from infection. Keep blisters clean and
apply petroleum jelly to protect them while they heal.
If your sunburn gets worse, partner with the sun protection
expert, a board-certified dermatologist. Signs of a worsening
sunburn that requires medical attention include high fever, chills,
or nausea, or pus or swelling of the skin, a potential sign of a
skin infection.
"While a sunburn is often treatable at home, symptoms
occasionally require additional attention by a board-certified
dermatologist," said Dr. Vanchinathan. "Not only are we able to
help make you more comfortable, it's also a great time for your
dermatologist to check you for signs of skin cancer."
These tips are demonstrated in "How to treat a sunburn:
Dermatologist tips," a video posted to the AAD website
and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD's "Your
Dermatologist Knows" series, which offers tips people can use to
properly care for their skin, hair, and nails.
To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area,
visit aad.org/findaderm.
More Information
Sun protection
How to perform a skin self-exam
How to select a sunscreen
AAD B-Roll Library
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of
Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and
most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a
membership of more than 21,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is
committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and
cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high
standards in clinical practice, education and research in
dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because
skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your
health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at
(888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin
on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and
@AADskin1 on Instagram.
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SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology