Recommendations for protection against harmful effects of sun rays

(Patria) - In order to protect citizens from the harmful effects of sun rays, the Public Health Institute of FBiH issued recommendations in cooperation with the Health Insurance and Reinsurance Fund of FBiH.

Besides the positive effects of sun exposure, part of the UV spectrum of solar radiation is directly related to the occurrence of melanoma, the most dangerous malignant skin tumor.

Melanoma affects people of any age and manifests as changes that become dark pigmented or with irregular edges, of different colors, or is characterized by the appearance of rapidly growing pink or red nodules. It originates from melanocytes, specialized cells that produce the skin pigment melanin, located in the epidermis (the surface layer of the skin).

UV radiation exposure causes micro-damage to the genetic structure of melanocytes, which accumulate over time, ultimately resulting in mutations, uncontrolled growth and division of melanocytes, i.e., the occurrence of melanoma.

Intense sun exposure, especially during holidays, carries a higher risk of developing melanoma. Tanning bed use is also considered a major risk factor for its development.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, not just on parts most often exposed to the sun, which is why preventive measures for its early detection are necessary – regularly check your skin and monitor changes in moles.

People with fair skin, blue or green eyes, and lighter hair, those who have had previous episodes of sunburn or frequently use tanning beds, as well as those with more than 50 moles on their body and those with a family history of melanoma, are at the highest risk of developing it.

These groups of people, in addition to regular skin checks (entire body, once a month), should visit a dermatologist once a year. If they notice any suspicious changes in existing moles, they should see a dermatologist immediately.

According to data from the Health Insurance and Reinsurance Fund of FBiH, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the period June 2018 - June 2023, 252 patients with malignant melanoma were treated, of which 106 patients are currently undergoing treatment, 68 have completed therapy, 19 have interrupted therapy due to disease progression, while 59 patients have died.

The total costs of treating patients with malignant melanoma in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the mentioned period amount to 20,413,602.45 KM.

Given that protection from UV radiation is a preventive measure, it is recommended to reduce sun exposure, as well as to avoid the use of artificial UV sources, i.e., tanning beds.

This is supported by the fact that the occurrence of 86% of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to the sun's UV rays, and that one use of a tanning bed before the age of 35 can increase the risk of skin cancer by almost 60%.

Also, the risk of skin cancer triples if a person has had blistering or painful sunburns for 2 or more days at any point in their life.

Measures to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun:

• Do not expose yourself to the sun during the period when the sun is strongest (11 AM - 4 PM) or stay in the shade;

• On the first days of sunbathing, gradually expose yourself to the sun's rays (e.g., first day 1 hour, next day 1.5 hours, etc.);

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection;

• If you are physically active outdoors, exercise in the early morning or evening;

• Use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, even when in the shade;

• Take protective measures even on cloudy days, as sun rays penetrate clouds and cause skin damage;

Since sunscreens do not provide the same level of protection, follow these instructions:

• Use sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection;

• Use sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher - ideally SPF 50 (SPF is "sun protection factor" - the level of skin protection from the sun);

• Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before sun exposure;

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, before and after swimming, after heavy sweating, and after towel drying.