Sun Smart and Wallet Wise: Mastering Summer Skin Safety

Sun Smart and Wallet Wise: Mastering Summer Skin Safety

By: Alicia Sher

Summer is here, and as we gear up for beach trips, neighborhood pool visits, and pickleball matches with friends, protecting our skin from the sun’s rays becomes essential. Sun exposure can cause premature aging, sunspots, and eye damage, and it is the leading cause of skin cancer in the US. Individuals who have experienced five or more sunburns are twice as likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, and 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancer cases are due to UV exposure.

While the primary focus of sun safety is health, it’s crucial to recognize the financial implications of skin cancer as well. Early prevention and detection not only save lives but also protect your financial well-being.

Healthcare Costs: Treating skin cancer can be expensive. Early detection through regular skin checks and preventative measures like sunscreen can significantly reduce these costs. For instance, a single skin biopsy might cost a few hundred dollars, whereas treating advanced melanoma can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Investing in high-quality sunscreen and protective clothing is a small price compared to potential medical expenses.

Quality of Life: Beyond direct medical costs, consider the indirect financial impacts. Treatments requiring extensive recovery time or causing physical discomfort can hinder your ability to enjoy activities, potentially leading to additional spending on alternative therapies or extra care. Maintaining your skin’s health helps preserve your quality of life, translating to better productivity and financial stability.

Given these points, it’s clear that understanding sun safety is vital not only for physical health but also for financial well-being. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy outdoor activities this summer, which may include pickle ball, a sport gaining more and more attention. We invite you to listen to Keeping Active with the Pickleball Craze with Jennifer Lucore to learn how you can boost your physical health while enjoying the social benefits of pickleball. ⁴ But before you grab your racket and head outside, be sure to apply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and read on to arm yourself with knowledge to prevent skin damage.

Risk Factors

1. Skin Type:
   • People with fair skin are more susceptible to sun damage. Lighter skin lacks melanin, which provides some natural protection against UV radiation.
   • Those who burn easily, freckle, or redden in the sun should take extra precautions.
2. Moles and Birthmarks:
   • Having numerous moles or specific types of birthmarks increases the risk of skin cancer.
   • Regularly monitor any changes in moles or freckles.
3. Family History:
   • A family history of skin cancer elevates your risk.
   • Genetic factors play a role in how your skin responds to UV exposure.
4. Age:
   • Older individuals are more prone to skin cancer due to cumulative sun exposure over time.
5. Occupational Exposure:
   • People who work outdoors, such as farmers, construction workers, and lifeguards, face higher risks.
   • Prolonged sun exposure during work hours contributes to skin damage.

Skin Cancer Detection

If you are concerned about a spot on your body, you should consult a board-certified dermatologist who can look at the skin with a dermatoscope.  If the doctor is concerned a biopsy can be performed; the results of the biopsy will determine next steps.

Taking Preventative Measures

Everyone can reduce the risk of skin cancer by wearing sunscreen of at least 30 SPF (Consumer Reports, April 2024, gave the top rating to Coppertone Water Babies Lotion SPF 50 and sells for only $9), opting for spray tans instead of tanning beds, and wearing protective clothing. Each of these options can lower the risk of UV rays from penetrating the layers of your skin and damaging the cells. Additionally, people who are at risk of skin cancer can take preventative measures by getting a full-body skin check once a year with a dermatologist to see if there are any potentially cancerous spots. If you have a family history of skin cancer, you may want to consider getting a screening every six months or so. By detecting cancerous skin cells early, patients are more likely to have better outcomes, both medically and aesthetically.

Integrating financial well-being with sun safety emphasizes the comprehensive benefits of proactive health measures, highlighting the importance of both physical and financial health.

As always, please reach out with any questions, comments, or feedback!

Sources:

1. Skin cancer facts & statistics. The Skin Cancer Foundation. (2024, February 6). https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/

 2. What to look for: Abcdes of melanoma. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/find/at-risk/abcdes

3. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, December 6). Skin cancer. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605

4. Lucore, J. (2023, February 23). Keeping active with the pickleball craze with Jennifer Lucore (ep. 13). Keeping the Well in Well-thy. https://keeping-the-well-in-well-thy.blubrry.net/2023/02/23/keeping-active-with-the-pickleball-craze-with-jennifer-lucore-ep-13/