The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) revealed that many adults may be failing to protect themselves from the sun when participating in outdoor activities other than visiting the beach or the pool. In a new survey, researchers asked over 1,000 adults to respond to questions regarding their sun protection habits. They discovered that although 90% of the respondents reported taking precautionary measures at the beach or pool, 40% and 31% of adults reported not protecting their skin at barbecues and picnics as well as during walks or hikes, respectively. In light of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, experts stressed that as the weather continues to get warmer, individuals should always be thinking about protecting the skin on their faces, necks, arms, and legs from sun damage. To minimize the risk of skin cancer, individuals should spend as much time in the shade as possible when performing outdoor activities, especially between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Further, the experts recommended having sunscreen and sun-protective clothing—such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, pants, and sunglasses with ultraviolet protection—on hand when venturing outdoors. Individuals were urged to regularly self-examine their skin and to visit their dermatologists immediately if they notice any new, changing, itching, or bleeding spots.
May 25, 2023