SkinCancerNet Article
Dermatologists Encourage Sports Fans to "Be Sun Smart^SM"

The many hours spent in the midday sun cheering for a favorite athlete or team puts fans at risk for skin cancer, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects 1 in 5 Americans. Dermatologists say sports fans can still enjoy watching an outdoor sport. Just be sure to protect your skin from the sun by following the Be Sun Smart^SM guidelines:

• Generously apply water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays to all exposed skin. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION™ on products that meet these criteria.

• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.

• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.

• Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.

• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.

• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.

• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

• Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. Following the Be Sun Smart^SM guidelines can reduce this risk.

An educational program brought to you by the American Academy of Dermatology.