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This is certainly a topic worth raising and making a few clarifications
as guidance can be a little confusing. It represents one area where skin
care really does matter. The bottom line is that skin cancer is
a significant health problem in the UK, with sun exposure being
the single most important contributing factor in the aetiology.
Skin cancer prevention is within the remit of every nurse and
healthcare professional.
Sound and realistic advice is the order of the day. Patients should be told
to enjoy the benefits of fine weather but to use use hats, clothing and sunscreens so as not to put
themselves at risk of skin cancer. They should also avoid sunburn at all costs. Basking in the sun,
accelerating tanning and extended time in the sun is now regarded as an unhealthy behaviour —
this applies to artificial sunlight also. Being outdoors in fine weather will aid Vitamin D synthesis
and some sun exposure provides a balance for physical and psychological wellbeing. However,
primary prevention strategies are important and must be supported with early recognition of
suspicious lesions. This begins with self-skin examination (SSE) and seeking medical advice if there
are concerns about a changing or new lesion on the skin.
Vanity and fashion and the desire for a dark tan has played a part in the rise of skin cancer
incidence. However, models (males and females) often achieve their ‘bronzed skin’ through tanning
sprays, creams and cosmetics. Many are well aware that tanning by exposure to UV light (both
natural and artificial) will prematurely age their skin, thus reducing their ‘looks’ and potentially
shortening their working life. It is a fact of life that they will not get work if their skin appears dry,
blotchy, and wrinkled by long-term UV exposure. The skin has a memory and remembers every
ounce of sunshine — and will display it eventually. Remember, tanning was originally a word that
meant ‘turning hide into leather’. That should provide ample food for thought.
Finally, then, can vanity play a part in skin cancer prevention? Of course. But if patients protect
their skin from excessive UV light, and eat and drink well they can stay looking younger and
healthier for longer.
Polly Buchanan,
lead nurse, research and development, NHS Fife; chair, Scottish Dermatological Nursing Society
have less resistance to skin
problems because of disease
or drugs). Those with a family
history of skin cancer should also
be cautious
`
Sun creams with a higher SPF
may offer better protection but
do not mean you can spend
limitless amounts of time in the
sun without burning
`
Applying sunscreen too thinly
means the amount of protection
is reduced
`
Sunscreen needs to be reapplied
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SKIN CARE TODAY
2016,Vol 2, No 1
SKIN CARE MATTERS
i
liberally and frequently, including
straight after swimming (even if
using water-resistant cream)
and after towel drying, sweating
or where the cream may have
rubbed off
`
Babies should be kept out of direct
strong sunlight.
While this list is not exhaustive
(for the full guidance, visit ‘Sun
exposure: risks and benefits’—
www.
nice.org.uk
), it seems that when it
comes to the sun, a balance of light
exposure and good skin protection
is the order of the day, although
this nuanced advice may not be
too convenient for nurses faced
with patients who want definitive
guidance about what they can and
cannot do.
As with many other lifestyle
choices, moderation is the key to
sun exposure. Except, that is, when
it comes to tanning, where just like
smoking, a little is definitely
too much.
SCT