Tallahassee, FL, Florida, June 11, 2012 — Reminders about the substantial damage sun can do to the skin emerged in this week in a New England Journal of Medicine article about a 69-year old truck driver, who was exposed to ultraviolet A rays through the window glass on a truck he drove for 28 years. The changes to his skin caused by his exposure to ultraviolet A rays through the window glass were dramatic on the exposed side of his face.
There are three types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA rays can cause cells to age and damage the skin’s DNA; UVB rays cause sunburns and are linked to most skin cancers; and UVC rays are not found in sunlight and typically do not link to cancer.
Dr. Ben J. Kirbo, board-certified plastic surgeon at Southeastern Plastic Surgery, P.A. in Tallahassee, FL, said, “While we know the sun is a direct cause of skin cancer, many people forget to protect their skin by using sunscreen. The best protection comes from using a sunscreen of at least sun protection factor (SPF) 25, covering up or wearing a hat and sunglasses to block the sun’s harmful rays.” He also encourages limiting exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the UV rays are strongest.
“Many skin cancers are the result of too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays or tanning beds,” said Ben J. Kirbo, MD. “When people take the necessary precautions, many skin cancers can be avoided.”
Seek the shade, especially during the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Apply 1ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
“At Southeastern Plastic Surgery, P.A., we recognized that many individuals are seeking comprehensive skin care services not only for sun protection but for year around healthy skin care. We have a variety of skin care specialists that are available for skin care consultations,” said Kirbo.
For more information about skin cancer prevention, go to the American Cancer Society website at www.cancer.org or for skin care tips and prevention visit, www.se-plasticsurgery.com.
Since its founding, Southeastern Plastic Surgery, P.A. in Tallahassee, FL has been a leading cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery center offering a vast array of services and products. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call 850-219-2000.
Leave a Reply