By Julia Ai, MD

Julia Ai, MD Julia Ai, MD, (pronounced Eye) opened Bella Dermatology in April at Vista Medical Terrace, 2345 E. Prater Way, Suite 205, Sparks. Dr. Ai offers skin cancer screenings, allergy patch testing, treatment and surgery for skin cancer and other skin diseases and a full spectrum of cosmetic dermatology services. For more information or an appointment, please call 331-2882. See the calendar for details on Dr. Ai's August 21 presentation on nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.

Summertime activities expose our skin to long hours of bright sunshine. Damage after many years of excessive sun exposure often is the underlying cause of skin cancer in older people. Studies have shown that reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation decreases the incidence of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

Follow these tips from the American Academy of Dermatology to protect your skin:

• Our region's high elevation and more than 300 sunny days annually pose a greater risk for skin cancer. Every morning, apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
• Use 1 ounce (about a shot-glass size) to properly cover exposed areas of your body. Take care to completely cover face, ears, hands and arms.
• Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 that provides broad-spectrum protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
• Apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and reapply after water sports or sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreens lose effectiveness after 80 minutes in the water, and all sunscreen can wash off with water.
• Wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and sun-protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
• Schedule outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon because the sun's rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Seek shade in the middle of the day.
• Follow the "Shadow Rule" -- If your shadow is longer than you are, then you are safer from the sun. When your shadow is shorter than you are tall, the sun can burn you.
• Be even more careful in the water, sand and at higher elevations such as ours because the sun's rays are even stronger, increasing chances of sunburn.
• Childhood sunburn poses increased risk for skin cancer in later years. Keep children safe in the sun by using shade, covering them up with sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, hats and sunscreen.
• Avoid getting sunburned because five sunburns or more doubles your risk of developing skin cancer.
• Avoid getting ultraviolet exposure from tanning beds.

Annual exams encouraged
Along with scheduling an appointment for a yearly full skin exam with a dermatologist, check your birthday suit on your birthday. Follow the ABCDEs as danger signs for spots on your skin. If you have any spots that concern you, see a dermatologist.

• Asymmetry -- one half of the spot is unlike the other half
• Border -- irregular, uneven, ragged, notched or blurred borders
• Color -- a single spot with different colors such as shades of tan, brown, black, white, red or blue that vary from one area to another
• Diameter -- a spot that is greater than 6 millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser)
• Evolving -- a spot that is different from other spots or changes, bleeds or itches