Dermatology

Skin Cancer Prevention. “Now people are aware that not just melanoma but also skin ageing is related to sun exposure”

Adolescents and young adults – the focus of dermatologists’ attention.

The lack of interest in sun protection on the part of younger people greatly worries dermatologists. Despite the availability of unlimited information, having a tan and looking good is seems more important to them than the health factor.

Melanoma: when skin neither forgives nor forgets.

80% of the solar radiation reaching our skin is received before the age of 18; therefore adolescence is key to avoiding skin damage. “Skin damage caused by exposure to the sun is cumulative; the patients we are seeing with skin cancer now are those who had excessive sun exposure in childhood and adolescence and who are now suffering the consequences” explains Dr. del Boz from the Dermatology Department. For example people born between 1940 and 1960, when no one was aware of the dangerous effects of exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays and, to make matters worse, healthcare professionals then believed that the sun was beneficial in every sense. In reality around 80% of skin cancer cases could have been prevented.

• Using sunscreen to prolong sun exposure time. Sunscreen protects well against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, but this is not the whole picture. Some lotions do not protect against ultraviolet A or infra-red radiation, with wrinkles and cancer resulting as long term effect. Also lotions are often not applied correctly reducing their effectiveness. This is why it is wrong to rely entirely on the sunscreen for very prolonged exposure to the sun

• Sunbathing around the middle of the day. How often have our children asked to stay at the beach and eat with their friends? And then get home with a sunburnt back having forgotten to apply a sunscreen? The middle of the day is the most dangerous time with the highest radiation intensity.
• It is prudent to dry off and then re-apply the sunscreen after each swim. The effect starts to be lost after drying or rubbing with a towel.
• Not applying the correct amount. It is recommended to always use a sunscreen with a factor of 30 or above because we know that on average only a quarter or half of the recommended amount is usually applied.
• Not applying sunscreen when already tanned. Do not lower your guard! ALTHOUGH dark or very tanned skin has a higher sun resistance it does not mean it is protected from the damaging effects of solar radiation.

These are just a few recommendations. If you are concerned that a mole has changed shape or colour, or you have a lesion that does not heal, or even if a new skin appears, it is always best to consult a dermatologist. So, if there is a problem, it can be detected and treated quickly in the simplest way possible.

HC Marbella International Hospital (Marbella High Care International Hospital)
Private Hospital Marbella, Calle Ventura del Mar, 11, 29660
+34 952 908 628
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