Sunscreen explained!

The sunscreen aisle of a drugstore offers lots of choices, but which one is right for you? We show you how to find the sunscreen that best fits your lifestyle.

What Are Sunscreens?
Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other effects of photoaging. They also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB.

What Is SPF?
Most sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB. SPF — or Sun Protection Factor — is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Here's how it works: If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about five hours.

Another way to look at it is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. They may seem like negligible differences, but if you are light-sensitive, or have a history of skin cancer, those extra percentages will make a difference. And as you can see, no sunscreen can block all UV rays.

But there are problems with the SPF model: First, no sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication. Second, "reddening" of the skin is a reaction to UVB rays alone and tells you little about what UVA damage you may be getting. Plenty of damage can be done without the red flag of sunburn being raised.

Who Should Use Sunscreen?
Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily. Even those who work inside are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day. Also, UVA is not blocked by most windows.
Children under the age of six months should not be exposed to the sun. Shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect infants from the sun.

What Type of Sunscreen Should I Use?
The answer depends on how much sun exposure you're anticipating. In all cases we recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Many after-shave lotions and moisturizers have a sunscreen (usually SPF 15 or greater) already in them, and this is sufficient for everyday activities with a few minutes here and there in the sun. However, if you work outside or spend a lot of time outdoors, you need stronger, water-resistant, beachwear-type sunscreen that holds together on your skin. The "water resistant" and "very water resistant" types are also good for hot days or while playing sports, because they're less likely to drip into your eyes. However, these sunscreens may not be as good for everyday wear. They are stickier, don't go as well with makeup, and need to be reapplied every two hours.

Many of the sunscreens available in the US today combine several different active chemical sunscreen ingredients in order to provide broad-spectrum protection. Usually, at least three active ingredients are called for. These generally include PABA derivatives, salicylates, and/or cinnamates (octylmethoxycinnamate and cinoxate) for UVB absorption; benzophenones (such as oxybenzone and sulisobenzone) for shorter-wavelength UVA protection; and avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule (MexorylTM), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide for the remaining UVA spectrum.

How Much Sunscreen Should I Use and How Often Should I Put it On?
To ensure that you get the full SPF of a sunscreen, you need to apply 1 oz – about a shot glass full. Studies show that most people apply only half to a quarter of that amount, which means the actual SPF they have on their body is lower than advertised. During a long day at the beach, one person should use around one half to one quarter of an 8 oz. bottle. Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours. Sunscreens should be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal.

Common Myths
Wearing sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency.There is some controversy regarding this issue, but few dermatologists believe (and no studies have shown) that sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency. Also, vitamin D is available in dietary supplements and foods such as salmon and eggs, as well as enriched milk and orange juice.
If it's cold or cloudy outside, you don't need sunscreen.This is not true. Up to 40 percent of the sun's ultraviolet radiation reaches the earth on a completely cloudy day. This misperception often leads to the most serious sunburns, because people spend all day outdoors with no protection from the sun.

Eighty percent of your sun exposure comes as a child, so it's too late to do anything now.It appears that this universally promoted idea was based largely on a misinterpretation. A recent multi-center study showed that we get less than 25 percent of our total sun exposure by age 18. In fact, it is men over the age of 40 who spend the most time outdoors, and get the highest annual doses of UV rays. And since adult Americans are living longer and spending more leisure time outdoors, preventing ongoing skin damage will continue to be an important part of a healthy lifestyle.

Buy a high-quality product with an SPF of 15 or higher; check its ingredients to make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection; and decide whether it works better for everyday incidental use or extended outdoor use. Finally, look for The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which guarantees that a sunscreen product meets the highest standards for safety and effectiveness. Once you choose the right sunscreen, use it the right way. But remember, you should not rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin against UV rays. By following our Prevention Guidelines, you can lower your risk of developing skin cancer, while helping your skin look younger, longer.

Article from http://www.skincancer.org/

The Dangers of Tanning

In Woody Allen's classic "Annie Hall," Alvy Singer laments, "Everything our parents said was good is bad." He lists whole milk, red meat - and the sun. Obviously, the sun is not "bad," but the truth about sun exposure is much more complex than believed a generation ago. Ever since Coco Chanel declared tanning "in" in the 1920s, a suntan was seen as symbol of health, youth and status. However, recent studies on the relationship between the sun's ultraviolet rays (UVR) and our skin are changing the way we view that "healthy" glow.

What is tanning?
Tanning is the skin's reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When skin is exposed to UV rays, cells called melanocytes produce the brown pigment melanin, which darkens the cells of the epidermis. This darkening of the skin cells is the skin's natural – if imperfect – defense against further damage from UV radiation.

Is tanning bad for you?
The sun's UV rays damage the DNA of the skin's epidermal cells, triggering enzymes that race to repair the damage. However, these enzymes do not always repair the DNA successfully, and all this unrepaired damage can lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer. Also, repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause photoaging – wrinkles, sagging skin, and spots associated with sun damage.

Does all UV radiation harm my skin?
Scientists divide the solar UV spectrum into three wavelengths - UVA, UVB and UVC. Once, UVA and UVC were thought harmless, and only UVB was believed dangerous. UVC is still deemed no threat, since it is absorbed by the ozone layer. But UVA accounts for up to 95 percent of solar UVR reaching Earth. Though far less capable of causing sunburn than UVB, UVA is present during all daylight hours year round, while the amount of UVB in sunlight varies by season, location and time of day.

By the 1990's, scientists knew that UVA exacerbates the cancer-causing effects of UVB, and is the main wavelength behind photoaging. Recently, an Australian-U.S. study found that UVA may be more carcinogenic than UVB. It penetrates more deeply and causes more genetic damage in the skin cells (keratinocytes) where most skin cancers arise. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization now designate both UVA and UVB as causes of cancer.

Doesn't the melanin acquired through tanning actually protect my skin?
Darker skin does offer greater protection than light skin against sunburn and skin cancer. However, that applies only to people with naturally darker skin. Tanning, like sunburns, attacks the skin's DNA, producing genetic defects that may cause skin cancer.

Isn't getting sunburned more dangerous than getting tan?
Both are dangerous, because both result from DNA damage to the skin cells. It is true that sunburn has been directly linked to melanoma – one blistering sunburn more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. It is usually thought that lifetime sun exposure is responsible for increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, while both intense, intermittent sun exposure – the pattern that is traditionally linked to melanoma – and lifetime exposure are believed to be involved in the development of basal cell carcinoma. However, studies have also shown a marked increase in melanoma incidence in people who have developed either squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Scientists are still trying to determine the exact exposure pattern behind the development of the different types of skin cancer, but it is safe to say that both burning and tanning play major roles in skin cancer.

Are tanning beds safer?
Tanning salon owners say tanning machines are safer than outdoor tanning for two reasons: 1) they mainly use UVA rays, and 2) they offer more "controlled" UV exposure. However, we know now that UVA is a carcinogen, and studies have revealed that tanning salons frequently exceed "safe" UV limits. Study after study has shown that sunbed tanning increases the risk of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.

The facts bear out: There is no such thing as a safe tan. However, there are safe alternatives in sunless tanners. Being informed about how to protect yourself from unwanted sun exposure is the best defense against skin cancer and photoaging.

Read more about the article here.

Source: www.skincancer.org

How to hit the beach the sun-safe way

The screech of seagulls. The pounding surf. As your summer daydreams grow insistent, you grab a towel, fill up the cooler and set out for the golden sand…
Haven’t you forgotten something?

Right. Sun protection. Before a day on the beach, you need strategies to keep from returning browned or burned by harmful solar ultraviolet rays (UVR). Here’s our five-step plan to make sure your next beach trip isn’t just fun, but also sun-safe.

1. Choose the Right Time

The sun is most intense between 10 AM and 4:00 PM, so why not try an early morning or late afternoon trip? You’ll avoid the crowds (and traffic) and have the beach more to yourself. And you’ll get to enjoy the calm of daybreak or a stunning sunset.

2. Dress for Defense

Skimpy swimsuits may be in, but leave too much of you out. Other clothing can better shield you from UVR. Recent research shows that the right clothing offers even more protection than sunscreen.

Always wear a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses on the beach. Ladies, the tiny swimsuit might be fine in the water, but wear a sarong or another cover-up when you’re on the sand. Men, try knee-length board shorts and a long-sleeved T-shirt.
Tightly-woven fabric best protects the skin. Hold clothes up to the light. If you can see through it, UVR can penetrate it. Darker-colored and brightly colored fabrics (say, oranges and reds) are more sun-protective than pastel or pale ones, especially white T-shirts. And looser-fitting clothes surpass tight clothes that stretch a lot, allowing light through.

Today, many manufacturers offer special UV-absorbing clothes, from swimsuits and shirts to hats and pants. This clothing will usually have a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, indicating how much UVR it absorbs. A fabric with a 50 UPF, for example, allows only 1/50th of the sun’s UVR to pass through.

You can also sun-proof your own clothing. Look for household laundry products containing special UV-absorbing agents that allow you literally to launder UV protection into garments. They can raise the UPF of a white cotton T-shirt from approximately 5 to as high as 30.

3. Pack Sunscreen

Broad-spectrum sunscreen is a core part of any sun safety regimen. The sun’s UVA and UVB rays are the main causes of premature aging and skin cancer, so you need a good broad-spectrum sunscreen featuring ingredients that block or absorb both UVA and UVB. While cosmetics containing sunscreen are fine for incidental everyday exposure, for a long beach stint you need a separate, durable, water-resistant sunscreen. In addition to an SPF of 15 or higher – which guarantees good UVB protection – look for ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, MexorylTM, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are ideal against UVA. Apply two tablespoons to all exposed body parts 30 minutes before you go outside. And bring the bottle with you.

4. Claim the Best Spot on (or off) the Sand

Find a spot that’s covered — under a tree or pavilion — or make your own shade with a large beach umbrella. Today, umbrellas made with special sun-protective fabric provide a minimum SPF of 35.

5. Before You Fry, Reapply

When you’re having a good time at the beach, it’s easy to forget that sunscreen eventually breaks down or wears away in the sun. Even if the sunscreen says “long-lasting” on it, never assume you are safe all day after applying it once. Reapply at least every two hours and immediately after swimming or heavy exercise.

There you have it. Follow this simple action plan, and you’ll have a whale of a day but leave the beach unscathed.

For a list of sunscreens, clothing, beach umbrellas, and other sun safety items that have received The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, visit the Web site

Source: www.skincancer.org

Dress for Sun Success!

Some manufacturers today include an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) number on the label. UPF labels indicate how much of the sun's UVR is absorbed by the product's fabric.

For instance, a hat with a UPF of 50 allows just 1/50th of the sun's UVR to reach the skin. To receive The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, sun-protective fabrics must have a UPF of 30 or higher.

Even if your hat doesn't have a UPF label, you can up your protection factor by choosing headgear wisely. Look for hats with:

Wide Brims: Hats with at least a 3"-brim encircling the circumference protect the face, ears, and neck. Examples include the bucket, cowboy, outback, and Panama.

Curved Shapes: Look for hats that follow the contours of the head and neck.

Dark Colors: Dark or bright colored hats absorb UVR better than paler colors.

Opaque Materials: The denser the fabric, the higher the UPF. Look for closed-weave fabrics or tightly-woven straw.

For a list of companies that manufacture clothing and hats that carry The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, go to http://www.skincancer.org/, then click on RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS, then click on CLOTHING & FABRICS.

Vitamin D Information

POSITION STATEMENT on VITAMIN D

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that an adequate amount of vitamin D should be obtained from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D, foods/beverages fortified with vitamin D, and/or vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin D should not be obtained from unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Unprotected UV exposure to the sun or indoor tanning devices is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer.

Studies have shown that UV radiation from both the sun and tanning devices can cause oncogenic mutations in skin cells. Use of sunbeds has also been associated with increased risk for melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

There is no scientifically validated, safe threshold level of UV exposure from the sun that allows for maximal vitamin D synthesis without increasing skin cancer risk.
To protect against skin cancer, a comprehensive photoprotective regimen, including the regular use and proper use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, is recommended.

The Academy also recommends that physicians should provide information on options for obtaining sufficient dietary or supplementary sources of vitamin D to their patients who are at high risk for vitamin D insufficiency.

Many epidemiological studies suggest an association between low serum vitamin D levels and increased risk of certain types of cancers, neurologic disease, autoimmune disease and cardiovascular disease.

It should be emphasized that the causal relationship of vitamin D to these diseases has yet to be demonstrated with clinical trials.

A blood test to measure serum vitamin D level, expressed as the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], is widely available.

Further research is needed to determine the appropriate serum concentration of vitamin D required for overall good health.

If you would like to know more about The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for vitamin D, click here.


A higher dose of vitamin D intake, through a combination of diet and supplementation, may be necessary for individuals with known risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency (e.g. dark skin individuals, elderly persons, photosensitive individuals, people with limited sun exposure, obese individuals or those with fat malabsorption).

A daily total dose of 1000 IU (International Units) of vitamin D for these at-risk groups has been discussed in the current US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) current recommendation of 400 IU/day for children age 0-18 years should be considered.

For vitamin D supplementation, vitamin D3, the natural form of vitamin D, is preferable over vitamin D2.

Adults who regularly and properly practice photoprotection may also be at risk for vitamin D insufficiency, and may be considered for a daily total dose of 1000 IU vitamin D.

Dermatologist calls sunscreen report "discouraging."

WebMD reported that, according to a report by the watchdog organization Environmental Working Group (EWG), three out of five brand-name sunscreen "products either don't protect the skin from sun damage sufficiently, contain hazardous chemicals, or both." This year's report, called EWG 2009 Sunscreen Guide, "is the third annual from EWG, which investigated 1,572 sunscreens, lip balms, and daily moisturizers with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, typically the minimum recommended."

The study "was triggered, according to EWG, because the FDA has not set comprehensive safety standards for sunscreens. The agency has set guidelines for UVB protection but those for UVA are pending." In response to the report, dermatologist Sandra Read, MD, a "member of the board of directors of the American Academy of Dermatology," said that "she finds the report discouraging, but" stated that "she hopes it will raise awareness of the need for sunscreen." For its part, a sunscreen industry spokesperson called the report "flawed."

THE CLAIM:

Sunscreens Can Increase the Risk of Melanoma

THE FACTS:

Is it possible that a product meant to protect against skin cancer might actually cause it?
Several intriguing studies have investigated claims that zinc oxide and other compounds in some sunscreens might have harmful effects. Some laboratory studies, for example, have shown that zinc oxide and titanium oxide — intended to block ultraviolet rays — can create free radicals in the presence of sunlight, leading to cell damage. Others point to research showing a general rise in melanoma cases over the years, particularly in people who use sunscreen.
But that may be misleading. For these compounds to cause harm, they must penetrate skin cells, and research by health officials in Australia, which has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, found that doesn’t happen. “The weight of current evidence is that they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer dead layer (stratum corneum) of the skin,” they wrote in one report.
In other studies, researchers followed thousands of people, looking for connections between melanoma and sunscreen. They found no evidence of greater risk. They also noted that people who sunbathe often or have greater sun sensitivity are more likely to use sunscreen, possibly explaining the associations in earlier studies.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
Studies suggest zinc oxide and other compounds in sunscreen do not damage cells or increase melanoma risk.

Columnists advise consumers on acetaminophen risks.

Melinda Beck writes in the Wall Street Journal (7/7) Health Journal column, "Whether or not the Food and Drug Administration decides to limit sales of acetaminophen, consumers should know this: It's easy to take more than the recommended daily dose without realizing it. The margin between a safe dose and a potentially lethal one is small. The first symptoms of acute liver failure caused by an overdose seem like the flu and don't set in for several days, by which time it may be too late to save your liver and consequently your life."

Beck also writes that acetaminophen grew "in popularity in large part because of its reputation for safety," but "pain experts say that reputation for safety may be lulling consumers into complacency. Some consumers don't think twice about popping more than the recommended amount and don't bother to read the ingredients on familiar over-the-counter products."

Similarly, in the New York Times (7/7, D5) Well column, Tara Parker-Pope poses some questions and answers regarding the FDA panel's recommendations, the news of which "left many consumers confused and alarmed." For instance, Pope asks whether consumers should "switch to other types of over-the-counter pain relief" and answers: "Emphatically, no. Every drug has risks and side effects, but over all the risk of acetaminophen to any individual is low."

Pope also says the main lesson from the panel's review was that because "acetaminophen is in so many products, consumers need to be vigilant about reading labels, and they need to keep track of how much of the drug they are ingesting daily."

Contest!

Add us as a friend on facebook and you will be entered to win a gift basket! Over $100 value. Hurry, contest ends July 6th!

Meet Steve T. Anderson, PA-C!

Steve received his bachelor of science in exercise physiology from Brigham Young University. He then went on to receive his master of medical science degree and physician assistant diploma from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. During his undergraduate studies, Steve worked as a rehabilitation therapist in the cardiac rehabilitation department at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. After earning his PA and master’s degree he worked in family practice and urgent care in both Wyoming and California. He recently returned to Utah to work at Alpine Dermatology. Steve is a board certified physician assistant and is a fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

During his time in California, Steve was a member of the National Health Service Corps and worked in a remote location in the Tahoe National Forest, providing health care to the people of rural Sierra County. He has been a medical provider at county jails in California and Wyoming, and now in Utah.

Steve is a native of southwest Wyoming and enjoys all things recreational and outdoors with his family. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sydney, Australia. Steve now lives with his wife and two children in Highland, Utah.

Blue light special: ALA-PDT safe and effective tool for treating acne lesions

Brooklyn, N.Y. — Recent research has shown that ALA-PDT using blue light is a safe and effective treatment for acne vulgaris.

ALA (Levulan) is absorbed by the skin and changes into a compound that is sensitive to light. ALA-PDT is a combination of a topical solution followed by exposure to blue light from the Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy Illuminator (BLU-U)
.
The combination of ALA and PDT is believed to preferentially target Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes) and sebaceous glands. Research
Wei-Li Lee, Ph.D., director of research, department of dermatology at the State University of New York (SUNY)-Downstate, Brooklyn, N.Y., and colleagues conducted an in vitro study to investigate the effects of ALA-PDT on cytokine production in cultured keratinocytes.
If complexity of a cytokine network’s regulation is an index of its biological importance, then IL-1 ranks as an extraordinarily important cytokine.

Skin is unique in that a significant reservoir of pre-formed IL-1 alpha exists in epidermis in situ. Both intact epidermis and stratum corneum contain significant IL-1 bioactivity, leading to the concept that epidermis is a shield of sequestered IL-1 surrounding the host, waiting to be released upon injury.

External stimuli, such as wounding, burns, UV radiation or chemical insults, along with internal stimuli such as local cytokine release from stimulated leukocytes, can induce the release of IL-1 for local or systemic delivery.

"The expression of cytokines such as IL-1 alpha plays a critical role in the development of inflammation and results in the expression of dermal and vascular adhesion molecules, chemoattraction of inflammatory cells, and stimulation of other mediators of inflammation," Dr. Lee Ph.D. tells Dermatology Times.

In vitro experiments
In the in vitro experiments, immortalized keratinocytes (hTERT cells. Rheinwald Lab) and primary keratinocytes (NHEK – normal human epithelial keratinocytes) were used. They were grown to subconfluence and treated with several concentrations of ALA ranging from 1 mM to 0.1 nM before being illuminated with narrow band blue light (NBBL at 405-420 nm) and/or treated with cytokines such as IFN-gamma (5-10 U/ml) and TNF-alpha (2.5-25ng/ml).

Efforts were made to mimic the therapeutic milieu of clinical trials, including exposure to ALA, incubation time, and dose used for NBBL exposure. ELISA was performed to detect pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 alpha and ICAM-1.

Results
Study results showed that treatment with ALA or BL alone is not cytotoxic to NHEK and hTERT keratinocytes. However, the combination of ALA with cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) caused cell death ranging from 27 to 48 percent. Adding NBBL to ALA and cytokines produced increased cell death ranging from 56 to 62 percent.
Based on MTT assays, all tested concentrations of ALA were equivalently cytotoxic.
The ELISA data demonstrated that ALA up-regulated the IL-1 alpha level whereas NBBL reduced the IL-1 alpha level; induction of IL-1 alpha by ALA with or without NBBL is not significantly dose-dependent. NBBL decreased IL-1alpha production when used alone (Shnitkind & Lee, J Drugs Derm 2006 5 (7): 605); this suppressive effect was lost when used in combination with ALA or with both ALA and cytokines (IFN-gamma + TNF-alpha).

Comparison
Comparison of IL-1 alpha production in NHEK and hTERT cells showed that the magnitude of up-regulation is higher in hTERT. When ALA was added to cytokines/NBBL treated cells, there was about a twofold increase in IL-1 alpha in NHEK cells and an up to five-fold increase production of IL-1 alpha in hTERT cells. The authors also noted that ICAM-1 upregulation was similar to IL-1 alpha.
The department of dermatology at SUNY-Downstate was one of the multicenter sites selected to study the effect of ALA-PDT therapy in treating patients (248 subjects) with moderate-to-severe acne.

Adverse Effects
According to Dr. Lee, side effects such as burning, stinging, and redness have been reported and are probably related to the cell cytotoxicity and increased IL-1 alpha level in the epidermis. Post-treatment efficacy evaluations show that patients remain well controlled up to three months following their last treatment.

"Though there is still some fine-tuning that needs to be done with ALA-PDT in the treatment of acne, this line of therapy is very important in light of the current and increasing worry clinicians have with prolonged use of systemic antibiotics and the risks of isotretinoin therapy.

"Acne therapy with ALA-PDT offers a different treatment approach and a possible treatment solution, especially for inflammatory acne,” Dr. Lee says.

Men, Young And Unmarried Ignore Skin Cancer Warnings

Men are twice as likely as women to not protect their skin in the sun, despite more men dying from melanoma than women, according to research due to be released at the British Association of Dermatologists annual conference in Glasgow next month.
The shocking survey of 1213 adults formed part of the Northern Ireland Omnibus Survey published in September 2008, a regular survey of the lifestyle and views of the people of Northern Ireland*.
It also found that people in their teens and early twenties are less likely than any other age group to use sun protection, despite increasing numbers of melanoma being diagnosed in this age group. One in ten people surveyed (10%) take no protective measures at all against sun exposure (compared to 8% in 2000). Men (14% vs. 7% women), unmarried people (13% vs. 8%), those with no children (11% vs. 9%) and those in their teens and early twenties (12%) are among the worst offenders.
Most people surveyed (70%) use sunscreen as their primary method of sun protection, despite warnings from dermatologists that shade and clothing should be the first line of defence against sun damage, with sunscreen offering additional protection. Of respondents who use sunscreen, almost one in three (30%) use a low protection sunscreen of below SPF 15. This is an improvement from 57% in the same survey carried out in 2000 but is still concerning as the British Association of Dermatologists recommends that people use a high protection sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
Only a quarter of respondents (24%) protect their skin by seeking shade during the middle of the day, with a similar number (23%) covering up in the sun. Worryingly both methods are less popular in 2008 than they were in 2000. Those most likely to protect their skin with clothing and shade fell into the 45 to 64 year and over-65 age groups. Women are more likely to use shade than men (29% vs. 18%), as are married people compared to unmarried people (26% vs. 19%), and those with children compared to those with no children (25% vs. 23%).
Sunscreen use is greatest among those aged 25 to 44 (77%), women (76% vs. 63%), married people (75% vs. 67%) and people with children (76% vs. 65%). Interestingly, although men are less likely to use sunscreen than women, those that do are more likely to use a SPF of 15 or over (73% vs. 68%).Dr Rhonda Boyle, Dermatologist at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, and one of the study's authors, said: "Unfortunately the results of this survey demonstrate that, despite public health campaigns, the use of sun protection and attitudes to sun safety in Northern Ireland remain concerning."
Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists said: "Sunscreen seems to be the preferred way of protecting the skin, but it seems that many people may be forgetting to cover up and seek shade in the sun. "It is worrying that people in their teens and early twenties are the least likely of any age group to protect their skin in the sun. This may be due to the prevailing fashion for tanned skin, but I would have hoped that young people would be more likely to use self tan products to get a bronzed look, rather than risking skin cancer. It may be that as people get older and start to see the visible sun damage on their skin, including wrinkles, they then take steps to protect themselves. "It is really interesting that unmarried people and those without children take the least care in the sun - it would be worth examining what the obstacles are for these people, and perhaps we need to look at tailoring our prevention campaigns for specific audiences in the future." The incidence of malignant melanoma in Northern Ireland (NI) has increased more than three fold since the 1970's with an almost parallel rise in melanoma-related deaths. Summary of results
Age-
Those aged below 25 are more likely than other age groups to use no sun protection at all (12% of this age group) - Sunscreen use is highest in the 25 to 44 year age group (77%)- Use of clothing and shade to protect skin is highest in those aged 45 and over.
Sex-
Women are more likely than men to use sunscreen (76% vs. 63%) and to protect the skin with shade (29% vs. 18%). - Men are twice as likely as women to use no sun protection at all (14% vs. 7%)- Although fewer men than women use sunscreen, those that do are more likely to use a SPF of 15 or over (73% vs. 68%).
Marital status and children
Married people are more likely than unmarried people to heed sun safety advice, as are people with children compared to those with no children: - Those who are unmarried are more likely than married people to use no sun protection (clothing, shade or sunscreen) at all (13% vs. 8%)- People with no children are more likely to not use any sun protection (clothing, shade or sunscreen) than those with children (11% vs. 9%)- Married people are more likely to use sunscreen than unmarried people (75% vs. 67%), as are subjects with children compared to those with no children (76% vs. 65%).
Choice of sun protection-
70% use sunscreen as their primary method of sun protection. - Of those who use sunscreen only 70% use a SPF of 15 or over. - Only a quarter of respondents (24%) protect their skin by seeking shade during the middle of the day, with a similar number (23%) covering up in the sun. - Notably one in ten people (10%) take no protective measures at all against sun exposure.
Facts about skin cancer-
There are three main types of skin cancer: malignant melanoma - the deadliest but least common, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). - BCC and SCC are collectively known as 'non-melanoma skin cancer'. BCC is the most common skin cancer. - In the UK, more than 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually, making it the most common cancer. Of these, more than 10,000 are melanoma. - There are over 2,300 deaths from skin cancer annually in the UK. - The annual incidence of melanoma worldwide is increasing faster than that of any other cancer. - In just 30 years, cases of melanoma across Great Britain have quadrupled in men and tripled in women. - Melanoma is more common in women than men, but there is a faster rate of increase in men and more men die from the disease, possibly due to late detection. - In as many as 4 out of 5 cases, skin cancer is preventable, so follow the British Association of Dermatologists' sun safety tips:

You don't have to avoid the sun all year, and some sunshine can be good for you as it helps the body to produce vitamin D, but taking a few steps when out and about in the summer sun or when on a sunshine holiday will help to protect you from sunburn and the risk of skin cancer, particularly if you are pale skinned. - Protect the skin with clothing, including a hat, T shirt and UV protective sunglasses - Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it's sunny - Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (SPF 50 for children or people with pale skin) which also has high UVA protection- Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight - The British Association of Dermatologists recommends that you tell your doctor about any changes to a mole - if your GP is concerned about your skin, make sure you see a Consultant Dermatologist (on the GMC register of specialists), the most expert person to diagnose a skin cancer. Your GP can refer you via the NHS.

Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative to clothing and shade, rather they offer additional protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection.