LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - With summer weather and temperatures approaching, a reminder to take care of yourself and your family when it comes to sun exposure.
Spending time outside is a part of the summer season but with that comes the risk of exposure to UV rays and potentially skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are ways to protect yourself from skin cancer and excessive sun exposure like clothing with longer sleeves, hats and sunglasses. For sunscreen, doctors recommend an SPF of 15 or higher and research shows higher SPFs are even more affective.
There are ways to protect yourself from skin cancer and excessive sun exposure like clothing with longer sleeves, hats and sunglasses.
"SPF, or sun protection factor, is usually how we grade different sunscreen lotions that you can use," said Dr. Austin Bracy, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Mercy Health St. Ritas. "There's a lot of research behind what degree or what SPF level you should use; the efficacy of the SPF 50 is around 98%, and actually seems to be probably the most cost effective for the efficacy of the sunscreen itself. You can usually use any SPF, it just depends on how much you apply as well."
If you have questions about your skin or lesions concerning skin cancer you can visit Dr. Bracy and the Mercy Health staff at the Eastside Urgent Care at 967 Bellefontaine Avenue in Lima.
