Saving your skin

With temperatures in the summer pushing 50°C, you'd think most people would prefer to be in the comfort of air-conditioning. But doctors in Dubai say that more and more of us are spending our days sunbathing - at all times of the year - and that the long-term effects of such a lifestyle are a huge worry. ‘It is a fact that there is an increase in skin cancer cases in Dubai - especially among expatriates from outside of this region,' says Dr Ashraf Reda, a Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services-registered skin cancer expert who has worked in Saudi Arabia, the US, Bahrain and Egypt. A principle factor is that expatriates are not just sunbathing in the cooler months - they are doing so all-year round as they get more comfortable with the temperatures. The amount of time they are exposing their skin to UV [ultraviolet] rays from the sun is lengthy - and it is this exposure that is causing skin cancers to develop.

Some people are spending all day in the sun or cooling off in a swimming pool or in the shade means they are not harming their skin. But the damage is not done by the temperature - it is UV rays penetrating the skin.

Dr Reda also believes myths regarding the use of sunscreen need to be addressed. ‘The absolute minimum factor you need to use is 25. Factor 15 is not protective enough,' he explains. ‘Anything less than 25 will not offer much protection. A total sunblock is best but if people want to use a factor then they need to keep applying all day - even if the bottle suggests just one application is necessary. Applying sunscreen should be taken seriously, as it can mean the difference between staying healthy and not.'

There are basically two types of skin cancer - melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is almost always dark coloured and often grows relatively quickly. It can also occur when moles start changing shape or colour, or when they start to feel itchy and bleed. Non-melanoma poses less of a health risk and mostly comes in the form of a small, painless lump under the skin with a pink or light brown colour. Both can be cured but need to be detected early.

In many hot countries, such as Australia and America, health authorities have invested heavily in public awareness campaigns to reduce the amount of skin cancer cases. In the UAE these types of campaigns have been launched but have been low-key. ‘Having a tan is not a sign someone is healthy - it is a sign they are unhealthy,' says Dr Reda. ‘It is the fashion these days to have a tan, but the reality is that this fashion can put your life at risk.' Source