No Regulations For Skin Examination in Children
Newswise — (MELROSE PARK, IL April 24, 2011) – Spring break and prom season often bring social occasions that can entice students to turn to tanning beds in search of that head-to-toe glow.
"You wouldn't stand naked a few inches from the sun, yet that is essentially what you are doing in a tanning bed," said Julie Moore, MD, dermatologist, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park. "Tanning beds are just as dangerous as outdoor sunbathing when it comes to the potential for skin cancer."
Youth Surge in New Diagnosis of Skin Cancer Women ages 18 to 25 are the fastest-growing group for a new diagnosis of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Why?
At this age, women prioritize their appearances and they feel they are invincible.
"Wrinkles, age spots and leathery skin have not yet happened to them," Moore said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), less than one-third of all youth take the proper steps to protect their skin from excessive exposure to the sun. Having one blistering childhood sunburn more than doubles the chances of developing a melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, later in life, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. .
Moore points out there are more options than ever for those who seek a healthy glow. “Bare arms, shoulders and legs can be safely bronzed using self-tanning creams and lotions to achieve a healthy appearance without the unhealthy side-effects.”
Gone are the days when skin turned orange due to drugstore tanning lotions. "There are many excellent brands at the drugstore today that create a very realistic color," Moore said. "I use self-tanning lotion found over the counter year round."
"Soccer, baseball, tennis, swimming – kids of all ages participate in all kinds of outdoor activities. They need to use sun protection, even if they are just out skateboarding or talking with their friends in the yard."
Save Your Hide - Doc’s Top Tips For Skin HealthHere are Dr. Moore's five favorite tips for protecting against skin cancer:
1. "During your next hair, pedicure or massage appointment, ask if there are any unusual moles or skin lesions."Self-checking in certain areas is very difficult – don't hesitate to enlist the aid of those around you to monitor your skin’s health."
2. "Create a map of your skin and note any changes. Draw an outline of a body, front and back, and note on the diagram where you have moles or spots. Include comments such as the size, shape and color. After bathing, when you towel off and apply lotion is a good time to get in the habit of performing self-checks. Use a hand-held mirror to view between toes and the bottoms of your feet and back."
3."Know your A, B, C, D and E’s: A-Asymmetrical, B-Border, C-Color, D-Diameter and E-Evolving. These describe how to evaluate a mole."
4. "Slip, slap and slop. Slip on a long-sleeved shirt or pants. Slap on a cap or hat plus sunglasses. Slop on sunscreen. Use a shot-glass-sized portion of lotion with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Buy products that offer UVA and UVB protection, which should include ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone and oxybenzone."
5. "Use self-tanning creams and lotions to get that sun-kissed glow. Don’t risk your life for the prom. Wrinkles, sun spots and leathery skin are not a happy souvenir of laying-out or tanning beds, especially when you can get the same tanning effect from a bottle." Children’s Skin Cancer Often UndiagnosedThe Skin Cancer Foundation reports that cancers in children often go undiagnosed because doctors don’t think to look for skin cancer in youngsters. Unlike adults, there are currently no set guidelines for skin examinations in children.
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