Skin Cancer & Indoor Tanning

The Indoor Tanning Association and the Federal Trade Commission have recently come to an agreement regarding claims from the Indoor Tanning Association. Many of those claims said they were endorsed by the government. However as dermatologist, we know that indoor tanning and chronic exposure to UV  increases the risk of skin cancer and melanomas, which are a deadly form of skin cancer.

Consequently, new guidelines settled between the Federal Trade Commission and the Indoor Tanning Association now require warning signs that indicate exposure to Ultraviolet Light Radiation may increase the likelihood of skin cancer. Continue reading “Skin Cancer & Indoor Tanning”

Tanning Beds Dangers

A recent article and video on NewsWest9 about the dangers of tanning beds is a cause for concern.

Tanning beds provide high concentrations of UVA dosage. Consequently patients are receiving deeper penetrating rays that increases the risks for melanoma. In addition to increasing the skin cancer risks, the deeper penetrating rays are associated with damage to collagen and elastin.

This results in premature aging with wrinkles and dry lackluster skin. Any man or woman desiring to maintain a beautiful healthy skin complexion long term should limit the amount of intense UVA rays in tanning beds. UVA rays are best protected utilizing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sublocks with provide better protection of UV rays.

Causes of Skin Cancer

Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, “Many of the more than 1 million skin cancers diagnosed each year could be prevented with protection from the sun’s rays.” Scientists now know that exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damages DNA in the skin. The body can usually repair this damage before gene mutations occur and cancer develops. When a person’s body cannot repair the damaged DNA, which can occur with cumulative sun exposure, cancer develops.

In some cases, skin cancer is an inherited condition. Between 5% and 10% of melanomas develop in people with a family history of melanoma. Continue reading “Causes of Skin Cancer”

Types of Skin Cancer

What is Skin Cancer? 

Cancer develops when DNA, the molecule found in cells that encodes genetic information, becomes damaged and the body cannot repair the damage. These damaged cells begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. When this occurs in the skin, skin cancer develops. As the damaged cells multiply, they form a tumor. Since skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis, the outermost layers of skin, a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages.

Types of Skin Cancer 

Three types of skin cancer account for nearly 100% of all diagnosed cases. Each of these three cancers begins in a different type of cell within the skin, and each cancer is named for the type of cell in which it begins. Skin cancers are divided into one of two classes – nonmelanoma skin cancers and melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Continue reading “Types of Skin Cancer”