Sun Smarts

You’vejust spent the summer basking in the sun by the side of the pool, chasing your kids at the playground and attending farmers’ markets galore. The summer’s been great for your tan, but what does that mean for your skin’s overall health?

Dr. Mark Bechtel, director of the Dermatology Division at The Ohio State University Medical Center and a member of the Section of Dermatology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, is here to help.

Q&A:

I’ve just spent the summer in the sun. Should I head to the dermatologist?

You should consider seeing a dermatologist after the summer if you experienced any severe sunburns, noted a change in a mole or developed a new dark mole or any bleeding sores.

How often and why should I go to the dermatologist?

If you have a family history of melanoma, many moles, a personal history of skin cancer, or red or blond hair, with a tendency to sunburn easily or a history of frequent sunburns, you may benefit from being evaluated by a dermatologist yearly. See a dermatologist promptly for a changing mole or non-healing sore.

Over the past 10 years, what has been the most significant change in how you treat patients?

The most significant change in the way I treat patients focuses on the discovery of biologic drug therapy. We have been able to identify molecules in the skin that cause severe skin disease. Biologic medications have been developed that block the effect of these damaging molecules and result in significant healing of the skin.

Is sunscreen necessary year-round?

Sunscreens should be used year-round if exposed to the sun, even on a cloudy day. I recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protective factor) of 15 or higher.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

UVA rays represent a longer wavelength of ultraviolet light and penetrate to deep layers of the skin (dermis). UVB rays help accelerate aging of the skin with damage to dermal tissues and help promote skin cancer.

How often should you self-check yourself for spots?

It is advisable for an individual to check their skin for any changes every two to three months. This self-examination should cover the entire body and often requires using mirrors. A spouse is often helpful in checking moles, especially on the scalp and back. Parents should check their children, too.

How much vitamin D do I need, and how much do I get from the sun? Does sunscreen interfere with the body’s production of the vitamin?

As far as vitamin needs, although sun exposure can promote vitamin D production, it can also promote the development of skin cancer. Patients should use sunscreens, which can interfere with vitamin D production, and increase their daily intake of vitamin D. I recommend 1,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D for adults and 400 IU of vitamin D for children per day. This can be obtained through vitamin therapy and foods rich in vitamin D, including salmon, fortified milk, fortified orange juice, tuna, fortified yogurt and fortified cereals.

The FDA just issued new federal guidelines for sunscreen labeling. What does this mean?

The changes will help consumers better understand the type and level of protection sunscreens afford. Sunscreens labeled as “broad spectrum” need to demonstrate UVA and UVB protection, as determined by FDA standards. Broad-spectrum SPF products with SPF values higher than 15 can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Non-broad spectrum sunscreens and broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value between 2 and 14 cannot claim to prevent skin cancer, only to help prevent sunburn.

Mark Bechtel Director of the Dermatology Division, The Ohio State University Medical Center

Bechtel evaluates patients, performs consultations, trains residents and teaches medical students daily. Currently, he and a team of doctors are working on developing a cutaneous oncology center at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital in the fight against skin cancer. Bechtel attended Vanderbilt University and received his medical degree at Indiana University. He spent his dermatology residency at the University of Louisville. He lives in Westerville, recently ran two halfmarathons and heads to the gym four days a week.

The last thought:

Severe sunburns during childhood increase the risk of developing of skin cancer later in life. It is important for children to use sunscreen and have protection from the sun.

Jessica Salerno is a contributing writer. Feedback and comments welcome at editor@healthynewalbany.org.

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