Taking care in the sun

Being outside exercising, swimming, gardening and travelling, etc., addresses the most basic of human needs, that of enabling human connectedness with others and nature. Another gift of the sun is that of providing Vitamin D which is necessary for the development of strong bones. However, the benefits of the sun on our physical and psychological health can also have negative effects as it can be a major contributing factor in skin cancer. It is recognised that 95% of all skin cancers are attributed to or caused by over-exposure to UltraViolet (UV) rays from the sun or from lights in solariums which can cause changes in the structure and behaviour of cells. The skin is the largest organ in the human body protecting all our vital organs, our blood vessels, nerves, etc., and is made up of the epidermis or outer layer, the dermis and melanocytes. The latter controls the colour of our skin.

This starts in the epidermis of the skin and accounts for about 70% of the non- melanoma cancers. It grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.

Often found on the ears and lips, this grows quickly and can spread to other parts of the body.

Starting in the melanocyte cells of the skin, melanomas tend to be rarer than other skin cancers but are far more serious if not diagnosed and treated early, as they can easily spread to other organs of the body, i.e. the brain, lymph nodes, lungs and bones. With all skin cancers (including Melanoma) , there is approximately a 95%, 5-year survival rate, and most have an excellent cure rate if detected and treated early.

• We should all be vigilant and look out for changes in our existing skin spots, i.e. in shape, colour, size or texture (see Know Your Moles). • If certain spots bleed, are sore or itchy or don’t heal this could also be an indication of skin cancer. • Educate your partner or family regarding skin cancer and changes in spots they may see on you.

The best way to protect our skin is to be AWARE of the consequences of over exposure to the sun and use an appropriate cream like an SPF 30+ or higher broad–spectrum, waterresistant sunscreen. We need to cover our bodies, particularly our head and shoulders with adequate clothing, use hats and sunglasses and keep in the shade with parasols and the like. Fair skinned and older people are more at risk of the effects of UV light and subsequent damage. Check with your doctor or make an appointment with a dermatologist if you have any concerns, and the sooner the better.

As an experienced hairdresser, Franck Luison of TWELVE Hair Salon in Eymet knows only too well the damage the sun can do to our hair. He offers these tips: • Always wear a hat in and out of the pool, or try tying your hair up into a tight bun. The sun will fade applied colour and change highlighted hair, as will chlorine and salt that has been added to pools. • Wet hair in natural water before entering a salt or chlorine pool and rinse with clear water every time you leave the pool. • Use a heavy, rich conditioner all over your hair or use a rich oil-based conditioner.

A conditioning oil such as

Argan or coconut oil is ideal for your hair from your ears downwards, and leave it in until you have finished swimming or sunbathing.

Assymmetry: Normal moles are symmetrical. Borders: Blurred, irregular or ragged edges should be checked. Colour: Normal moles usually have one shade of colour. Diameter: If it’s larger than a pencil eraser it could need eradicating. Evolving: Is the mole changing colour, growing bigger, higher or smaller, itching or bleeding? If so, visit your dermatologist.