Wrinkles, sun damage, and skin cancer

Wrinkles, sun damage and skin cancer can all be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun. Of course, some wrinkles come with aging but you can keep your skin younger-looking by protecting it from the drying and burning that comes from the sun. UV, or ultraviolet sun rays are the primary cause of skin cancer.

Sun-damaged skin seen under ultraviolet light. [need pix]

Use a water resistant sunscreen, minimum spf 15 on your lips and skin, and apply it on clean, dry skin. A wide-brimmed hat is also a good idea. If possible, avoid the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM which is when it is the most intense. Keep an eye on your freckles and moles, especially if you have red hair or you are fair-skinned.

Remember the ABCD's of skin cancer…

A: Asymmetry – one half of a mole is unequal to the other.
B: Borders of a mole that are irregular.
C: Color – not one color and it can range from tan to black.
D: Diameter – skin cancer is usually diagnosed when a mole is larger than 6 mm. which is the size of a pencil eraser.

More info...

ABCDs of Melanoma Detection
http://melanomafoundation.org/prevention/abcd.htm

Melanoma – How melanoma develops and spreads
www.mayoclinic.com/health/melanoma/MM00657
A great video about Melanoma by the Mayo Clinic.

What is this? I don't want it!! This is a pterygium (pronounced tur-i-gee-yum), which is a growth over the eye. It can interfere with vision and need to be removed by an eye surgeon. The cause is UV or ultraviolet sun exposure, that's why it is so common in sunny areas. Dusty conditions can also play a role in pterygium growth.

Always wear sunglasses when outdoors. Using artificial tears can help prevent pterygium formation.

More info...

What is a Pterygium?
www.northshoreeye.com.au/diseases/Pterygium%20and%20pinguecula.pdf
Great pictures and simple information about eye problems from the North Shore Eye Center.

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