How to enjoy Bermuda's summer weather safely

The sunny and hot days of August are here.

There’s nothing more ­relaxing and fun than lounging on the beach, building sand castles and playing in and on the water. Yet it’s these activities that make protection from skin cancer even more important.

To reduce the risk of skin cancer, try to limit or avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. In Bermuda, though, avoiding sun exposure is nearly ­impossible, so protection from UV radiation by ­following these basic rules is the next best thing.

- Avoid the sun during peak hours, which is ­between 10am and 4pm, ­regardless of season and even on overcast days. Also, consider sitting in the shade rather than in direct sunlight.

- Wear protective clothing such as pants, shirts with long sleeves, hats and sunglasses or carry an ­umbrella. Check out special sun-protective clothing that can be worn when golfing, ­running or gardening.

- Use liberal amounts of sunscreen and apply it ­often. The best kind of ­sunscreen is referred to as broad-spectrum, meaning it provides protection from both types of UV light — UVA and UVB. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation if you are ­unsure of what to use.

There are certain factors that can increase your risk of skin cancer including a history of sunburns and excessive sun exposure. In addition, people with fair skin and those with a lot of moles are also at a higher risk for skin cancer. ­Consider your family’s ­history as you are more likely to develop skin cancer if a parent or sibling has had the disease. Finally, remember that everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer. 

While most common of all cancers, skin cancer is highly curable if detected early, thus it’s important to be very self-aware of your skin and examine it regularly for suspicious changes such as:

- Large brownish spots with darker speckles.

- Moles that change in colour, size or feel.

- Small lesions with an irregular border and portions that appear red, white, blue or blue-black.

- Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on the lining your mouth, nose, vagina or anus.

Skin cancer most often develops on skin exposed to the sun but it can also form on areas that rarely see the light of day such as your palms, beneath your fingernails, the spaces between your toes or under your toenails, as well as your genital area.

Most skin cancers are classified as non-melanoma, which isn't likely to spread and is usually easily removed. Melanoma cancer, on the other hand, accounts for a small percentage of skin cancer, yet it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths.

Melanoma typically ­begins as a mole. If identified early enough and before it has spread, it can be treated. Its ability to spread to different parts of the body via blood vessels makes melanoma extremely dangerous.

Remember it’s okay to ­enjoy the beach once in a while as long as you follow some simple protective guidelines. Just knowing that you’re being careful to avoid skin cancer risks will make your time at the beach even more fun and relaxing.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire.  

For more information visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm