As you may be aware skin cancer is on the rise in the United States, especially for those whose jobs keep them outside or whose jobs take them outdoors.

As we enter the dog days of summer, chances of severe sun burn which may lead to skin cancer is increased. Since many of our SIG Members work under the sun’s rays on a daily basis it is recommended that those that  do cover up as much as possible, including the back of your necks, heads, legs and arms. You may have noticed that desert dwellers in other parts of the world keep their bodies almost entirely hidden from the sun.

For the added protection use Dermitone SPF 45+ Endurance Gel (www.dermatone.com). In tests run at sea level and at 14,000 feet the Endurance Gel retained its effectiveness for about 80 minutes, even when the test subjects were perspiring. Your lips and nose will require extra protection. Products like Anthony Logistics for Men Sun Stick SPF 15 (www.anthony.com) offers ingredients that work to hydrate and condition the skin.

Treat all sunburns appropriately and check with a doctor immediately if your sunburn is accompanied by purple blotches or discoloration with excessive blistering. Such symptoms may indicate internal complications. Watch for any unusual signs of possible skin cancer and remember that melanomas generally occur as one gets older as a result of too much sun exposure earlier in life.