Sunburns
in Winter
January 1, 2004
Dear HouseCall Docs:
Can you tell me if there is really a link between sunburns and
skin cancer? Should I wear sunscreen even in the winter?
Vicki – Pinecrest, CA
Vicki, that’s a great question, and the answer is a definite
YES. Let’s talk a little about the dangers of sun exposure
and its relationship to skin cancer.
Protecting your skin from the sun is a must even in the winter.
The damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate cloud cover and are
not affected by temperature. UV radiation is also reflected or
scattered by different surfaces. Snow, for example, can reflect
as much as 80 percent of UV radiation and UV levels increase significantly
as altitude increases. Winter sports such as skiing may result
in as intense a dose of UV exposure as a day at the beach. The
best form of protection from the sun is avoidance. When you are
outside, the best form of protection is clothing that has been
rated for UV protection. Sunscreen is beneficial in reducing the
penetration of the sun’s harmful rays, though just how beneficial
is controversial. Don’t be fooled into thinking that just
because you’ve slathered yourself with sunscreen that it’s
ok to soak up as much sun as you’d like. It could be a costly
mistake.
Skin cancer occurs as a result of the long-term effects of over
exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. UV rays damage
skin cells, which can ultimately lead to one of three types of
skin cancer: basal cell carinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and
malignant melanoma. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer
in the United States. 1.3 million Americans are diagnosed with
one form or another each year. Fortunately, skin cancers are mostly
preventable and highly curable if found and treated early.
Several risk factors increase the chance of skin cancer, but everyone
is at risk of developing it. Some of these risk factors include:
having fair skin that freckles easily; living in warm climates
with high sun exposure and/or high altitudes; occupational exposure,
such as working outdoors; overall lifetime exposure to the sun;
and having many moles. There may also be a genetic predisposition
to certain types of skin cancer.
Skin cancer, especially melanoma, has the potential to be deadly.
By taking steps to prevent sun damage and detect symptoms early
you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
A very real example of the tragic reality of skin cancer is the
story of Darren Lee Farwell, who died of malignant melanoma on
September 14, 2001 at the age of 32. Darren lived in Sonora and
left behind a wife and 3 young children. He developed malignant
melanoma at the age of 27 due to the effects of repeated sunburns
during his youth. After his death his wife and friends created
a foundation in his name to educate people about the dangers of
sun exposure and to promote healthy lifestyles. The Darren Lee
Farwell Foundation sponsors an annual fundraiser at Dodge Ridge
Ski Resort to raise money for this important cause. For more information
please visit their web site- www.dlffoundation.com or call 866-INFO-DLF.
If you have any questions please send them to us at docs@twainhartetimes.com.
Until then stay healthy and happy.
Dr. Matt and Dr. Bob
Bob Uslander, MD and Matthew Personius, MD founded Sierra HouseCalls
Medical Group, a local company providing at-home physician visits
to the Tuolumne County area. Ph: 209-532-4287.
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