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You are in: Staying Healthy > Skin Awareness, Sun Safety and Skin Cancer
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Staying Healthy
Skin Awareness, Sun Safety and Skin Cancer
Exposure to ultraviolet
radiation (UVR) is the leading cause of skin cancer. This can
occur naturally via sunlight and artificially through the use of
sum lamps and tanning beds. The risk of skin cancer can be
reduced, for example, by opting to stay in the shade, wearing
protective clothing, avoiding the sun during the middle of the
day and using high sun protection factor products.
The people most at risk are those with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles and have a family history of skin cancer. Babies and young children’s skin is very delicate and very easily damaged. All children, no matter whether they tan easily or not, should be protected from the sun. Babies under 12 months should be kept in complete shade, covered up with a high factor sun lotion or sunblock.
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Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, and one of the most preventable.
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There are two main types of skin cancer: non-melanoma skin cancer, which is very common, and malignant melanoma which is less common but more serious.
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Incidence rates in England have increased by approximately 30% over the last 5 years and sun and sunbed exposure are the main preventable causes of skin cancer.
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In 2005, skin cancer in England was estimated to cost over £190 million. The NHS alone spent approximately £70 million on the condition.
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Sunburn or intense sun exposure in childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancers in later life.
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If there is a family history of skin cancer there is an increased risk of getting skin cancer.
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If a patient has lots of moles it is advisable to take special care of their skin, check monthly for changes and protect from sun damage by using clothes, shade and sunscreen.
Skin and Skin Types
Dermatologists use a scale of I to VI to describe skin type with regard to the effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). An individual’s skin type cannot be changed and does not vary according to how tanned the person is – it is genetically determined. This system allows for a common sense approach to self protection.
| Skin Type I | Pale skin, burns very easily and rarely tans. Generally have light coloured or red hair and freckles. Sunburn on unprotected skin can be as short as 10 minutes. |
| Skin Type II | Usually burns but may gradually tan. They are likely to have light hair, and blue or brown eyes. Some may have dark hair. |
| Skin Type III | Burn with long exposure to the sun but generally tan quite easily. They usually have a light olive skin with dark hair and brown or green eyes. |
| Skin Type IV | Burn with very lengthy exposures but always tans easily as well. They usually have brown eyes and dark hair. |
| Skin Type V | Have naturally brown skin, with brown eyes and dark hair. They burn only with excessive exposure to the sun and their skin further darkens easily. |
| Skin Type VI | Have black skin with dark brown eyes and black hair. Burn only with extreme exposure to the sun. |
| Low Risk | No protection is needed |
| Medium Risk | Take care around midday and do not spend too long in the sun unprotected |
| High Risk | Cover up and spend time in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm. Use at least factory 30 sunscreen on exposed skin |
| Very High Risk | Be sure to cover up and in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm, and use at least factor 30 sunscreen |
How can I enjoy the sun safely?
Follow the SunSmart messages:
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Spend time in the shade between 11 and 3
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Make sure you never burn
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Aim to cover up with a t-shirt, broad-brimmed hat and UVR (ultraviolet radiation) protective sunglasses. Choose close weave fabrics that don’t allow the sun through.
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Remember to take extra care with children
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Use Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30+ sunscreens with a high UVA protection.
Also report any mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.
Sunscreens
Generally
it has been advised that people should select sunscreens with SPF 30 or
above – the higher the better. This is because people generally do not
apply sufficient quantities of the product. Use a sunscreen that is
‘broad spectrum’, meaning that it offers protection against UVA and UVB.
A star system is used to indicate UVA protection – use a sunscreen with
at last 4 stars and the circular UVA logo. Chose a product labelled
photostable (the UV protection filter does not break down in the sun).
No sunscreen no matter how high the factor can offer 100% protection. Therefore, sunscreen should not be used as an alternative to clothing and shade.
Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas especially those that are regularly missed such as the back, sides of the neck, temples and ears. Apply 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun to allow to dry, make sure a sufficient layer is applied (more is better) and reapply at least every 2 to 3 hours, straight after swimming, perspiring or towel drying. The average adult should apply approximately 35 ml of sunscreen to the whole body. Check the expiry date – most sunscreens have a shelf life of 2-3 years.
The strength of UV rays outdoors varies from day to day and according to the time of year - find out how strong the sun is by looking at the UV Index on the Met Office website. Your burn risk depends on the strength of UV rays and your skin type (further advice is available on the Cancer Research Uk SunSmart website).
Know the shadow rule
If your shadow is longer than you are, then you are safe from the sun. When your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun can burn you.
Commonly held myths:
| You can’t burn in the UK | The Great British sun is quite capable of burning you and your children. Take care at home and abroad. |
| You have to burn to get a tan | Burning or going red is a sign that you have seriously harmed your skin. |
| You need to use sun beds to produce vitamin D | Vitamin D is essential for good health. Our bodies make the vitamin when our skin is exposed to UV rays and it is present in certain foods. We only need short exposures to the sun to produce adequate amounts, so you don’t need sunbeds to get your vitamins. |
| Sun bed tanning is safer than sun tanning | Sun beds are not the safe alternative to sun tanning. Sunbeds give out UV rays just like the sun and it is these which damage the DNA in your skin cells which can cause cancer. |
Go to our resources page for further information on sun safety, free downloadable resources and patient information sheets.
Sunburn
Spending time out of doors is often an important part of our summer. But, if you forget to protect your skin from the sun the result could be sunburn. At best this is painful and can make you feel unwell, but it also has long term effects which include skin ageing and increasing your risk of skin cancer.
If a baby or small child has been sunburnt, or if blisters, a rash or fever occur, seek medical advice from your GP, NHS walk in centre, or by phoning NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
Avoid direct sunlight by covering up and staying in the shade, until the sunburn has healed.
Cool the skin by sponging it with tepid (lukewarm water) or having a cool shower or bath.
Drink plenty of fluids to replace the water lost through sweating in the sun and to cool down. Don’t drink alcohol because it will dehydrate you further.
For mild sunburn, apply a moisturising lotion or a special aftersun cream from a pharmacy. This will also relieve the feeling of tightness. Calamine lotion can also be used to relieve itching and soreness.
For adults, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can relieve pain and reduce swelling.
Severe burns may require special burn cream and dressings. Ask your pharmacist for advice. You may need to see your GP and have your burns dressed by a practice nurse.
(Treatment content provided by NHS Direct)
Sun Beds
Sunbeds are not the safe alternative to sun tanning. Sunbeds give out UV rays like the sun and it is this that damages the DNA in skin cells, causing cancer. The UVR intensity of currently used tanning appliances may be 10-15 times that of the midday sun, leading to potential exposure to very high UVR doses.
Possible effects of sunbed use can include premature skin ageing, increased skin fragility, cataracts and skin cancer.
Please see the Skin Awareness, Sun Safety and Skin Cancer factsheet for further information.
