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What's the harm in sunburn? A person's risk for melanoma--the most serious form of skin cancer--doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns.
Unfortunately, getting sunburned is much more common that it ought to be. In a recent survey conducted in partnership with iVillage, The Skin Cancer Foundation learned that 42 percent of people polled get a sunburn at least once a year. One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. A person's risk for melanoma also doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any age.
Let's look at how sun exposure relates to skin cancer. The two most common nonmelanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are directly correlated with sun accumulation over many years. Indeed, the most common locations for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma tumors are sun-exposed areas: the face, ears, hands, etc. (However, it is not unheard of for a basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma to appear on a non-sun-exposed area of the body.)
Melanoma is different. The sun exposure pattern believed to result in melanoma is that of brief, intense exposure - a blistering sunburn - rather than years of tanning. (Some studies now indicate that basal cell carcinoma also may be triggered by this exposure pattern.)
Other risk factors are also associated with melanoma, such as a family history, skin type and having a large number of sizable moles on the body. Like nonmelanoma skin cancer, melanoma can arise on any area of the body, regardless of whether or not a sunburn occurred in that location.
The lesson? Simple: do not burn.
Don't forget our tips:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
- Do not burn.
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
What else can I help you with?
What overexposure of something causes skin cancer and sunburns?
Ultraviolet rays
What increases skin cancer in humans?
UV rays and sunburns, laying under a sunlamp, tanning in the sun.
What disease can be caused by a sunburn?
If you get at least 3 serious sunburns before the age of 20 there is an possibility that you will get skin cancer.
What risks can be increased from sunburns received during childhood or adolescence?
Skin cancer later in life, or being succeptable to it.
What organ has been damaged from a sunburn?
Sunburns primarily affect the skin, the body's largest organ. Prolonged or severe sunburns can lead to skin damage like peeling, blistering, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Other internal organs are not typically directly affected by sunburn.
Does skin cancer get passed down the family line?
Skin cancer itself cannot be passed down the family line, however sometimes how susceptible a person is to sunburn can be inherited. Sunburns and UV exposure are the leading causes of skin cancer. With that being said, always remember to wear sunscreen!
List the factors that indicate risk for skin cancer?
Per the Mayo Clinic, here are the factors that increase the risk of skin cancer: Fair skin, prior history of sunburns, excessive unprotected sun exposure, living in a sunny or high-altitude climate, moles, precancerous skin lesions, family history of skin cancer, personal history of skin cancer, weakened immune system, fragile skin, exposure to environmental hazards, and age.
Can infrared light cause skin cancer?
Infrared light does not directly cause skin cancer. UV radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, but prolonged exposure to infrared light can contribute to skin aging and damage.
What wavelength is responsible for his sunburns?
Ultra violet (UV) radiation, specifically UVA and UVB wavelengths, are responsible for causing sunburns on the skin. UVB is the primary culprit for sunburns, as it affects the outermost layers of the skin and can lead to redness and inflammation.
What are some bad things that the sun gives for us?
Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to sunburns, premature aging of the skin, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can also damage the eyes and weaken the immune system.
How effective is vinegar for treating sunburns?
Vinegar is not recommended for treating sunburns as it can further irritate the skin. It is best to use aloe vera or moisturizing lotions to soothe sunburned skin.
Is vinegar good for treating sunburns?
Vinegar is not recommended for treating sunburns as it can further irritate the skin. It is best to use aloe vera or moisturizing lotions to soothe sunburned skin.
