Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer— a timely reminder for island beachgoers and hikers alike to practice sun safety under Hawaii’s intense rays.
Summer is around the corner, and so are more sunburns. Sunburns can be painful and dangerous. In Hawaii, outdoor enthusiasts implement various strategies to practice sun safety, such as wearing hats, donning lengthy sleeves, applying sunscreen, and scheduling physical activities when solar intensity is lower. However, one critical step often overlooked is consulting a dermatologist.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a yearly reminder to raise awareness of all the risks of overexposure to the sun. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is increasing in the U.S., and it’s essential to be proactive about protection and detection.
JoAnn Lepke, board-certified Nurse Practitioner at DermaCare in Kapaa, whose office offers total body skin exams and skin cancer detection and treatments, explains that sun protection is key to enjoying the summer.
“Skin health is too often overlooked and taken for granted,” said Lepke. “Many still believe that being brown from the sun is evidence of a healthy lifestyle, when in fact, it is evidence of significant exposure to solar radiation. Solar radiation includes visible light, ultraviolet light, infrared, radio waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. Too much solar radiation can alter DNA and eventually cause skin cancer.
“People are advised to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater daily on the face, ears, and neck. We get lots of unrecognized exposure in our cars, running errands, etc., even on cloudy days. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing is a great way to protect the body, and it can actually cool the skin better than uncovered exposed skin.”
“We live in a warm, sunny climate that encourages outdoor activities. This is a good thing! However, protecting the skin during outdoor activities and daily is living is the right thing to do,” she added.
This Saturday, the Kauai Museum will host the Hawaiian Health Fair, an event dedicated to promoting Women’s Health and Hawaiian Music in partnership with the Hawaii State Department of Health. This occasion presents an excellent opportunity for residents, including children, to engage with local professionals and gather insights on wellness and history.
Lepke recommends residents engage in events with healthcare professionals regarding safe sun practices, as individual skin types vary significantly, and advises everyone to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist at least once a year.
“Primary care providers, general surgeons, and women’s health providers are now making referrals to dermatology for skin exams and evaluation of suspicious lesions, which is helping to increase awareness,” added Lepke.
“Schools should be encouraging sun-safe behavior, including sunscreen use and the value of UPF clothing. Unfortunately, social media puts out lots of information, some of which is misinformation.
“This is all too prevalent, and many people believe everything they read without considering the source of the content. Having more “hits” or “likes” does not qualify the broadcaster as an “expert” in the topic they are commenting on. I see many people more often than that because their skin condition warrants more frequent observation,” she said.
Residents interested in a total body skin exam with Lepke can visit dermacarehi.com. For more information on the Free Hawaiian Health Fair at the Kauai Museum on Saturday, May 24, visit kauaimuseum.org.
Source: The Garden Island