Proper sunscreen protection practices do not have to get under one's skin

Julie Severn

6/27/2002 12:00:00 AM

Local health officials warn the proper sun protection practices need to begin at an early age and continue through adulthood.

Native Americans have a high concentration of melanin, which can absorb ultraviolet rays said Public Health Nurse Sue Sowmick. But having darker skin does not insulate one from the sun's powerful rays. Even small doses of unprotected exposure to the sun can be dangerous, cautioned Sowmick.

"There have already been several people around the clinic with sunburns this spring," she explained. "It may take longer to burn, but sun protection is definitely an issue for Native people."

Family physician Dr. Terry Nowak of the Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center agreed.

"Native Americans are at just as high risk for skin cancer as fair-skinned people," he said. "Even dark-skinned children can get a sunburn. They still need to protect themselves."

Repeated sunburns increase the risk for fully malignant melanoma, a potentially lethal form of skin cancer. This is especially true for childhood sunburns because there is more time and opportunity for subsequent sun damage, according to information from the American Academy of Dermatology,

"A younger person is more susceptible to skin damaging effects from the sun," stated Nowak. "The burn will go away, but it's not until later years that the damage will manifest into something harmful like skin cancer."

He encouraged parents to take an active role in making sure their children wear appropriate sunscreen this summer while playing outdoors.

Nowak suggested that regardless of skin type, a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 should be used year-round, even on cloudy days.

"Tanning oils generally don't offer much protection," he added. "Most do not contain sufficient amounts of sunscreen and usually have an SPF of less than two. I don't use them and wouldn't encourage a patient to use them."

Water resistant sunscreen needs to be reapplied about every two hours or immediately after swimming, heavy perspiring or towel drying, he added.

The AAD also recommended applying sunscreen to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, paying particular attention to the face, hands and arms, while coating the skin liberally. They suggest sunscreen products in a stick form that contain paraffin for the face and hands, since they don't drip and sting the eyes.

"It may take up to 12 hours before full damage is visible," Nowak added. "That's why it's so important not to expose infants for long periods of time. Their skin is so sensitive and vulnerable they absolutely need to be protected with sunscreen."

Although sunscreens are a very important part of maximum sun protection, he also encouraged wearing wide- brimmed hats and protective clothing. He also advised to avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

He also suggested being familiar with skin irregularities and not to be afraid to have the severity of any burn checked by a physician.

"Any sort of suspicious mole or change in a skin nevus, which could be a birthmark, mole or other colored spot on the skin, should be checked out by a physician," he explained.

Nowak said these changes include variance in shape, character or color. A symmetrical skin legion or mole is less likely to be harmful than multicolored legions, anything greater than one centimeter in diameter or bigger than an eraser, as well as elevated areas with both smooth and rough edges.

"Whenever there is any doubt or concern whatsoever, make sure you check with your primary care provider," he suggested.