CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which is a great time to learn about the effects of UV rays and how to protect your skin.
UV radiation comes in two forms: UVA, which is associated with skin aging, and UVB, which is associated with skin burning. Overexposure to UVB especially can range from suntan to sunburn and even severe blistering.
While UVA and UVB rays differ in how they affect the skin, both can harm. Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
UV rays can also cause eye damage including cataracts.
Dr. Kaitlyn O’Keefe, board-certified hematologist and oncologist at Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, joined our show this afternoon to walk us through some of the ways you can keep your skin safe from UV radiation this summer.
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A few ways to limit UV exposure include:
- Using sunscreen
- Covering up
- Staying in the shade
O’Keefe also shared how prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to major health issues like skin cancer, premature aging, and sun damage spots. She explained what happens when skin cancer is diagnosed and how it can spread if left unchecked.
Watch the segment above for a more in-depth look at protecting your skin from UV rays!
To learn more, visit oncologycharlotte.com
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