Spring is here and everyone wants to get a tan and do it cheaply. When you live in Val, the easiest way to do this is go up the hill “just for two hours” with no sun cream on and leather up that face!
Believe it or not, the sun is strong enough to burn, even in March. The Ozone layer is not what it used to be and for some reason, people are still not using sun cream. The Medical Centre has already seen several cases of sunburn and April’s about to bring a whole load more….
So how do we tan? We have cells in our skins called melanocytes, which secrete melanin when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Melanin protects the skin from exposure and is brown in colour. The darker your skin, the more melanin you have. However, even if you are dark or black skinned, you are still at risk (albeit a reduced risk) of cancer. Every time you burn, you are damaging your skin at the genetic level i.e. you are damaging your DNA. Usually the body’s immune system comes round mopping up these damaged cells. When this mechanism fails, cells multiply out of control – this is cancer. The skin cancer you hear about commonly is melanoma.The incidence of melanoma has more than tripled in the white population during the last 20 years, and melanoma is currently the sixth most common cancer (4% of cancers). However, it’s responsible for more than 74% of skin cancer deaths. Yes, it is nasty.
What are the signs of cancer?
If you have a mole that has been present for years but suddenly changes then look out for the following warning signs: Changes in size and colour, border irregularity, asymmetry, itching and bleeding. Any new mole that appears and fits the above criteria should also be checked out.What are the risk factors? Skin that is fair, with fair hair and blue eyes. Melanoma is also associated with the number of moles present. Ultimately though, degree of intensity and length of exposure to sunlight is the most important risk factor. Sun beds are particularly risky.
Generally speaking there are two types of sun worshipper: The type that sits in the middle of the half pipe for maximum reflection, with factor 4 oil on and a pair of Speedos; and the type who works on the goggle tan putting some time in on the balcony. You know who you are! At the end of the season you will have a tan, even if you use factor 40. Take your time over it, use a high factor and avoid looking five years older and acquiring considerable damage along the way.
Ski resorts are expensive, but if you head to Casino, you can pick up some sun cream for a little less than at the pharmacy. If you have visitors, ask them to bring out some sun cream, preferably at least factor 30. Waterproof stuff is ideal as you’ll sweat when skiing.
Remember to reapply regularly and note that cream only starts working thirty minutes after you apply it. Classically, people forget to apply cream to the neck and ears which become exposed at lunchtime. Acquaint yourself with the “bad mole” criteria, and see your doctor if you are worried, but prevention is definitely better than cure!
Signs of a suspected melanoma are: 1/it increased in size; 2/ its borders are irregular; 3/ it became asymmetrical; 4/ colour has changed; 5/ it became itchy and began to bleed.
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