UV Safety Awareness Throughout Lakeville and Shakopee, MN

Did you know that tanning from the sun is actually a sign of skin damage?

Happy summer! As July comes to an end, we want to recognize the importance of UV Safety Awareness Month. In this blog post, we’ll explain why UV can be so dangerous. Protect your skin in the summer and year-round!

What Is UV?

Spending time outside is important for maintaining wellbeing, but exposure to the sun’s rays can have major health impacts. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your skin and eyes. Damage from UV exposure builds up over time. Also, since UV is a carcinogen, repeated damage increases the risk of skin cancer.

There are two types of UV known to be harmful to humans: UVA and UVB. UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin. UVA is associated with tanning, wrinkles, and skin cancer. UVB affects the outer layers of the skin, causing sunburns. UVB is also associated with skin aging and cancer.

Does UV Cause Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is defined as abnormal cells growing out of control in the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. As the cells grow and mutate, they can multiply rapidly and form tumors. The main causes of skin cancer are UV rays from the sun and tanning beds. The earlier skin cancer is treated, the higher the odds are that treatment will be successful.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer:

• Basal cell carcinoma is usually caused by sun exposure and occurs on body parts that get the most sun.
• BCC appears as skin lesions, which might look like a shiny bump, dark patch, or scaly patch.
• BCC might come back after treatment.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinoma often also develops on areas of the body that have been exposed to the sun.
• SCC may present as a dome-shaped growth, a patch, or a sore.
• SCC can develop within growths, wounds, and scars.

BCC and SCC are nonmelanoma forms of skin cancer. The other form of skin cancer is melanoma:

• Melanocytes make melanin, the pigment that makes skin get darker with tanning.
• Melanoma forms in melanocytes
• Sun exposure and the use of tanning beds can trigger melanoma.

You might have also heard of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer. If you’re concerned that a growth or spot on your skin could be cancerous, make an appointment to visit your dermatologist.

Where Can I Find Skincare?

• Tareen Dermatology has several locations across the state. You can find their Lakeville location at 17305 Cedar Ave, which is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. They offer skin cancer screenings and body skin exams, among other cosmetic, medical, and surgical services. The dermatopathologists who examine biopsies are in-house, which reduces the amount of time it takes to get results.
• Drug stores and pharmacies like CVS often have a variety of sun care options. There are many CVS locations in the area, such as 17665 Kenwood Trail in Lakeville, or at 4050 Dean Lakes Blvd in Shakopee.

What if I Need a Ride to an Appointment?

We’re Griswold, a non-medical in-home care provider serving our community from Lakeville to Shakopee. If you’re looking for transportation to an appointment, or maybe to an indoor activity in the summer heat, your Griswold Caregiver may be able to assist! Or, if you’re a family Caregiver and need a break, we can provide respite care.