What is the largest organ in the body? You’ve probably heart that question before on some trivia show or during family game night, right? Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and here in Arizona it can become dry, sun burnt, rashy and itchy very easily. With so many sunny days each year, and so many hot days each year, Phoenix dermatologists like Dr. Racette see more than their fair share of patients who have seen more than their fair share of the sun throughout their lives. As we move into Spring here in Arizona and we begin to enjoy this beautiful weather, it’s important to think about the health of your skin.
Skin Cancer in Arizona
As far as skin cancer rates in Arizona , we rank surprisingly low in terms of comparisons to all U.S. states. We’re actually right down there with Alaska , New York and D.C. However, in terms of deaths from skin cancer we rank very, very high.
According to a 2004 survey. 42% of those questioned in Arizona had at least one sunburn over the past year. It’s also interesting to note that of the Arizona residents questioned, the rate of new melanoma diagnoses was nearly 75% higher among men than women. In since 1975, when they begin this EPA survey, the skin cancer death rate in Arizona has risen by an average of 1% every year, approximately 171 people dying from melanoma each year.
The state of Arizona is varied in terms of skin cancer cases. Coconino County, which is northern Arizona , has the highest rate of new melanoma cases each year. Maricopa County, home of Family Practice Specialists, is second to Coconino County.
Protect Your Skin in Arizona
It’s exceedingly important to protect your skin year-round in Arizona , says Dr. Racette , our expert dermatologist. As statistics show, men seem to be at greater risk for skin cancer in Arizona , so be sure to sit down with Dr. Racette at your next dermatological appointment to discuss protection solutions.
Avoiding the sun all together is obviously the best option to avoiding skin cancer, however it’s a bit unlikely, especially here in Arizona in the springtime. If there is ever a perfect time of year to be out and enjoying Arizona , it’s right now. So, how can you keep yourself protected even as you enjoy this perfect Phoenix weather?
• Wear a Hat – If you’re at a Spring Training Game, or perhaps doing some yard work, wear a hat that shields your face from the sun, making sure yours ears, eyes, neck and scalp are fully covered.
• Wear Sunglasses – Even if you’re wearing a hat, it’s important to wear sunglasses here in Arizona to not only shield sensitive areas of your face from sunburn, but to shield your eyes from those UV Rays .
• Pants and Long Sleeves – While it’s definitely not always possible during an Arizona spring, try to wear pants or long sleeves to keep your arms and legs out of the sunlight.
• Sunscreen – The most important element of any sun protection plan is sunscreen. It should also be the most important aspect of your morning routine. This could be one of the reasons why men are at a greater risk for skin cancer, simply because many Phoenix women use lotions and makeup that include sunscreen. Apply sunscreen, apply it often, and make sure it’s SPF is at least 15.
Dr. Racette , the newest member of our Family Practice Specilists family, understands dermatology and the Arizona sun like few dermatologists in the country. In 2010 Dr. Racette was ranked as a Phoenix “Top Doc” in Dermatology in Phoenix Magazine , and over his lengthy career in dermatology in Arizona he has received multiple research grants for several of his innovative ideas.
If you are worried about skin cancer, if you’ve been sunburned more than once here in Arizona and would like a professional’s opinion on the health of your skin, give us a call today!
“by Kandice Linwright” at Google
Summary:
With so many sunny days each year, and so many hot days each year, Phoenix dermatologists like Dr. Racette see more than their fair share of patients who have seen more than their fair share of the sun throughout their lives.
It’s also interesting to note that of the Arizona residents questioned, the rate of new melanoma diagnoses was nearly 75% higher among men than women. In since 1975, when they begin this EPA survey, the skin cancer death rate in Arizona has risen by an average of 1% every year, approximately 171 people dying from melanoma each year.
The state of Arizona is varied in terms of skin cancer cases.
Avoiding the sun all together is obviously the best option to avoiding skin cancer, however it’s a bit unlikely, especially here in Arizona in the springtime.
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