The importance of sunscreen is a fact that has been stressed adamantly for years but unfortunately is not taken as seriously as it should. While most people report applying sunscreen when they are outside, their techniques are lackluster so they don’t get proper protection. As a result of not applying sunscreen adamantly, more and more patients are finding moles, discolorations and growths on areas of the body that are consistently left unprotected from the effects of the sun’s harsh rays. In fact, over 90% of skin cancers appear on the areas of the skin that are regularly exposed to sunlight. Gene Rubinstein, M.D., of the Dermatology and Laser Centre of Studio City sheds light on some areas of the body that are exposed the most but protected the least.
Your Feet: Flip flops, especially for people who live in warm climate areas, are an everyday wardrobe staple. You throw on a pair when you head to the beach, run errands or meet friends for lunch. But before leaving the house every single day, how likely it is that you applied SPF (Sun Protection Factor) to the tops of your feet? Generally a forgotten area, dermatologists like Dr. Rubinstein predict that in the upcoming years there will be a large increase in the number of people reporting cancerous moles on the tops of feet, in between toes and one the soles. Foot melanoma is a serious problem, but if detected within the first stages it is a highly curable condition. However, left untreated it can have deadly results. So in an effort to save your life, spend an extra minute or two while you are giving yourself a pedicure or getting one at a salon to carefully examine the surfaces of your feet entirely and note the growth or shape of any questionable marks to mention to your dermatologist during your next visit.
Your Shoulders and Chest: Cancerous growths have also become more predominant on the shoulders and chest because of the failure to properly protect the areas while wearing attire like tank tops, sundresses, and bathing suits. Applying sunscreen once in the morning is a great start, but it may not be enough if you plan on being outside all day. Even if you are far from the beach, plan on reapplying sunscreen liberally several times a day. Also remember to reapply lip balm since lips can burn, too. Over time, it will begin to build itself into your regular routine.
Your Hands: Playing sports, attending an outside barbecue and driving leave two of your most vital instruments open to the elements of the sun. Easily passing through the glass of your windshield, UV rays beam on your hands for the length of your commute. Similarly, doctors also report cancer of the arms and hands appearing most commonly on the left side of a person’s body because of the position they are in behind the wheel. It is not safe to assume that just because you used your hands to apply sunscreen to other parts of your body that they are properly protected too. It will require specifically applying SPF to the tops of your hands, in between fingers and on your palms. Also, when protecting your hands from sun damage it is important to be aware of how many times you wash your hands. After one trip to the restroom, you have likely washed away any remaining sunscreen.
If you’re not sure which sunscreen is best for your skin type or which SPF to use, ask your dermatologist. He will be able to recommend the type that will work best for you and may even carry it in his office.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
