By Tyrel Linkhorn

After months of chilly, cloudy winter days, most of us are more than ready for the bright sunshine of spring.

Our skin, however, is not.

“In northwest Ohio, we’re not used to seeing much intense sunlight this time of year. We’ve spent the winter mostly indoors,” said Nina Rettig, a physician assistant specializing in dermatology at The University of Toledo Medical Center. “Our skin is not used to getting that much sun exposure and we have to be careful that we don’t get sunburned.”

Like many things in life, the sun is something best enjoyed in moderation.

The sun’s rays allow our bodies to produce vitamin D, have anti-inflammatory properties on the skin and can help boost our mood. However, too much sun — through sunburns or chronic, long-term exposure — can lead to premature aging of our skin and significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.

“The sun can actually change the DNA of cells in our skin, and sunburns cause the most dramatic damage,” Rettig said. “That damage puts you at a higher risk for all types of skin cancer, including melanoma.”

Rettig strongly recommends people wear at least an SPF-30 sunscreen any time they’re outside. Individuals can also lower their risk by seeking out shade, wearing long sleeve shirts and pants and avoiding the sun’s strongest rays, which typically come between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Skin cancer is exceedingly common, affecting more Americans each year than any other type of cancer.

Most of those cases are highly treatable. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, is slow to spread and rarely serious.

Melanoma, however, can be much more aggressive.

Though far less common than other forms of skin cancer, melanoma still affects almost 100,000 people every year and is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in those under the age of 30.

According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma claims nearly 8,000 lives a year.

To help identify any possible trouble spots early, Rettig recommends everyone take a few minutes every three months to strip down, get in front of a mirror and look for anything new or unusual on their skin.

“We all develop little bumps, or growths or color changes on our skin all the time,” she said. “Most of them are not dangerous, but something that is persisting and growing is something to be aware of. Anything that’s just not behaving like something normal on your skin needs to be checked out.”

One helpful concept for people is the idea that they’re looking for the “ugly duckling.”

Most of us develop moles that are similar in size, shape and color. That ugly duckling — the one not like the others — is what should draw your focus.

“If you have a new spot that is a different color, changing differently or has a different feel than other spots on your skin, that’s something to get checked out,” she said.

In addition to the regular self-checks, Rettig suggests annual dermatological exams for anyone who has a personal or family history of skin cancer, those with compromised immune systems, those who are very fair skinned or burn easily, those with a history of sunburns or tanning bed use, and those who have a large number of moles.

UTMC Dermatology is located in the Ruppert Health Center. Individuals can make an appointment with Rettig or another member of the UTMC dermatology team by calling 419-383-6200.

Rettig also practices one day a week at the Rocket Pediatrics location in Waterville, seeing children and adults. To make an appointment in Waterville, call 567-952-2100.

First Published April 28, 2023, 4:00 a.m.