A top skin cancer expert has issued a health warning to anyone planning to head to the slopes for a ski holiday.

A Consultant Dermatologist is concerned that people don't understand the importance of sun protection when on the slopes:

"Skiing is a fantastic sport and good for general fitness, but a lot of people forget the effect that the winter sun can have on their skin. When you're up a mountain, alititude, your level of UV exposure is higher than at ground level, so you're soaking up the raditation. Add to that the geography and the sun can be incredibly intense . Normally faetures such as grass and trees absorb the UV, but when those features are covered in snownot only are they not absorbing the UV, the snow cover itself is bouncing the UV back at you."

Skin cancer is the commonest form of cancer in the UK, with 75,000 cases reported each year and rates on the rise, coupled with the main risk factor for skin cancer being an increased exposure to ultraviolet raditation. There are three main types of skin cancer, melanoma (the most serious, malignant type), squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. In all three, early detection is essential.

He also says, " That anyone going skiing this winter needs to consider sun protection as essential as warm clothing and the correct eqiupment. Anyone skiing should treat the slopes like a beach and apply just as much, if not more sun protection to any exposed skin than they would when stretching out on a sun-lounger. Sun cream for skiing should be the highest factor tolerated, with a minimum SPF of 30, and should be broad spectrum to protect against both UVA & UVB, and should be applied every 2 hours. Sun blocks which contain a higher percentage of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide should be considered as they give excellent, long-lasting protection, even though they are cosmetically inferior; a practical approach would be to use these products for just the lips and nose. FInally do not forget to protect children. Sunglasses or goggles with UV filters will give additional protection to the eyes and eyelids."

Jan 2010

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