As summer arrives in Northern Michigan, locals are eager to soak up the sun. However, healthcare professionals are urging residents to protect their skin by using sunscreen to avoid harmful effects from sun exposure.
Known as Yoopers, many residents enjoy spending time outdoors when the sun is out. While outdoor activities are encouraged, experts warn that neglecting sunscreen application can lead to serious skin damage.
Dr. Tom Sandin, Associate Physician at Frontier Dermatology, highlighted the importance of regular sunscreen use. “If you sweat during activities like exercising, hiking, or biking, you need to reapply,” Sandin said. “Reapplication is also necessary if you spend the entire day outdoors, since not all sunscreens remain effective over time.”
Aspirus Health oncologist Dr. Zuhair Ghanem cautioned that excessive sun exposure can cause significant damage, including genetic mutations in the skin’s DNA. “The body often repairs these mutations,” Ghanem explained, “but when it cannot, it may lead to skin cancer. Skin cancer accelerates aging, resulting in wrinkles, sagging, and loss of skin elasticity.”
Dr. Ghanem noted that while skin cancer treatments exist, they can be expensive and extensive. “Treatment typically begins with surgery to remove affected tissue,” he said. “Topical chemotherapy creams may also be used, and advanced cases might require radiation therapy. If the cancer spreads, chemotherapy or immunotherapy could become necessary.”
Given these risks, both Dr. Ghanem and Dr. Sandin emphasize prevention as the most effective approach. They recommend using sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) between 30 and 50 for robust defense against sun damage.
As summer activities continue, experts urge the community to prioritize skin protection by consistently applying and reapplying sunscreen throughout the day.
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