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Skin 101: Use of sun screen in the Rocky Mountains is so important that we consider it up there with such protections as seatbelts and helmets. The fact that we play at altitude (usually >8000 feet) increases our chance of having skin related damage thus putting us at higher risk of skin cancers including melanoma. These risks occur in summer and in winter, made exponentially worse in winter by reflection from the snow. Immediate effects include sun tan (or as one local oncologist says “there is no such thing as sun tan, only sun damage”) and sun burn. Prevention is our safest bet and we would suggest besides avoiding sun by limiting time in it, you should, when outside, be using hats and long sleeves/pants to help block the suns rays.
Sun screen with an SPF of greater or equal to 30 with FREQUENT and thick application also helps. Protection of your eyes from radiation, reflected glare and ultra violet light with quality sun glasses is also very important. IF for some reason you do get sunburned you can use anti-inflammatory agents and cool water soaks or compresses for pain relief. You should see a physician immediately if the burn is severe or the corneas are involved.
As mentioned before, chronically sun exposed skin is at much higher risk for skin cancers. You should check your skin on a regular basis for moles that change.The ABCD’s of skin cancer may be helpful in deciding when to seek medical advice on a mole. Look for; A- asymmetry (any pigmented lesion that is different from the rest), B- boarders (if the pigmented lesion has irregular boarders), C- color and change (look especially at red, white, blue and black lesions particularly if they are changing in any way), D- diameter (check to see if they are bigger than the eraser on a pencil). If you note any lesions with the above characteristics then see a health care professional to get it evaluated. Always remember, PREVENTION is the most important part of skin care.
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