It is time to celebrate the 4TH of July with some fun in the sun…but don’t forget to protect your skin! A little awareness and some precautions can go a long way to make this holiday weekend safer!
Despite the fact that we have limited exposure to sunny days in NEPA (50%), skin cancer still exists in large numbers. Skin cancer is the most common cause of cancer in the United States. While there are several types of skin cancer and not necessarily all are deadly, procedures to remove these skin cancers are both costly and frequently result in unsightly scars. The most dangerous type of skin cancer, called melanoma, results in an estimated 10,000 deaths per year. The good news? Nearly all skin cancers are preventable!
The majority of skin cancers are caused by harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Two major types are UVA and UVB:
In the field of anti-aging, advertisers make lofty promises for many products that claim to contain or boost collagen. Whether or not these work is a whole other discussion, but what is collagen and what does it have to do with wrinkles?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is found in nearly all tissues and organs, and plays a crucial role in maintaining structural integrity. Unfortunately, collagen production naturally decreases with age. This causes many of the findings we associate with older age, such as sagging skin and wrinkles, as well as joint pain. Collagen also works together with another important protein called elastin, which helps to maintain elasticity – a feature commonly associated with youthful skin.
When exposed to UV rays, these proteins can become damaged. For instance, studies have shown that skin exposed to UV rays increases the expression of proteins called matrix metalloproteinases, or MMPs. You can think of these MMPs as collagen’s enemy, as they cause their degradation. This results in a decrease in collagen’s structural function leading to loose and wrinkled skin. UV rays can also stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species. These are substances such as hydrogen peroxide and bleach, which further cause destruction of skin’s microscopic structure.
So, you’re convinced and have decided to keep your skin healthy and youthful – what next? With so many different products on the market, choosing a daily sunscreen can become a difficult task. Here are a few pointers:
Another consideration when choosing a sunscreen is chemical versus physical blockers:
If preventing skin cancer isn’t incentive enough to wear sunscreen daily and avoid excessive sun exposure (and indoor tanning booths!), then consider the rapid effects on aging the sun’s rays can have. While a tan may look good for a week, avoiding exposure to UV rays will both delay and prevent aging for years.
For more information on skin cancer and prevention, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/) and contact your physician for specific concerns regarding spots on your skin.
Guest Contributor: Eduardo Ortiz, MD, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine 2018
NEXT WEEK! Read Dr. Mackarey’s Health & Exercise Forum – every Monday. This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. For all of Dr. Mackarey's Articles. check out our exercise forum!
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, winter is a fun-filled time for outdoor activities. Many people will be enjoying the outdoors hiking, snow shoe hiking, sledding, down-hill and cross-country skiing, snow-boarding, ice-skating and ice fishing. However, frigid, wind, snow, and sleet can play havoc on your skin. It is critical to be keenly aware of the time spent in the cold no matter what age and to recognize the importance of making skin protection part of your daily regimen throughout the entire year. Dry, red, flaking, itchy and scaly skin can make you crazy and uncomfortable. Furthermore, dry and cracked skin is an opportunity for a variety of bacterial, fungal and viral infections to enter your body.
Excessive use of soap and water in the cold winter months can strip away the skin’s natural oils. Use cleansing creams, gentle skin cleansers or bath lotions with moisturizers instead of harsh soap. Following the use of a good skin product, your shin should feel soft and smooth, not tight or dry. Non detergent fragrance free neutral-pH products are helpful and kind to winter skin. Experiment with several mild soaps such as CetaphilR, AveenoR, NeutrogenaR, BasisR or DoveR until you find the right one for you. Dr. Ted Stampien, MD, a local dermatologist in Clarks Summit, recommends that shower gels should be avoided because they contain alcohol.
One proven method to prevent dry winter skin even when using regular soap is to moisturize your skin immediately after bathing to trap in water in the surface cells and then gently pat dry. For severe dryness, Dr. Stampien also recommends that you apply a second coating of moisturizing cream after you pad dry for further protection. He notes that creams are more moisturizing than lotions or gels. For extremely dry skin apply baby oil or almond or vitamin E oil to moist skin. Also, if your skin is so dry that it itches, apply 1% hydrocortisone to the area followed by a thick moisturizing cream. Try thicker creams such as Eucerin and Lubriderm and use cosmetics with moisturizers.
Many people forget to protect their skin from the sun in the winter. However, when the winter sun is reflected off the snow and ice it can be very strong on an unprotected face, especially the cheeks and lips.
WhWhile SPF 15 is considered adequate protection, dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30 or greater for most people. Choose a sunscreen with ingredients that block both UVB and UVA rays. Apply lotion liberally to all exposed skin before you go outside. Remember to include the lips, ears, and around eyes. Sunscreens are available in lotion, gel, spray, cream and sticks. Some are made fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, or especially for sensitive skin or children. Dr. Stampien states that patients with sensitive skin or eczema typically tolerate sunscreens that contain zinc and titanium oxide such as Blue LizardR, SolbarR and NeutrogenaR and that these patients should avoid sprays and gels as these products usually contain alcohol which can sting upon application.
UVUV-blocking ski goggles or sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. Goggles and sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.
However, the sun is a good source of Vitamin D. Recent studies show that people may be developing Vitamin D deficiency due to over protection from the sun. For those concerned about overprotection from both UVA and UVB rays and becoming Vitamin D deficient, Dr. Stampien, suggests using Vitamin D supplements of 600-1000 IU. He feels that this provides adequate levels of Vitamin D to maintain healthy bones and muscles and may lower the risk of certain cancers.
The longer you soak in water, the more skin oils you lose. Therefore, in the winter it is wise to limit baths and showers to 5 minutes or less and use tepid water. Avoid very hot water. Also, only wash your face once or twice a day in the winter. Cool water wiping without soap is recommended if washing your face more than once per day.
Keep your house temperature at 68-70 degrees and use a portable humidifier with 40-50% humidity levels in rooms that you spend a lot of time in such as the kitchen, TV and bedroom.
Natural fibers such as cotton and silk are skin-friendly. However, DryTech products like those made by Nike and UnderArmor wick sweat away and prevent chaffing when participating in outdoor activities.
As with all matters of health and wellness, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts is essential. Additionally, certain foods such as avocados offer niacin, an inflammation-reducing agent which can improve complexion. Yellow and orange produce such as carrots, cantaloupes and apricots are also recommended. Keep in mind that alcohol and caffeine are diuretics that can cause the body and skin to lose fluid and nutrients. Stay hydrated.
Smoking causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels which limits blood flow of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and other tissues. Daily exercise to improve circulation and adequate sleep to replenish and recharge you body, contribute to health and wellness.
Low humidity and cold temperatures can lead to skin breakdown and cause dry, scaly and uncomfortable feet. Coat your feet generously with lotion and sleep with cotton socks to maintain moisture. Remember, dry and cracked skin can allow bacterial, fungal and viral infections to enter the body.
Skin conditions are often a symptom of a much more serious underlying medical problem. For example, problems with the thyroid, liver, or kidney or cancer can be associated with skin ailments. If problems persist, seek medical attention.
EVERY MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!”
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at GCSOM
For all of Dr. Mackarey's articles visit: Mackarey's Health and Exercise Forum
The time has come again …transitioning from that sun-kissed summer skin to that sense of itchy dryness which takes over during the frigid NEPA winters. For some reason, our skin never seems to feel as good in the winter as is does during the warm summer months. Perhaps when prompted by a healthy dose of vitamin D from the sun, some of us take better care of our skin during the summer months and take extra precaution with sunscreen and moisturizers to maintain its natural glow. Some of us hardly alter our skin care routine and daily habits with the change of seasons and just find our skin to feel healthier in the summer rather than in the winter. Whichever your individual case may be, I have 10 tips that will have your skin looking good and feeling good all winter long.
For more information, refer to the American Academy of Dermatology or www.aad.org.
www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/top-tips-for-healthy-winter-skin.aspx
Mia Woloszyn, MD3 Mia Woloszyn is a native of Madison Twp, PA. She graduated from Scranton Preparatory School in 2015 and attained of Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Scranton in 2019. She is currently a 3rd year medical student at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Her clinical interests include Dermatology, Primary Care, and Preventative Medicine.
NEXT MONDAY – Read Dr. Paul J. Mackarey “Health & Exercise Forum!”
This article is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. If you have questions related to your medical condition, please contact your family physician. For further inquires related to this topic email: drpmackarey@msn.com
For all of Dr. Mackarey's Articles visit: mackareyphysicaltherapy.com/forum/
Paul J. Mackarey PT, DHSc, OCS is a Doctor in Health Sciences specializing in orthopaedic and sports physical therapy. Dr. Mackarey is in private practice and is an associate professor of clinical medicine at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.