‘Skin cancer can be seen’ is the theme of the 15th Euro Melanoma campaign launched last month.
Set up by the Maltese Association of Dermatology & Venereology in collaboration with the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, and the Health Promotion Department, the campaign highlights the importance of spotting melanoma on the skin early on in order to increase the chances of treating it successfully.
Lawrence Scerri, chairman of the Dermatology and Venereology Department, says that awareness has increased significantly over the years but people still do not necessarily take the required action to prevent sunburn and other skin damage. He attributes this to a number of misconceptions and pitfalls:
• Many people apply sunscreen once in the morning, thinking it’s enough protection for the whole day. The truth is that sunscreens have chemical filters which reflect and absorb UV rays, and these chemicals disintegrate and lose their effect within two to three hours. So it’s best to apply sunscreen just before 10.30am and reapply as necessary if one is out in the sun during spring and summer.
• Women may be at a quandary over how to apply sunscreen if they want to wear make-up. Nowadays, one may find a variety of good-quality high-factor sunscreens with a tint, which must not be confused with foundations with a sun-protection factor, which would usually not be higher than SPF15-30.
• People may think it’s safe to tan slowly without getting burnt, but one would still be harming the skin, so it’s not safe at all.
• Clouds do not filter out all UV rays and one can burn easily on a cloudy summer day, especially if there is a gentle breeze. Always check the UV index; anything above six is harmful.
• You do not get sunburnt only at the beach. The sun is everywhere, whether you’re in your verandah, on the roof or shopping.
• Sun exposure may get worse through reflection, such as by sand, rocks or water.
• One can still incur UV damage in a car because glass does not filter all UV rays, unless they’re of a dark tint.
• Some parts of the body are often ‘forgotten’ when it comes to applying sunscreen or protection, especially the back of the neck, ears and top of the feet.
• One protects the skin not only to prevent skin cancer but also against premature ageing. It is much easier to prevent than to repair; and when repairing, the skin can never revert to its original form.
• You don’t have to stay in the sun to get a tan. There are many DIY self-tanning lotions, which can give you the desired look without the need to sunbathe.