If you don't protect your skin from the sun's rays, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer. This is increasingly fatal.
In Germany, the number of deaths from skin cancer has risen by more than half within 20 years. According to the Federal Statistical Office, there were about 2001 such deaths in 2600, while in 2021 about 4100 people died from them. Older people are particularly affected: 50 percent of those who died of skin cancer in 2021 were 80 years or older. More than a third of those who died were at least 85 years old. Increasing life expectancy, a lack of awareness of the problem decades ago, and a lack of sun protection are contributing to the trend. This makes it all the more important to protect yourself properly from the sun. A dermatologist reveals how you can best protect yourself.
Prevent skin cancer: dermatologist gives tips on how to properly protect yourself from sun exposure
In Germany, the number of deaths from skin cancer has more than doubled within the last 20 years. Sun protection is therefore essential. (Symbolic image) © Science Photo Library/IMAGO
We should protect our skin not only on vacation or in strong sunlight, but generally when you are outside, dermatologist Dr. Christian Drerup explains to Focus Online. In addition, a high sun protection factor in sun or day creams "should not tempt you to mindlessly sunbathe". Because: "The sun protection factor shown on the packaging only indicates how long the negative effects of UV radiation, i.e. sunburn, can be delayed," warns the expert. Even though the required sun protection factor depends on the skin type and can be calculated with the planned time in the sun, as a dermatologist he always recommends his patients to use sun protection factor 50 as a matter of principle.
The dermatologist also knows that many people cannot properly assess how much sunscreen to use. But especially with sun sprays, there is a great risk that too little will be applied: "If you only use about half of the recommended amount, you reduce the sun protection factor by up to two-thirds. Further protection is lost through swimming or abrasion." He therefore recommends that every adult apply about four heaped tablespoons of cream, i.e. 2mg per cm², with each sunbath. This corresponds to about three bottles of sunscreen for a week's beach holiday if you reapply cream after swimming – i.e. three times a day.
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"There is no such thing as a healthy tan": Dermatologist refutes myth and gives tips for sunburn
In addition, the dermatologist refutes the myth of a "healthy" tan. These simply do not exist. "Every tan on the skin is a sign of UV skin damage. The pigment-forming skin cells only react with tanning to prevent further UV damage," explains Drerup. If the skin suffers from sunburn, the expert advises relieving the pain by cooling. "Moist compresses or cooling creams and lotions help very well in most cases," says Drerup. Ice packs, on the other hand, can cause further damage due to the direct cold on the skin and are therefore not recommended.
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This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.