« Back to Treatment of Skin Disorders

Sunscreens and Prevention of Skin Cancer

»	List some of the important facts about skin cancer.
»	How does skin type affect the risk for skin cancer?
»	What are the other risk factors for skin cancer?
»	Do hereditary factors affect skin cancer risk?
»	What age or sex factors are important in skin cancer risk?
»	What should physicians teach patients about skin cancer prevention?
»	What warning signs of possible skin cancer should be looked for in the self-skin exam?
»	How is ultraviolet light classified?
»	List the 13 basic facts regarding sun protection.
»	What type of clothing is considered sun-protective?
»	What are sunscreens?
»	Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the physical and chemical sunscreens.
»	What chemicals are used in chemical sunscreens?
»	What factors should be considered in selecting a sunscreen?
»	How is an SPF determined?
»	How much sunscreen should be applied? How often should it be reapplied?
»	Can sunscreens be safely used in children?
»	Why are sunglasses included in sun-protection recommendations?
»	Are tanning pills safe to use?
»	What about “tan-in-a-bottle” lotions?
»	What about “tan-in-a-bottle” lotions?
»	If UVB is required for vitamin D metabolism, how would one maintain normal vitamin D levels with restricted sun exposure? How much sun exposure is necessary?
»	What is proper sunburn treatment?

What type of clothing is considered sun-protective?

Optimal sun protection includes wearing a hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. Be sure to choose the correct type of clothing for sun protection. Weave and construction of the fabric is more important than the fiber. Choose tightly woven materials for greater protection from UVR.

Edlich RF, et al: Recent technologic advances in sun-protective clothing to prevent the development of skin cancer. In Martakis IK, editor: Cancer research at the leading edge, New York, 2008, Nova Science Publishers, pp 171–181.