With plenty of sunshine in the forecast this week, local doctors are urging individuals to be careful about sun exposure.
Dr. Chad Hendrickson is a dermatologist with the Butler Health System and he says the late springtime is when he most often sees sun burn cases.
“The sun is finally back out and it’s been months since we’ve had sunshine. So people are eager to get out. It’s also not that hot yet, so they don’t feel like the sun is that intense and they get burnt,” Hendrickson said.
Hendrickson says to use sunscreen that’s at least 50 SPF and to wear appropriate clothing. He says it’s important to use protective measures, because of the damage the sun can do to the skin.
“The main thing we’re concerned about is skin cancer. UV radiation from the sun makes it through the clouds and is absorbed by our skin and actually causes DNA damage,” Hendrickson said.
Hendrickson says skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and is most commonly seen in older adults.
