Dr. IV Mirus: Protecting Your Skin: UV Rays and Skin Cancer

Dr. IV Mirus: With Memorial Day recently over, I’m seeing a lot more sunburns and people asking for information about UV rays and skin health.

First things first, what are UV rays? UV stands for ultraviolet, and it's a type of radiation that comes from the sun. There are three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC.

UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and sunspots. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns and can also contribute to skin cancer. UVC rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and don't reach us. They don’t cause any problems.

Now, let's talk about the UV Index. It measures the strength of UV rays in your area on a scale from 0 to 11+. The higher the number, the greater the risk of skin damage. For example, an 11 would be a sunny day at the beach and an index of 0 would be at night. A cloudy day may be 4-6 and sunscreen should still be used.

Remember, UV rays can reach you even on cloudy or hazy days. You can check the UV index online, on the weather channel, a smartwatch or a phone.

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is essential. An SPF of 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 will protect you from nearly 97%, whereas an SPF of 50 means protection from about 98% of UVB rays. Anything beyond SPF 50 makes very little difference in terms of risk of sun damage.

While higher SPF numbers offer more protection, SPF 30 is usually sufficient for daily use. Just make sure to reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating.

Lastly, let's discuss how to spot skin cancer. Keep an eye out for any changes in moles, such as irregular borders, as that may be a reason for concern. Also, look for color variations or rapid growth. If you notice anything suspicious, it's important to see a dermatologist.

Protecting your skin is crucial for a healthy life. Stay safe out there, and don't forget your sunscreen!

——--

[Sponsored video from Convo: www.convorelay.com]

—--------