Dermatologist warns against exposure to the sun

Adolescents are turning a blind eye to the dangers of skin cancer and a recent survey has confirmed that a suntan is still "very desirable" among those aged between 11 and 15.

Dermatology department chairman Lawrence Scerri said the survey, in collaboration with the health promotion unit, was still awaiting publication.

"However, one prominent result which emerged is that the glamour of having a tan is still ingrained in the minds of these adolescents and getting a tan is very appealing," he said.

Dr Scerri pointed out that the bulk of the sun damage took place in the first 18 years of a person's life, so it was vital to target this particular age group.

"The young rebel generation, who believe they are invincible, are the key to success. We need more emphasis on education," he said.

As temperatures soared and the UV index spiralled to a blistering 11+, Dr Scerri stressed the need for everyone to take all the steps for sun protection.

Since last September, the department, together with the Meteorological Office, has been releasing the daily UV index with the weather report but many are still unaware of what the levels actually mean.

The UV index, as established by the World Health Organisation from zero to 10, is a measure of harmful ultraviolet sunlight.

Dr Scerri said that when the index levels soared to seven and beyond, caution should be exercised and apart from wearing a hat that covered the face, back of the neck and ears and sunscreen of SPF20 and over, it was advisable to stay indoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

"People don't seem to use sunscreen unless they're going to the beach but it's important to apply it everyday to the exposed areas, reapplying it every two to three hours," he said.

"The UV index reaches dangerous levels in April and usually abates towards the end of October, which means we have seven months of the year of being exposed to harmful rays."

The levels of the UV index were lately rising to 11+ which was lethal and no protection was enough to guard against UVA and UVB rays that have intensified with the depletion of the ozone layer.

"It's the level of UV which makes us burn quicker and at 11+ you fry," Dr Scerri said.

Total sunblock did not exist and while most sunscreens blocked the majority of UVB rays (which cause sunburn and skin cancer), they did not block all the UVA, which are responsible for skin aging.

As mercury rises, most people seem oblivious to health warnings and are still rushing to the beaches to soak up the sun's rays to get a "healthy tan".

"If people want a tan they should opt for a fake one without exposing their skin to the damage. What concerns me is that I have been told a number of salons are promoting the use of sun beds, which are just as bad," he said.

While it was encouraging that awareness was on the increase, it was mostly those in their 30s who were asking the questions and not adolescents.

"On a positive note, the rate of skin cancer among the younger generation is levelling off," he said.

Dr Scerri's final advice was to adopt a "sun package" approach - limit time in the midday sun, watch out for UV index, wear sunglasses and a hat, use sunscreen when outside, avoid tanning salons and seek the shade where possible.