After a long, cold winter many South Dakotans are getting outdoors and enjoying some sunshine. Health officials say that even with the seemingly short summer, South Dakotans still have significant exposure to the sun - and their skin can be at risk from its damaging effects.
Spearfish Dermatologist Dr. Chris Gasberre says ultra-violet rays from the sun are carcinogens that can cause skin cancer – but there are ways to enjoy the sun safely.
“The first is to seek shade and to remember that the highest intensity of UV is found between 10 am and 2 pm. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and use sunscreen. We generally recommend a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF or sun protection factor, of at least thirty on all exposed skin,” says Gasbarre.
Gasbarre says there is no safe way to get a tan. He says parents cannot rely only on sunscreen to keep their children and infants safe. He says if growths or lesions on the skin get bigger, bleed, or change it’s a good idea to get them checked by a medical professional.