Press ReleaseATTENTION: CITY DESK/ ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
Contact: Tom Capezzuto
(973) 972-7273
E-mail: capezzta@umdnj.edu
UMDNJ Dermatologist Warns Beach Goers, Sun
Worshipers of Melanoma Dangers
With beaches and swims clubs slated to open for the Memorial
Day weekend, the heat of the summer sun is a welcome sign for
sun worshipers seeking a bronzed look. While a tan darkens the
skin and creates sex appeal, there is nothing sexy about melanoma,
says a dermatologist at the University of Medicine and Dentistry
of New Jersey (UMDNJ).
"Melanoma remains preventable, but it has reached epidemic proportions
in recent years," said Dr. Frank P. Murphy, chief of the Division
of Dermatology at the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
in New Brunswick. "Those with fair complexions are particularly
susceptible to damage from the sun's harmful rays, which may trigger
skin cancer."
Melanoma, Dr. Murphy explained, is a malignant tumor of pigment-forming
skin cells and may be caused by over-exposure to the sun. The
disease, which may also affect the eyes and mucous membranes,
spreads quickly and can be fatal.
To avoid the risk of painful sunburn and possibly developing
melanoma, Dr. Murphy suggests the following:
- .Use a sun screen lotion that contains an SPF of 30 or more,
which should be applied liberally and repeatedly on all exposed
body parts. The sun screen should provide both UVA and UVB protection.
- .Wear clothing or use a towel to cover your torso and legs
when sitting in the sun.
- .Use a hat and protective umbrella.
- .Wear sun glasses because ultra-violet rays have been known
to impair children's vision and can contribute to early cataracts
in older people.
- .Apply lip balm with an SPF of at least 15 to prevent sun
blisters.
- .Keep bottled water or a sports drink with you to prevent
heat exhaustion or dehydration.
To arrange an interview with Dr. Murphy, call Tom Capezzuto,
UMDNJ News Service, at (973) 972-7273.
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