Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Dermatology Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Pertev Niyal Bodamyalızade stated that it has been known for years that excessive exposure to sunlight is the most important factor in the development of skin cancer. Bodamyalızade expressed that continous sun exposure can lead to basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, on the other hand, intermittent intense sun exposure which causes burns is responsible for the development of melanoma known as ‘mole cancer’.
Dermatology Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Pertev Niyal Bodamyalızade stated that non-melanoma skin cancers are the most common type of cancer in the world and about 1 million new cases are detected each year, and also stated that the risk of developing other types of skin cancer is between 30 to 10 percent.
Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Dermatology Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Pertev Niyal Bodamyalızade explained that habits such as going on frequent holidays, using solariums as well as dressing habit needs to change, as it increases the development of skin cancers caused by sun and sun ray exposures. Bodamyalızade also pointed out that another reason for this is the increase of harmful sun rays that reach the surface of the earth due to the ozone layer depletion. Being open to the damage of the sun rays which leads to skin cancers, is also shown to be the most important reason for aging. Dermatology Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Pertev Niyal Bodamyalızade listed the possible consequences of excessive exposure to sunlight: ‘’Sunburs may develop, your skin may age prematurely, spots may form on your skin, dryness, thickening and a dull appearance will ocur on your skin, fine wrinkles and lines will increase, the skins immune system will weaken and skin cancers will start to develop’’.
People living in regions with sunny climates are at risk
Bodamyalızade listed the people who are within the risk groups as the following; ‘’People with fair skin, green eyes, red-blonde hair, freckles or skin type that can easily develop sunburn, people who have been exposed to intense sunlight for a long period of time or intermittently, people with a family history of skin cancer (2 times more at risk), those who have a lot of moles and an abnormal appearance, those who live in sunny climatic zones, children and those who work mostly outdoors. “
Sunscreen products should contain both UVB and UVA
Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Dermatology Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Pertev Niyal Bodamyalızade explained that an ideal sunscreen product protects the skin from both UVB and UVA rays and has a cosmetically acceptable structure. Also stated the characteristics of a good sunscreen product as the following; Creams that provide broad spectrum with a protection factor (SPF) 30 or more should be used, and should be water- and sweat-resistant. It should not cause problems such as itching, redness, burning and should not cause the development of comedones. It should not create an opaque – white appearance on the skin. It should be applied 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least 2 hours later.
Pay attention to the following while sunbathing
Dermatology Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Pertev Niyal Bodamyalızade finally emphasized that there is no sunbathing form that can be recommended in terms of skin health, but for those who want to sunbathe, suggested the following: Avoid sunbathing between 10.00-16.00, when the sun rays are the highest. Due to the possible effects of sunlight on the eye, sunglasses with ultraviolet rays should be used. Since some cosmetics such as deodorant, cologne or perfume applied to the skin causes the formation of stain in the area where they are applied due to the sun, such products should never be applied to the skin. It should be kept in mind that some antibiotics and painkillers may increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun and cause sun allergy and sunburn. “