06/13/2008

OVEREXPOSED TEENS

While the skin cancer epidemic explodes and threatens to grow worse, teens are not generally heeding warnings to cover up their skin to protect it from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. According to a recent American Cancer Society survey, nearly three-quarters of young people report getting sunburns during the summer months. Of those, more than one-third reported using a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when they burned, underscoring the need to educate teens about reapplication intervals. Because the eventual threat of getting skin cancer seems so remote (regardless of how likely) to teens, some suggest that teens be advised of the more immediate threat UV rays pose of making them look like their wrinkled elders decades earlier.

The word has gotten through to most people that many skin cancers can be prevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to the midday sun and wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. If you have a teenager, remind him or her to reapply sunscreen at regular intervals while outdoors for several hours. Fortunately, most skin cancers are visible. For your child or yourself, please call ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY at 630-832-2111 if you notice an unusual mole or spot on your skin. Our services include diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and chronic skin diseases. We are located at 103 N. Haven, Suite 7, Elmhurst.

P.S. For young adults aged 25 to 29, melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) is the most common cancer.