TIP #1. It’s important to protect your skin from excess sun exposure living in the Caribbean. Apply sunscreen daily on exposed skin, even when it is cloudy. Choose a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, which is water resistant and has an SPF of 30 and or higher. Sunscreens are effective for up to two hours and therefore they need to be reapplied if outdoors for longer periods.
TIP #2. To avoid the more harmful effects of sun exposure, where possible, limit the time you spend during between 10 am and 4 pm - the most sun-intense time of the day. If you are outdoors at that time, wear sun-protective clothing, hats and shades to provide physical protection from the damaging rays of the sun.
TIP #3. You probably knew that vitamin D is essential for bone health, mood stabilizing and a healthy immune system. But did you know that you don’t have to get it from lots of sun exposure? Vitamin D can be obtained from our diet and regular day to day sun exposure from our daily routines.
TIP #4. If you are someone at higher risk of skin cancer, how do you get sufficient vitamin D for healthy bones and immune system? Well, vitamin D is available as a low-cost supplement from most pharmacies and supermarkets, and this avoids that excess sun exposure in more vulnerable individuals.
TIP #5. It’s a common myth that darker skinned individuals do not get skin cancer. Although skin cancer rates are higher in fairer skin types, skin cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage in darker skin types. Also, melanoma skin cancer of the nails, palms and soles are more common in darker skin types than in fair skin. Do not ignore new or changing dark spots in these areas.
TIP #6. How can we protect our skin from the damaging effects of the sun whilst also protecting our environment? Look for sunscreens without parabens, oxybenzone or octinoxate, the chemicals associated with reef bleaching. Choose mineral based non-nano sunscreens with a high-water resistance and wear sun protective rash guards when possible.
TIP #7. Although skin cancer most commonly occurs on sun-exposed areas, it can in fact occur anywhere. You can find skin cancers in the scalp, the mouth, palms and soles, and the groin area. It is therefore important to assess these areas and your entire skin regularly to look for abnormal moles or skin lesions for your dermatologist to check.
TIP #8. Lighter skin shades, factors such as certain genetic conditions, cancers or cancer treatments, and a weakened or compromised immune system can all contribute to a greater likelihood of skin cancer. If this is you, ensure you set an appropriate screening schedule with your dermatologist. Early detection saves lives.
TIP #9. Use the ABCDE rule to self-monitor for skin cancer and see your Dermatologist:
Early detection saves lives.
TIP #10. Did you know that having five or more sunburns can double your risk of developing melanoma skin cancer? If you burned regularly as a child or even much later, your dermatologist will help you set a schedule for monitoring your skin for early signs of skin cancer. That early detection can save lives.
TIP #11. Did you know that the difference in 5-year survival between melanoma skin cancer diagnosed whilst early and localized versus late and spread is 98% versus 23%. That’s how much it pays to get skin cancer detected early, through self-monitoring, early visits to your dermatologist and regular full body mole mapping. Early detection saves lives.
TIP #12. Some people get sunburn faster than others due to their skin coloring. If you have light-colored skin, blond or red hair and light-colored eyes, you probably burn more quickly than someone with dark eyes and skin. If this is you, you need to be more cautious and may need a regular skin check schedule to pick up any lesions early.
TIP #13. Skin self-surveillance is a useful practice for the identification of changing and new skin lesions. Our dermatologists advise people to memorize their own moles and once a month, to check the visible part of your body directly or in front of a mirror, looking for changing or new lesions. The non-visible part (back and posterior aspect of neck, head and legs) can be surveilled with the help of a relative or close person.
