Skin Cancer!

[spoheat]

Had a spot removed from my face this week. A reminder to all: Apply sunscreen liberally. Use a number that sounds like an IQ. Reapply frequently. Wear a hat. Protect your shoulders. Live to enjoy cruising for a long while!

[f-mattox]

Sage advise, spoheat! First-timers to the Caribbean or Mexico don't realize how much more intense that tropical sun can be. That lovely bronze tan comes with a price tag.

[peter l]

Hope everything is ok ! I remember when we spent a couple of weeks on the islands in Hawaii. When we ask someone about the sun and how to handle it we were told to apply, apply, and reapply. Many think you can just put it on once or twice a day and its ok or go in the water and not reapply after toweling off; wrong. I agree with your words, very wise.

Peterl

[gdjoslin]

You ever notice how more careful we are in our old age? When I was young I never need a hat, lotion, shades or anything. Was also told you need one good burn to start the season off.
These days I use all of the above. I have been lucky and no cancer spots yet.

Sorry to hear about yours. Hope all is well.

[f-mattox]

I never wore shades when I was young, even though I spent half my young life on the beach--and needed cataract operations in both eyes before I was 50.

[Dwayne]

Laurie, That is great advice. I hope all is well. I used to get burned to a crisp when I was younger trying to get a tan. Hard to do with red hair and fair skin. I quit doing that after I found out skin cancer runs in my family for one's with fair skin.

Rick, One of my best friends is a beach person and had to have cataract surgery at age 43. It was diagnosed as sun damage. I couldn't believe it at the time.

One thing people don't realize is how quickly most commercial sun blocks and screens that say water resistant/proof lose their strength in the water. Especially salt water. I found that out the hard way on my first visit to the Caribbean many years ago.

The only one that has kept it's strength in water has been Bullfrog. To borrow a phrase.."I don't leave home without it" when I pack to go to those little latitudes.

Dwayne

[f-mattox]

I'll second your endorsement of Bullfrog, Dwayne; it's the best I've found.

[LisaP]

Originally posted by spoheat:
Apply sunscreen liberally. Use a number that sounds like an IQ.

Excellent advice! I hope you are doing well.

[Berick1234]

Looking like boiled pork isn't so bad:-)....

Better safe than sorry.....apply, apply and apply again....

Happy and SAFE sailing....

Bob E

[spoheat]

I am told that certain places I will need --I think I have this right--biodegradeable sunscreen (?). I am not sure what to buy. Yes I am fine accept for what will be a nasty scar on my cheek bone. Thinking about putting a dark dot on it ala Marilyn Monroe. Doctor recommends sunscreen with Helioplex which the high number neutrogena screens have. Doctor really recommends staying out of the sun