sunny side up… s€¦ · to get rid of damaged cells. eventually, it will ... red or fair hair, a...
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82 | ExpatriatE LifEstyLE JULY 2012 JULY 2010 ExpatriatE LifEstyLE | PB
Expatriate perspectiveHealth perspective
kin cancer is one of the most common cancers, and at Beverly Wilshire Medical Center, we are facing more and more patients suffering from it. However, a couple
of simple steps can be taken to avoid this issue.
How does the sun damage skin? UV rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage cells. these cells are then at risk of becoming cancerous. you can’t feel UV damaging your skin and it happens even when the sun doesn’t feel hot.
Getting sun burnt causes the top layers of skin to release chemicals that make blood vessels swell and leak fluids. skin turns red and feels hot and painful, and severe sunburn can lead to swelling and blisters.
sunburn is dangerous at any age, but it’s especially harmful in children and young people.
skin damage sustained during childhood can greatly increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
after you’ve been sun burnt, the skin peels to get rid of damaged cells. Eventually, it will heal and look healthy, but permanent damage may have been done. some experts believe that just one episode of blistering sunburn before the age of 20 can double your chance of getting malignant melanoma.
the question then is, who is at risk? skin cancer can affect anyone, but we have realised that people with fair skin that burns in strong sun, red or fair hair, a lot of moles or freckles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, are more prone to develop really serious skin problems.
people with naturally brown or black skin are less likely to get skin cancer as darker skin
has some protection against UV rays. However, skin cancer can still occur.
Be safe in the sun sun damage doesn’t just happen when you’re on holiday in the sun. it can happen when you’re not expecting it, for example when you go for a walk or sit in your garden.
sun protection is something you need to be aware of every day in the summer. Whether on holiday or at home, you can protect yourself, following a couple of easy steps.
the sooner skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat, so see your Gp as soon as possible. EL
Dr Nasir can be contacted at Beverly Wilshire Medical Center at 03-2118 2888 or via email: [email protected]
Sunburn is dangerous at any age, but it’s especially harmful in children and young people
Dr Mohamad Nasir Zahari
SSunny side up…
Expatriate Lifestyle welcomes new columnist Dr M. Nasir Zahari–Medical Director of Beverly Wilshire Medical Center, specialist in surgical procedures that make a positive difference to people’s lives. Dr M. Nasir Zahari is a member of the elite ‘Malaysian association of plastic, aesthetic, and Craniofacial of facial surgeons (MapaCs) from 1999 until present. Dr Nasir was awarded with Bachelor of Medicine in 1988 from University of Melbourne and post graduate degree at the royal College of surgeons (frCs) in Edinburgh (1993). Dr Nasir also obtained the Master of surgery from University Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1995 where he was honoured with the ‘award for Excellent service’.
l Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
l Make sure you never burn.
l Cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
l Remember to take extra care with children.
l Use factor 50 sunscreen.
l Keep an eye on any moles or freckles you have. If they change at all (for example get bigger or begin bleeding), see your GP as this can be an early sign of skin cancer.
l Always take special care of children’s skin. The best way to do this is to cover them up and keep them in the shade.