All things skin related by Helen King GWT Nurse
Aug 14, 2024
It is recognised that almost all skin cancers are caused by over exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). All skin types can be damaged by UVR, damage is permanent, irreversible, increases with each exposure and can cause death.
Our nurses see dozens of men and women every week with some form of skin cancer or sun damage to their bodies. When they ask about their lifestyle they often tell them that they have been outdoor workers, have worked or lived in hot countries or have enjoyed a lifetime of outdoor sports & leisure. Most of these patients would have had exposure to the sun before we had the knowledge of the dangers that lay ahead. However, having said that they do see a great deal of younger patients and also patients still in their teens and this is on the increase.
In particular, elderly gentlemen are regular attenders to the plastics dressing clinic. Many of them have multiple skin lesions on the head, face and ears probably due to the sun damage sustained during their youth and also their occupation.
Wound healing can be a challenge especially the scalp as the skin and tissue can be ultra thin in some patients. Nurses are often confronted with areas of exposed bone due to the depth of the skin lesion and this requires a great deal of experience, knowledge and skill to achieve wound healing. New lesions are often observed developing during the time that the patients attend for treatment. This starts the process of surgery again so it’s a constant battle for some patients.
Patients all say ….. “if only I’d known”. A sun tan was a sign of good health but this image still is desired among the younger generation of today despite the knowledge that we have due to the extensive research and trials that have been carried out globally.
Around 90% of all skin cancers are caused by damage from UVR, making the disease almost entirely preventable. By adopting simple sun safe practices skin cancer can be prevented and lives saved.
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the UK’s most common cancer, with over 260,000 cases diagnosed annually.
Over the last 25 years, rates of melanoma ( the deadliest form of skin cancer) has risen faster than any other common cancer in Britain.
According to Cancer Research UK, 1 in 36 UK males and 1 in 47 UK females will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in their lifetime and it is now one of the biggest killing cancers in young adults ( aged 15-34 ).
UVB rays reach the outer layer of the skin, ( the epidermis ) they are known as, “burning rays” and are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.
UVB rays penetrate the middle layer of the skin,( the dermis ) they contribute to skin damage and skin cancer and are also responsible for around 80% of the visible signs of ageing.
There is no avoiding the fact that skin cancer is on the increase and it’s a killer. So, before you strip off to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, ask yourself one question:
Am I being sun safe, or am I dying to get a tan ? When it comes to UV exposure the message is clear - There is no safe way to get a tan!!!
Sunburn is bad news at any age and the dangers go way beyond the short - term pain, swelling and redness. Sunburn, particularly in childhood or adolescence is strongly linked to the development of Melanoma in later life.
When the skin absorbs UV radiation, it can damage the genetic material in the skin cells, causing them to mutate, grow out-of-control and develop skin cancer.
Sunburn, reddening, peeling and even tanning of the skin is a clear indication of sun damage. The simple fact that our skin changes colour is a warning sign that lets us know our body is working hard to defend itself from the harmful effects of the sun.
The UV index is a 5 category solar UV forecast. The higher the number, the stronger the UVR and less time it takes damage to occur.
When the UV index reaches 3 or above, sun protection measures should be taken.
Check the UV index by using the SKCIN APP. The app will give you the current UV index and two day hourly forecast with sun protection advice and handy reminders!
Remember, it’s not just sunbathing that puts you at risk. If you take part in outdoor hobbies or work outdoors, you could be at greater risk.
Make sure you use all five S’s of sun safety and NEVER allow your skin to burn!
1. SLIP on clothing - your first line of defence!
2. SLOP on SPF 30+, 4 or 5 star UVA sunscreen.
3. SLAP on a wide brimmed hat.
4. SLIDE on quality sunglasses.
5. SHADE from the sun when possible.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK OF SKIN CANCER?
All skin types can get skin cancer, however, those at greater risk tend to fall into one or more of the following categories:
* Fairer skin types that burn more easily
* Lots of moles and / or freckles
* A history of sunburn ( particularly in childhood)
* A history of tanning and / or sunbed use
* Outdoor workers
* A family history of skin cancer / melanoma
Early Detection: It is important to regularly check your skin for signs of change to detect cancer early. It could save your life!
The sooner skin cancer is identified and treated, the better your chance of avoiding surgery or in the case of melanoma, potential disfigurement or even death. If detected and treated early, almost all skin cancers, including melanoma, are curable.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK and worldwide.
Basal Cell Carcinoma ( BCC ) is the most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer. The majority occur on exposed skin such as the face, neck & ears. Look out for pearly, shiny lumps, an ulcer or dry patch of skin that won’t heal. BCCs if left untreated can cause local invasion.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ( SCC ) the majority of these often are found on the face, ears, lips and hands. Look for hard, scaly, white or a skin coloured lump, nodule or non-healing sore. SCC rarely spreads but in some cases can become life threatening.
Detecting Melanoma - Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma most commonly appear as a new mole or within an existing mole or freckle. Left untreated, it can spread and form new cancers around the body, not just areas exposed to UV.
Contact your doctor if you develop any of these signs:
* if a mole or freckle changes shape, particularly getting an irregular outline.
* if it changes colour / gets darker, becomes patchy or multi shaded.
* if it gets bigger or a new spot, mark or mole is growing quickly.
* if it starts to itch, gets painful, bleeds or gets crusty and inflamed.
Learn more and take charge with the SKCIN APP a comprehensive, educational and self management tool, empowering individuals of all skin types to take charge of their skin health and surveillance.
Simply go to: app.skin.org and follow the in scree instructions to install the app for free on your mobile device.
This is just an overview of Sun safety and skin cancer. There is a booklet that has been produced by a national skin cancer awareness charity, SKCIN:
The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity
Registered Charity No: 1150048
For further information visit: www.skcin.org