Social habits are changing: we now do more outdoor leisure activities than in the past, and because of climate change we wear lighter clothes and end up exposing our skin to the sun more. This leads to an increased risk of skin diseases, and above all, skin cancer; a disease that, fortunately, can be treated if detected in time. But… what can we do to prevent it?
Hundreds of patients with skin problems come to the Dermatology Service of the Igualada University Hospital every year. The consultations are very varied: from atopic dermatitis or acne in the case of children and adolescents, to dermatitis or psoriasis in the case of the elderly. But there are two diseases that particularly worry dermatologists: sexually transmitted diseases, which are becoming increasingly common, and skin cancer, whether it is melanoma or other types of cancer such as lymphoma or carcinoma. All of these diseases can be diagnosed and treated at the Igualada Hospital.
The sun has its effect
Since January, David Vidal has been head of the Dermatology Department at the University Hospital of Igualada. He explains that the saying “the skin has a memory” is absolutely true, since sun exposure accumulates throughout life and the damage it causes to the skin is irreversible. “Exposure to the sun has consequences, and even if they are not immediate, they eventually affect us negatively,” explains Dr. Vidal. For this reason, children and the elderly, who have more fragile skin, must be protected in particular, either with clothing or with sunscreen. As the saying goes: prevention is better than cure.
A team of skin specialists
If you experience skin discomfort or notice a change in the colour or shape of freckles, you should go to your doctor for an evaluation. At the CAP de l’Anoia there is a primary dermatology reference, that is, a doctor specialising in skin, and if the case is more complex, the patient is referred to the Dermatology Service of the University Hospital of Igualada. There, in addition to the entire team of dermatologists, at the Consorci Sanitari de l’Anoia there is also a nurse specialising in dermatology, a character known as “advanced practice nurse” with special training who acts as a link between the patient and the hospital and can help with medication management and resolve patient doubts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sunbathing good or bad?
The sun is a source of health (it gives us vitamin D which is good for bone health, mental health…) but you have to be very careful with radiation. Too much sun is harmful.
What is the best time of day to sunbathe?
It is not recommended to sunbathe between noon and 5 pm. If we have to be exposed to the sun in this area, we must protect ourselves with clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
What is the appropriate protection factor?
It all depends on your skin type and exposure time, but the most recommended is to use an SPF 50.
When should I apply the cream?
The cream should be applied 10 minutes before sunbathing and reapplied every two hours.
What are the warning signs of skin cancer?
When the lesion changes color, shape, grows, or bleeds, you should see a doctor.
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