When we talk about skin cancer, we always imagine a situation whereby we are somewhere under the hot sun exposed directly to UV rays. However, did you know that you still run the risk of skin cancer even if you spend all your time indoors or away from the sun?
It sounds unfair that you cannot escape these monster rays, but it is the sad reality.
Nevertheless, the good news is that skin cancer, if caught early is curable. That is why you should make regular visits to a skin clinic for skin checks regardless of your age.
When you visit the Australian skin clinic next to Tweed, you will receive a comprehensive skin check to identify any signs of skin cancer. If there is cause for alarm, the qualified practitioners will advise you on the best way forward.
How can you be exposed to Ultraviolet (UV) rays without knowing? Here are 7 ways:
1. UV rays can penetrate indoors through glass
You are not so lucky if you are sitting indoors behind glass windows. Although glass does absorb some UV rays, some amount can also penetrate through glass and give you a suntan.
UV rays can also get into your car through the windows. If your windshield is not made up of two glass layers with plastic lamination to block UV rays, you need to rethink your windows.
Another indoor setting that puts you at a high risk of getting sun damage from UV rays is on a plane! UV radiation increases as you rise.
There are various ways you can protect yourself from UV radiation indoors. These include:
- Using a UV protective film on your windows.
- Sit further from an open window.
- Use sunscreen all the time and go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Also Read: Why do pharma companies raise prices?
2. Sun rays can still harm your skin up to four hours after you moved indoors
Unfortunately, the sun is stronger than we think and you are not safe indoors either. According to research done at Yale University, the sun’s energy absorbed into your skin when you are outdoors can move to nearby cells and cause mutations which can lead to cancer. The damage that your skin suffers from absorbed sun rays is by far the greatest. To reduce the damage, you can do some topical treatment like applying evening creams to ease the symptoms of sunburns. Ultimately though, you need to protect yourself from the sun by putting on long-sleeved clothes when it is extremely sunny and a protective sunscreen.
3. On rainy and cloudy days
You may be surprised to know that even when it is raining so heavily that you cannot see the sun; you still need to put on sun protection.
Sun rays can penetrate through cloud and fog, leaving you exposed.
4. Sporting at higher altitudes
If you are a lover of skiing and snowboarding, it is good to know that in those cold temperatures where there seems to be no sun in sight, you can still get exposed to UV rays.
Snow can reflect at most 80% of the sun’s UV rays, meaning that you are at risk of skin damage. The situation is worsened by the fact that you are sporting at a higher altitude, which is much closer to the rays of the sun.
When going for such sports, ensure that you have protective eyeglasses. Also, put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen and ensure you cover your ears, neck, and chin.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide To Maintaining A Healthy Thyroid
5. In nail salon dryers
If you are a fan of manicures and pedicures, you will not love the news that those dryers used in the salons are wreaking havoc on your skin. The UV dryers predominantly emit UV radiation which can damage your skin.
To protect your skin, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least one hour before you get into a dryer. Better yet, air dry your nails!
Other Factors That Expose You to Skin Cancer
There are various other factors that can put you at risk of skin cancer including:
- Regular X-rays.
- Exposure to chemicals and carcinogens such as arsenic, paraffin, coal, nickel, vinyl chloride, benzene, among others.
- Scars from diseases or burns.
- Skin tanning in tan salons.
- High exposure to fluorescent lighting especially from defective bulbs.
Final Words
Holistic health is no longer about eating right and working out but also learning to detect and prevent diseases before they progress. Cancer has especially become prevalent today, with skin cancer being the leading type of cancer in Australia.
When you visit a skin clinic, you not only get your skin checked. Health professionals will also educate you on the most appropriate way to do a self-examination and tell you the sure signs to look out for to identify early signs of cancer.
UV rays can find you where you least expect it. How often do you go for skin checks? Ensure you schedule regular visits!
