08/17/2007

THE GREAT COVERUP!

If you are really serious about protecting your skin from the sun’s potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, you should cover up. The fact is that sunscreen cannot match the protective effect that comes with wearing sun-protective clothes and a hat and reducing sun exposure to a minimum. In addition, while studies have found that sunscreens protect against acute UV-related skin damage and non-melanoma cancers, it is not clear whether they help protect against melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Thus, no one should rely entirely on sunscreens to protect his or her skin. Worse yet, it is a mistake to believe that sunscreen provides a license to increase time in the sun to a maximum.

The best defense against skin cancer is to wear protective clothing - hats with brims, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts - in combination with sunscreen. The early detection of skin cancer increases the likelihood of a successful treatment program. Please call
ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY at 630-832-2111 to arrange an evaluation of your skin from a Board Certified Dermatologist. We offer diagnosis and treatment of skin problems and diseases, including skin cancer. The practice is located at 242 N. York Road, Suite 101, Elmhurst.

P.S. According to the “shadow rule,” the shorter your shadow, the more dangerous the rays of the sun.