Poll |
Poll Question: What skin type do you have? |
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| Type 1: You burn easily and severely; rarely tan. |
   2 (100%) |
| Type 2: You usually burns easily; tan minimally. |
0 (0%) |
| Type 3: You burn moderately and tan gradually. |
0 (0%) |
| Type 4: You burn minimally; tan easily. |
0 (0%) |
| Type 5: You rarely burn; tan easily and well. |
0 (0%) |
| Type 6: You burn only with severe UV exposure. |
0 (0%) |
| Total votes: 2 |
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Author |
Topic: Photosensitivity (Read 415 times) |
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Sara
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Photosensitivity
« Thread started on: Jun 7th, 2006, 12:51am » |
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Knowing your skin type can help you prevent skin cancer. Unfortunately, I have a high risk, having been burnt several times and having Type 1 skin. I just wanted to see how we all measure up.
However, the real risk comes in when you have a very bad blistering sunburn. Luckily, none of my sunburns have really blistered...only peeled.
One thing that can't be stressed enough is if you see any suspicious looking mark on your body, get it checked out. You might look a bit like a hypochondriac (sp?) but it's better to be safe than sorry! 
For more information on skin cancer, go to http://www.skincancer.org/.
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| « Last Edit: Jun 7th, 2006, 8:08pm by Sara » |
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As I lay me down to sleep, yes I pray that you will hold me dear. Though I'm far away, I'll whisper your name into the sky, and I will wake up happy.
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EndingTheSilence
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Re: Photosensitivity
« Reply #1 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 2:10pm » |
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Thanks for the tips.
I definately agree with you though. Skin cancer in many cases can be prevented by wearing sunscreen and reporting suspicious marks.
The rule of thumb is if a new mole appears on your body that is bigger than the eraser on a pencil. Have it checked. The other rule is if it is asymetrcal - irregularly shaped or if it has several colors.
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EndingTheSilence
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Re: Photosensitivity
« Reply #2 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 2:19pm » |
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I found the questions to think about when evaluating moles. The ABCDE's of skin cancer detection
Asymmetry
If you draw a line through this mole, the two halves will not match, meaning it is asymmetrical, a warning sign for melanoma.
Border
The borders of an early melanoma tend to be uneven. The edges may be scalloped or notched.
Color
Having a variety of colors is another warning signal. A number of different shades of brown, tan or black could appear. A melanoma may also become red, white or blue.
Diameter
Melanomas usually are larger in diameter than the size of the eraser on your pencil (1/4 inch or 6 mm), but they may sometimes be smaller when first detected.
Evolving
When a mole is evolving, see a doctor. Any change — in size, shape, color, elevation, or another trait, or any new symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting — points to danger.
Pictures available at: http://www.skincancer.org/self_exam/look_for.php
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Sara
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Of all the colors that I shine, this is surely not my best.
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Re: Photosensitivity
« Reply #3 on: Jun 8th, 2006, 7:01pm » |
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Thanks for posting more tips, Lanie.
More tips for staying safe in the sun are:
*Cover up with clothing. Clothing is your number one barrier between your skin and the sun. Use tightly-woven fabrics that the rays can't seep through.
*If wearing revealing clothing, wear sunscreen/sunblock. Also, don't skimp on it. Wear at least two good ounces of it.
*Wear a hat to protect your scalp and face, although you should put sunblock on your face too. You really don't want a sunburn in the part of your hair!
In case you do get sunburnt, here are some fool-proof (tried-and-true) tips for relief:
*A cool shower or bath will temporarily cool it.
*Keep it moisturized with aloe. Also, store your aloe in the fridge; it's so soothing to have cool aloe applied to a sunburn.
*Drink plenty of water. The heat in your skin will zap the hydration from you, so stay hydrated.
*Don't use harsh soaps on your sunburn, and rub VERY lightly with your washcloth when bathing; try not to irritate the burn too much.
On the Internet, you can find many home remedies. Just use common sense - if something seems like it would do more harm than good, use common sense and don't do it.
Some things that can't be stressed enough about helping a sunburn: DO NOT use butter or petroleum jelly, this will only hold heat in, which is something you REALLY don't wanna do! And stay out of the sun, for sure. Remember, it can take a little over a week (maybe even longer) for a sunburn to heal up but it can take SIX MONTHS for the skin to completely return to normal, so after you get one sunburn, follow the sun safety tips above to protect your skin in the future!
I hope these all help!
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| « Last Edit: Jun 8th, 2006, 7:04pm by Sara » |
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As I lay me down to sleep, yes I pray that you will hold me dear. Though I'm far away, I'll whisper your name into the sky, and I will wake up happy.
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Sara
Global Moderator
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Of all the colors that I shine, this is surely not my best.
Gender:
Posts: 49
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Re: Photosensitivity
« Reply #4 on: Jun 11th, 2006, 1:49pm » |
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I made a sun safety website.
It's nothing really big or fancy, but it gives lots of information about sun safety, if I do say so myself.
I just thought I'd post a link here so if anyone wants to go to it they can.
Edit (1/8/09): Nevermind. They shut AOL Hometown down here a few months back so the site no longer exists. 
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| « Last Edit: Jan 8th, 2009, 1:16pm by Sara » |
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As I lay me down to sleep, yes I pray that you will hold me dear. Though I'm far away, I'll whisper your name into the sky, and I will wake up happy.
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