Protection beyond sunscreen

​

There are several ways to protect the skin of the whole body against the sun's UVA and UVB rays - precisely the ultraviolet rays that can cause malignant tumors. It is important to point out that sun protection should be done both during leisure time and when working under the sun.

​

In the case of workers who carry out their activity outdoors, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, clothing that covers a large part of the body and sunscreen, are mandatory every day to prevent exposure. prolonged use brings health problems.

​

Know and understand the ways you can protect yourself from the sun's rays:

​

Clothes that cover the body well

​

Any clothing offers sun protection. When we expose ourselves to the sun wearing a t-shirt, for example, the area covered by the fabric does not suffer burns.

​

For those who work outdoors or under the sun, this protection is quite important. But attention: what makes all the difference is the spacing between the fibers of the fabric. The smaller the spacing (that is, the tighter the mesh), the greater the protection.

​

Wide brimmed hats

​

Just like clothes, hats will always protect your head to some degree. Straw, fabric and fibers are ideal for this region of the body, protecting against the sun's rays. For those who work outdoors, the cap, for example, is another personal protective equipment (PPE) that cannot be missed in the routine.

​

Sunglasses with UV lenses

​

It is essential, when putting a pair of sunglasses on your face, that your lenses offer protection against ultraviolet rays. There are records of melanomas inside the eyeball. This area of the face should also be protected and the eyes should not be exposed to direct sunlight. This means that it is to stay away from sunglasses of dubious origin and "replicas" of designer models, as they are usually made only for aesthetic interests, without any concern for health.

​

Sunblock

​

In addition to other items that contribute to sun protection, the filter remains a product of prime importance, both for leisure and for work. It is recommended that physical sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 be used. The metals present in these filters reflect the sun's rays, and the products have a longer shelf life.

​

The correct thing is to apply the sunscreen twice a day: in the morning, before starting the day's tasks, and after lunch.

​

Shelter from shadows and trees

​

Even wearing the right clothes, hats, glasses and filters, it's not healthy to be under the sun continuously; the ideal is to look for and use the shadows as much as possible.

​

respect schedules

​

Between 10 am and 4 pm, ultraviolet rays are at their peak radiation. Therefore, exposure to the sun should be avoided in this time range. This goes for everyone, including workers who have all the recommended PPE equipment.

​

early diagnosis

​

There are three types of skin cancer: ocular basal carcinoma (more common and easier to cure), squamous cell carcinoma (medium incidence) and melanoma (the most serious and, thankfully, rarer type). In either case, the disease is curable if detected at an early stage.

​

But if skin cancer is discovered in more advanced stages, the consequences can be drastic. It can range from cancer metastasis to internal organs to ear and nose amputations.

​

Childhood protection impacts adulthood

​

Those who have children should always be aware of the sun protection of the little ones, in addition to their own. That's because it will have consequences in the future. Most adult melanomas are related to childhood sunburn.

​

In addition, it is in childhood that the habits that we carry for the rest of our lives are formed. Having the habit of protecting yourself against the damage of the sun's rays from a young age becomes an act as natural as brushing your teeth, for example. This healthy routine will contribute to the prevention of skin cancer during adulthood.

​

From six months of age onwards, protection - not just with sunscreen, but putting into practice all other ways to avoid the sun's rays, including, when necessary, the use of PPE - needs to be constant, especially on the face, on the back. hands and lap.

Prevention in childhood is synonymous with safety in adult life.

​

medical evaluation is  important that always  Happens: People with no personal or family history of skin cancer can see an appointment once a year. As for those with a history, the orientation is that the consultations are biannual. Taking care of your health is essential.