Everyone's skin and eyes can be affected by the sun and
other forms of UV rays. People with light skin are much more
likely to have their skin damaged by UV rays (and to get skin cancer), but
darker-skinned people, including people of any ethnicity, can also be affected.
For some people, the skin tans when it absorbs UV rays. The
tan is caused by an increase in the activity and number of melanocytes, which
are the cells that make a brown pigment called melanin. Melanin helps
block out damaging UV rays up to a point, which is why people with naturally
darker skin are less likely to get sunburned, while people with lighter skin
are more likely to burn. Sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer,
including melanoma. But UV exposure can raise skin cancer risk even without
causing sunburn.
Aside from skin tone, other factors can also affect your
risk of damage from UV light. You need to be especially careful in the sun if
you:
- Have had skin cancer before
- Have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma
- Have many moles, irregular moles, or large moles
- Have freckles and burn before tanning
- Have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blond, red, or light brown hair
- Live or vacation at high altitudes (UV rays are stronger the higher up you are)
- Live or vacation in tropical or subtropical climates
- Work indoors all week and then get intense sun exposure on weekends
- Spend a lot of time outdoors
- Have certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
- Have certain inherited conditions that increase your risk of skin cancer
- Have a medical condition that weakens your immune system
- Have had an organ transplant
- Take medicines that lower or suppress your immune system
- Take medicines that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you are taking any medicines that could increase your sensitivity to sunlight.)
No matter how sensitive your skin is to the sun, it's important to know how to protect yourself from UV rays and to practice year-round UV safety - especially during the summer months. Regular checkups with your doctor can also help identify warning signs and potential areas of concern for skin cancers.
Summit Medical Group has more than 350 providers that
can partner with you to discuss your personal risk for skin damage and develop
a plan to improve and maintain your overall wellness. Call 865-584-4747 or visit
us online at http://www.summitmedical.com/health.
This blog includes information provided by the American
Cancer Society. Learn more at www.cancer.org.