WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2004
HEALTH
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
13
Sun safety gives solutions to bad rays
By Julie Jones
jones@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
As summer approaches, more time is being spent beneath the sun's dangerous rays. Many students forego safety precautions, increasing the risk of skin cancer, dehydration and eye ailments.
"In the summer I'm in the sun a lot walking to class, swimming and going to concerts. But I don't worry about the long-term effects like I should," said Lindsay Siegel, Highland Park, Ill., senior. "I feel that I should use sunscreen more, but I only end up using it when I'm specifically aiming to get a tan."
Eighty percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs between the ages of 18 and 20, though the effects may not be seen for 20 or 30 years, said Lee Bittenbender, Lawrence dermatologist. This puts college students at a high risk for sun damage.
Bittenbender said that for every blistering sunburn, you double the risk of malignant melanoma in pigmented skin lesions, often identified as moles. Certain medications, dieretics and diseases can increase sun sensitivity.
Malignant melanoma lesions can be assymetric, border on irregularity, have color variation or have a diameter of more than six millimeters about the
size of a pencil eraser. Lesions can itch, dry or bleed. If any of these symptoms occur, a doctor should be notified.
Basal-cell skin cancer is also a risk, said Bittenbender. With 800,000 new cases in the United States every year, this type of cancer is more common than breast and lung cancer.
Though unusual for college-age students, basal-cell skin cancer is still a concern. The lesions appear as flesh-colored bumps that may look like pimples or a mole. The lesions are persistent and may bleed.
Sun exposure also has cosn effects, which include wrinkling, uneven skin pigmentation and a decrease in skin elasticity.
"It's important for people to enjoy outdoor activities and I don't want people to have a phobia," Bittenbender said. "Have common sense and if you can, don't go out midday and use sunscreens to
protect the skin."
Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. SPF 45 is ideal for prolonged exposure.
Bittenbender said to use more sunscreen than you think is needed — at least one ounce for the entire body. Reapply often, especially after swimming or perspiring.
Because it's possible to burn through clothing, especially if it's wet, outerwear with UV-ray protection is available
Studies suggest that wind and sun exposure may increase tissue growth and the risk of cataracts, so protect the eyes with sunglasses or a hat. said Randall Rock, Watkins Memorial Health Care physician
To avoid dehydration, drink plenty of water.
Rock said he discouraged the use of tanning beds. The extra exposure is unnecessary and there is also a risk that viruses and
photo illustration by Donovan Atkinson bacteria are
left behind on the shared surface.
"Students should put their health before cosmetics," said Rock. "The term 'a healthy tan' is a probably an oxymoron."
Tanning beds use ultraviolet 'A' rays, which are longer and penetrate the skin more, said Bittenbender. An artificial tan also doesn't offer as much protection as a natural tan.
Those in search of a safer tanning alternative should consider sunless tanning sprays. Tanning sprays are inexpensive and can be found at most drug stores. If applied correctly, they can be a solution to pale legs. Some students turn away from sprays because they think the color is unnatural or difficult to apply.
Sunless tanning facilities solve these problems. Mickey Stremel, Glo Sunless Tanning owner, 847 New Hampshire St., said that depending on the product, the full-body tan can last anywhere from three to seven days.
The chemicals used at Glo are the same as those used in shampoos and lotions, said Stremel. All sprays are Food and Drug Administration approved.
Bittenbender said he has not seen conclusive evidence supporting the theory that the chemicals used in sunless tanning sprays are dangerous.
—Edited by Miranda Lenning
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