2024-05-08 06:11:40
Last summer, Western Europe suffered from a hellish heat wave. The Acropolis, which is particularly popular with tourists in Greece, was even temporarily closed. The message is clear: when the thermometers rise above 40 degrees, it’s better not to stick your nose outside at all.
“The climate is changing and the summers in Lithuania are getting warmer. Vacationers should be told that elsewhere in Europe, for example, Italy and France, it is significantly hotter and the sun is significantly stronger,” observes dermatovenerologist prof. Dr. Matilda Bylaitė-Bučinskienė.
On hot days, you should drink more fluids, choose clothes that cover as much of your body as possible, and don’t forget a hat and sunglasses.
Prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė advises to apply sun cream on the exposed parts of the body. SPF 50+ should be applied to the face, nose, neck, scalp and hands, while SPF 30 is suitable for the rest of the skin.
The sun is most active between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the time when you should avoid its direct rays. Especially if the solar weather forecast shows a high (8-10) solar ultraviolet (UV) index.
Warns vacationers
“It will hurt and it will go away” is a dangerous attitude towards sunburn. UV rays are harmful to the skin and their exposure increases the risk of cancer.
“Skin cancer is often caused by our inappropriate behavior in the sun,” warns prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė.
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer. About 350 new cases of skin melanoma are diagnosed in Lithuania per year. The disease occurs more often in women than in men. Unfortunately, the number of sick people will increase.
“There are predictions that by 2030 there will be a significant increase in melanoma diagnoses. The whole world is preparing for an increase in morbidity and mortality from melamona,” says the dermatovenerologist.
According to her, lifestyle changes have contributed to the growing incidence of aggressive skin cancer. In the past, melanoma was the privilege of wealthy nobles.
“Today, practically anyone can buy a cheap flight ticket and go to a country with a warmer climate. The tropical sun is different, you need to be especially careful with it,” advises prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė.
The influence of geographic belt on melanoma risk is illustrated by the example of Australia. Around 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old. Australia is also known as the melanoma capital of the world.
A mole is a sign of melanoma
The doctor advises to examine the skin of the whole body once a month, because an unusual mole makes one suspect melanoma, and detecting the disease early is especially important.
If you notice that the mole has increased in size, changed its color, shape, become asymmetric, its edges are uneven, consult a doctor immediately.
You should be concerned if the mole is the size of a pencil eraser. Suspicions should also arise if a mole looks distinctive, different from the rest of the skin formations.
“We call it the ‘ugly duckling’ trait.” You have many moles, but one of them is visually different. This can be easily identified by a person”, emphasizes prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė.
You should also consult a dermatologist if the skin formation starts to irritate, become rough, flaky, itchy, bleed or urinate.
“People often don’t pay attention to it, but squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma often look like a wound that won’t heal. It is easily irritated, it is enough to hang it with a towel. You are not doing anything wrong, and that place keeps bleeding – this is a sign of cancer,” warns the doctor.
You can look at something, because you cannot reach every patch of the body with your eyes. Household members should also get involved.
“Usually, women in the family examine both their husbands and children. Most often, a woman sends a man to the doctor. A beautician, massage specialist, physiotherapist could also warn. Skin cancer should be known by all these specialists, of course, family doctors as well”, explains prof. M. Bylaitė-Bučinskienė.
She emphasizes that you should consult a doctor at the slightest suspicion. In most cases, the doctor will reassure you that the disease is not a threat, but such a visit is not in vain. Folk wisdom says that there is no shame in being cautious.
2024-05-08 06:11:40