The season of sun and summer fun is almost here, and the season of new peely sunburns is here now. The aisles at the drugstore are filling up with sunscreens of every type, and making sure you get stocked up is as important as ever. It is also important to understand the factors that put you at particular risk for getting a sunburn so you can take necessary measures to protect yourself. As humans we are all at risk of getting burned by the sun if we aren't careful, but special risk factors to consider are:

• Babies and children with fairer and more delicate skin.
  
• Adults with fair skin tones (although remember: everybody can burn!)
• Spending time outdoors during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm
• Using a tanning bed
• Spending time near or on reflective surfaces like sand and water
• Using certain medications that increase your sun sensitivity, like some birth controls and antibiotics

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Skin cancer has become so common in recent years I think most people could name at least a few of the signs to look for when wondering if a "spot" is cancerous or not. But the ABCD rule -- asymmetry, border irregularity, color irregularity, and large diameter -- has actually become somewhat dangerous. How is that possible? A study out of Australia shows that often melanomas (the fastest growing and most deadly form of skin cancer) do not have any of the ABCD characteristics, and actually go so far as to be completely opposite (regular borders, even color, symmetrical, etc). They are, though, usually itchy or bleeding and elevated.

So what's the best way to be safe? Have any growing or changing skin lesion checked by a professional asap, whether it fits any symptom set or not.

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A new study by researchers in Austria has found a link between marathon runners and an increased risk for skin cancer. The study included 410 participants, half marathon runners and half people who worked out at a recreation center. 24 of the marathoners were referred for treatment or surgery of abnormal skin lesions, while only 14 of the "indoor" group were referred. And there was even a higher percentage of referrals from the subgroup of marathon runners that trained more vigorously (more than 43 miles a week).

Some good news is that of the abnormal skin lesions found none appeared to be the less common but more deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. Preliminary screenings indicated they were all the more frequently seen non-melanoma cancers.

Whether you're a marathon runner or not, anybody who exercises outdoors should take this to be yet another reminder of just how important it is to respect the sun's rays by using sunscreen, wearing sun-sheilding fabrics, and working out when the sun isn't at it's highest and strongest. Simple steps can make a big difference in this area!

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