sun damage

Nearly everyone has experienced some type of sunburn, and even a mild burn can cause significant discomfort with pain, itching, burning, dry and peeling skin, and, in severe cases, blistering. The best way to treat a sunburn is to prevent one.

Q: What’s the right way to apply sunscreen?

I've never had a skin cancer, but I've had a lot of sun damage and burns in the past. Should I see a dermatologist?

Q: What does a dermatologist look for in determining if a lesion is cancerous? How is it confirmed?

Sunscreens, which come in all shapes and sizes, are anything that stops the skin from absorbing ultraviolet (UV) rays. So clothing, hats, sunglasses, and physical and chemical agents (ie, lotions, creams, pastes, and gels) are all sunscreens.

Personal account by Kierna Terrisse

The first time I noticed the mole on my fiancé Eric’s upper arm, we were living in New York City. It was only a mole, so we ignored it. Three years later we were celebrating our honeymoon when I noticed the mole appeared more distinct. It looked strange, but still, neither of us gave it much attention. At the time I didn’t realize something so simple and harmless looking could kill you. If I knew then what I know now, things might have turned out much differently.

Actinic keratoses (AKs), also known as solar keratoses, are small rough or scaly areas of skin due to damage from sun exposure. Some AKs can turn into squamous cell skin cancer, so it is important to perform self-examinations often and catch them early. Spots usually appear in those who are older (over 50), but they can start appearing in younger adults who have had a lot of sun exposure. Darker-skinned individuals are rarely affected. To learn more about AKs, click here.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. Darker-skinned people are much less likely to develop SCC, though it is the most common form of skin cancer in people of African and Asian descent. SCC can cause tissue destruction or it may spread internally, causing serious health problems and even death if neglected. To learn more about SCC, click here.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), also known as basal cell epithelioma, is the most common form of skin cancer. There are several sub-types of BCC including nodular BCC, infiltrating BCC, and superficial BCC. All types of BCC usually occur on sun-damaged skin but can occur anywhere on the body (except the palms and soles). More than 99% of people with BCC are white, and 95% are between the ages of 40 and 80. To learn more about BCC click, here.

There are two types of moles, typical and atypical. Both require monitoring, especially when there is a history of extreme sun exposure.