Rain, Rain Go Away - Come Again Another Day!  

 

by: Johanna Hicks

AgriLife Extension Agent     

 

We have certainly been blessed with a lot of rain lately!  However, sunshine is on the way and there are some things we need to keep in mind.  Today's economy presents plenty of challenges, but probably one of the hazards that we think about the least is sun damage to the skin.     

More than 11,000 Americans die each year from skin cancer, according to Dr. David Pariser, Dermatologist and President of the American Academy of Dermatology.  However, when detected early, skin cancer has a cure rate of 99%.  Research shows that farmers are among the least likely workers to receive a skin examination by a physician, which means it is important to perform regular skin self-examinations.        

It's as easy as "ABC" to remember how you can identify a mole or lesion that needs the attention of a dermatologist: Asymmetry (one half is unlike the other) Border (irregular, scalloped or poorly defined) Color (varies from one area to another) Diameter (the size of a pencil eraser or larger) Evolving (changing in size, shape or color)       To help minimize the risk of skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone be sun smart: - Use water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 on all exposed skin before heading outside for long periods of time.  Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days. - Wear long-sleeved shirts, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.  It's difficult to wear long sleeves in the Texas heat, but if you are working outdoors, it is essential! - Stay in the shade when possible.  The sun's rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. - If working near water, snow or sand, take extra precautions because these surfaces reflect the sun's rays and increase chances of sunburn. - Look at your skin regularly and notice any moles or spots changing, growing or bleeding.     

 

 

One in three Texans will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their life, but it is curable if caught early.  Teens especially need to be cautious of indoor tanning.  If you need more color in your skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a self-tanning lotion that uses DHA, a harmless dye that lasts 5 to 7 days.      

The Academy offers a downloadable Body Mole Map with information on how to perform a skin exam and images of the ABCDE's of melanoma.  The mole map is available at www.aad.org/checkspot.       

If you belong to a club, sorority, or other group who would like a program on sun safety, contact me and I'll be glad to come!  

Closing Thought Don't fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things.  The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions:  could have, might have, should have - Louis E Boone        

Johanna Hicks
Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Hopkins County
Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Sciences
1200 Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 Phone: 903-885-3443
Fax: 903-439-4909
e-mail: jshicks@ag.tamu.edu

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