It is July already and many may be planning a family trip to the beach. One of the most dangerous things about this yearly trip is exposure to the sun’s rays. The following information about saving skin from sun damage came from www.familydoctor.org.

Why is the sun so bad for the skin? The sun’s rays, ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB), damage the skin and this leads to early wrinkles, skin cancer and other skin problems. A tan is the body’s desperate attempt to protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays.

Where is skin cancer most likely to occur? Most skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are repeatedly exposed to the sun. These areas include the head, neck, face, tips of the ears, hands, forearms, shoulders, back, chest, and the back and lower legs.

What are the risk factors for skin cancer?

• Fair skin, or red or blond hair
• Light colored eyes
• Sunburning easily
• Having many moles, freckles or birthmarks
• Working or playing outside a lot
• Being in the sun a lot as a child
• Having had a serious sunburn in a lifetime
• Having a family member with skin cancer
• Tanning in the sun or with a sunlamp

What does a normal mole look like? A normal mole is solid, tan, brown, or flesh colored. Its edges are well-defined. It is usually smaller than 1/4 inch in diameter and has a round or oval shape. It should be flat.

How does one tell if a mole is not normal? The main thing to look for is any change in a current mole or the appearance of a new mole. Most normal moles appear by age 30. Any moles that appear after that should be watched carefully and brought to the attention of a doctor.

The ABCDE Rule to determine an abnormal mole:A is for asymmetry: A mole that when divided in half doesn’t look the same on both sides. B is for border: A mole with edges that are blurry or jagged. C is for color: Changes in color of a mole, including darkening, spread of color, loss of color, or the appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple, or gray. D is for diameter: A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter. E is for elevation: A mole that is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface.

Other signs include: a mole that bleeds, is fast-growing, scaly or crusted, or itches.

How to prevent skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun, especially from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Do NOT use tanning booths or sunlamps.
• Wear protective clothing and hats.
• Check skin every month for signs of skin cancer.
• If an area that looks unusual is spotted, ask the family doctor about it.
• Use sunscreen to help protect skin, but do not think there is complete safety because sunscreen is worn.
• Reapply sunscreen often, especially if swimming or sweating.