Psychosomatic Diseases. Causes and Symptoms.

Suffering imagined or real disease? Having long been the domain of medicine, psychosomatic illnesses interest today the greatest scientists. Skin diseases, back pane, hypertension... the evidence is accumulating on the relationship between body and mind.

The disease can be an echo of a state of distress or moral distress? Some scientists are saying that a psychological shock is able to collapse our natural defenses and trigger illnesses. What are these conditions? How to treat it? Let's discover the relationship between body and mind.

Psychosomatic diseases are characterized by physical symptoms that affect an organ or the physiological system and whose causes are primarily emotional. The disease echoes of a state of distress or moral distress. Clearly, a psychological shock (death, divorce, separation, accident, job loss, ...) Making our natural defenses collapse and trigger a condition. As Freud said ''the psychic then jump in the organic''.

Psychosomatic diseases illustrate the link between the nervous system and the immune system. When morale is under strain, the physical soon show signs of distress. The reasons are now known: stress, the body produces hormones that lower corticosteroids in the immune system.

If the external stimulus is of short duration, the body restores things from himself. As against, if the intensity is high, repetitive and long-term, the immune system goes down, exposing invariably the diseases. However: each individual will react in its own way, following its ability to manage stress and to channel their anxieties.

Physical disorders appear in general at the most sensitive part of our body organization.

Psychosomatic diseases represent more than half of the cases treated by doctors and it is estimated that 90% of all diseases are compounded by negative emotions.

What are the symptoms?

The stomach ulcer was the first disease as having a psychosomatic origin. Broadly speaking, the gastro-intestinal diseases are the most frequent psychosomatic: liver, intestines, the colon are the target organs of neuroses.

It was also established that skin diseases if they are not linked to a disease or a virus, would have a psychological origin. Psoriasis, which affects 2% of the english population, warts, herpes, sweating excessive, the blotches, the dartres, the cancer sores appear with frustrations and emotions.

These diseases also affect children. Unable to speak about his emotion the infant will express its distress otherwise with eczema, insomnia, sleep disruption, vomiting, asthma, stunting...

The development of certain cancers would be, according to some scientists, attributable to mental disorders. The medical scientist Lawrence Shan determined that loneliness, brutal or violent emotional shock or psychological state could be factors for triggering cancer.

Strong emotions can also lead to imbalances in the diet. Bulimia and anorexia are the main examples with alcoholism, obesity and cardiovascular diseases associated with excessive consumption like fatty or sugary foods ...

High blood pressure and migraines are also among the symptoms presented during emotional disturbances. The loss of libido may also be explained from a bad psychological state. This list is not exhaustive, other symptoms may be indicative of psychosomatic diseases.



About the Author
Florida Abortions Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Medical Abortions, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women's Center. Second, And Late Term Abortions Clinic.

New Mesothelioma Treatment Found Among Skin Cancer Creams

A group of scientists in Australia have discovered a new potential treatment for mesothelioma cancer victims with the application of two treatments normally reserved for skin cancer patients.

During several tests conducted on laboratory mice with advanced mesothelioma tumors, a skin cancer cream known as Imiquimod was combined with an anti-cancer drug, antiCD40. The two were applied to the mesothelioma mice and, according to researchers, 50 percent of the mice receiving the treatment therapy went into remission following treatment.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Australia, is considered "breakthrough" according to a PerthNow news article. Additionally, scientists feel that this potentially new mesothelioma treatment may be more readily available than other treatments being researched and tested, as one of the drugs is "already commercially available and the other is currently being tested in clinical trials," according to lead researchers of the study.

Mesothelioma Defined

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects thousands of individuals worldwide. It has largely been classified as a relatively rare condition, although many physicians and scientists predict a large increase of victims in the near future because of the dormant nature of the cancer. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to varied levels of asbestos fibers and dust.

During the early part of the 20th century asbestos, which derives from vermiculite, was mined and used in a plethora of products and much more heavily within the construction industry leading to the diagnosis of many construction-related workers.

Mesothelioma cancer commonly remains dormant for 10 to 30 years until symptoms begin to appear, at which point, treatment is almost non-existent.

Patients of mesothelioma cancer are advised to speak with a medical professional immediately and those who suspect they may suffer from asbestos-related conditions can also suggested to contact a medical professional and experienced mesothelioma attorney for additional information.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a growing condition in not only America, but around the world. A mesothelioma diagnosis is often a grim and bitter situation for not only a victim, but for family members and friends.

Once an individual has been informed of their condition, they will need to take immediate steps to ensure the best quality of care is received. By determining this, an individual increases their chances of receiving monetary compensation for their disease through the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Such compensation can assist a victim with paying for costly medical treatments including chemotherapy treatments, which can range in the thousands. Speaking with a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer can provide insightful information as to a potential lawsuit.



About the Author
To learn more about mesothelioma cancer and additional treatments, visit http://mesothelioma.legalview.com/ . Also, individuals can find other information about topics ranging from the Avandia risks to the latest on truck accident jury verdicts by visiting http://www.LegalView.com/ .

Skin growths and causes for their development

There are many different kinds of skin growths and the causes for their development in the skin differ. Sometimes various reasons cause the skin cells to overgrow and produce extra flesh or skin. Skin growths are mostly benign and non-cancerous but they can lead to cancer they are not treated in time and are exposed to dangerous environment. The treatment will depend on the cause of the skin growths. Here are some types of skin growths. *Skin tags or acrochordon and cutaneous papilloma are very common skin growths. They appear mostly in the eyelids, neck, groin, under the breasts and the armpits. They are naturally harmless and painless but can be irritated easily. They are the result of infection by a virus called Human Papilloma Virus and may be also related to genetics, hormonal changes, obesity, insulin rejection, illegal steroids, etc. skin tags appear in both men and women and though the skin tags can be removed from the skin there is very less we can do to prevent the tags from recurring. Skin tags are the most common on skin growths and they look like skin hanging from the skin.

*Moles are small skin marks caused by pigment producing cells in the skin. Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and some contain hair. Moles may appear anywhere on the body and are dark brown or black, flesh-colored, red, or yellow. Moles can change with time and often respond to hormonal changes. Non-cancerous (benign) moles are usually symmetrical, have smooth borders, have uniform color but there are some moles that can turn cancerous.

* Seborrheic Keratoses (barnacles) are wart like skin growths that most frequently located on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, or back, but may appear singly or in large numbers anywhere on the body. Color is usually yellow, brown, or black, but other colors are possible. The surface may be slightly raised or flat and may be rough or smooth. Shapes may be round or oval with a "pasted on" appearance.

Skin growths can be treated in many ways depending on their nature. We can either go to a doctor or decide to use safe methods to treat them from home. Amoils have come up with a lot of oils made from pure essential oils and they have separate oil for many diseases. Skin tags can be easily removed using their Heal Skin Tags oil.




About the Author
You can read more tips on How to get rid of Skin Tags and You can discover more here about skin tag removal.

Understanding Magnesium Oil

Magnesium oil may be one of the most important supplements you'll ever learn about. It's relatively new, so the word hasn't gotten out yet - but it will. Magnesium oil is not swallowed, but is applied to the skin, allowing magnesium to be absorbed transdermally. To understand the importance of magnesium oil, you must first understand why magnesium deficiency may be one of the greatest health crises of our age.

Magnesium and Human Health

Magnesium is a basic mineral of the Earth, and indeed of our bodies. Doctors say it is the key element in our cells that transports electrical signals throughout our nervous system. Magnesium is necessary for the production of over 325 important enzymes we produce, used for cell creation and other aspects of normal functioning. It is also needed by muscles to operate properly. Muscles contract and relax. Magnesium is needed to properly relax. Our heart is one big muscle and our arteries have smooth muscle lining the pathways.

When we are low on magnesium, too much calcium is allowed to enter our cells, causing many problems. Without sufficient levels of daily magnesium, our cells become over-calcified, our arteries harden, and our heart doesn't work efficiently. Over calcification also causes our bones to become brittle. And the list goes on and on. Our bodies require magnesium, just as we require air to breathe.

Hundreds of studies worldwide have linked magnesium deficiency to Heart Disease (America's #2 killer), Diabetes, Hypertension, Depression, and many other modern illnesses. A compelling quote attests to this: "Most modern heart disease is caused by magnesium deficiency. A vast and convincing body of research, largely ignored, has convinced us and many colleagues of this fact." -Dr. Mildred S. Seelig, MD, MPH, author of "The Magnesium Factor"


Magnesium Was Once Plentiful

In the year 1900, magnesium was plentiful in our food and water. Since that time, our daily dietary intake of magnesium has dropped steadily through the years to the point where Americans now consume less than half of the daily magnesium we did 100 years ago. Modern large scale farming techniques have diminished magnesium from our soils and most fertilizers don't contain magnesium to replenish the ground. Also, modern water treatment plants remove magnesium from our drinking water during the filtration process, leaving us with "clean" water, devoid of vital minerals.

The result is that Americans can no longer get even the daily U.S. RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) of magnesium, let alone the higher levels which many researchers think necessary to maintain proper health.

The World Health Organization and other health agencies now believe that 75-80% of the population in the industrialized world is magnesium deficient. With so many people consuming less than 50% of the daily recommended intake, is it any wonder that many of us are dying from diseases that rarely existed in the 19th century? Take heart disease for example. In the year 1900, heart disease was so rarely seen that there weren't even any doctors at that time specializing in the field. Heart specialists didn't really become prominent until the 1960s.


Most Magnesium Supplements Don't Work

Compounding this problem is the fact that our bodies don't store magnesium for later use. So we need a constant daily supply. Unfortunately, magnesium supplements taken orally (through the mouth) are only absorbed by our body at 5-15% levels as they pass through our digestive system. And if we try to increase our dosage to make up for the low absorption rate, we get diarrhea.

Researchers believe that our bodies evolved on a diet heavily laden with magnesium in the meats, fruits and vegetables we ate. Because there was so much of it present in the food and water, our bodies became efficient at eliminating excess magnesium. Unfortunately, over the last century, our diets have changed (reduced magnesium), but our bodies still absorb only a small percentage of the magnesium that passes through our digestive tract.


Magnesium Oil

Now that we have established the importance of daily magnesium, and the problems with current magnesium supplements, we can take a closer look at magnesium oil and why it's different.

Magnesium oil is not actually an oil but rather magnesium chloride in a water base. It's referred to as an oil because it feels slippery to the touch. The best quality magnesium oil is currently coming from the underground Zechstein seabed in Europe. What makes magnesium oil so unique is that it enables us to absorb magnesium through the skin. This absorption through the skin (transdermal uptake) allows us to get high levels of bio-available magnesium into our bodies using a very efficient method - a method which bypasses our digestive system and therefore doesn't result in absorption reductions or the common side effect of diarrhea.

Magnesium oil is rubbed into the skin like a skin cream. Within a minute, the magnesium gets absorbed and your skin no longer feels oily. Once the magnesium is absorbed by your skin, it is carried by the blood stream to areas within the body that are most in need.

The type of magnesium within the oil is magnesium chloride. Recent studies have indicated that magnesium chloride may be the most "human friendly" of all magnesium supplement forms available. Since magnesium chloride is the type of magnesium most abundant in sea water, the original source of all life on Earth, it follows that magnesium chloride would be recognized by our bodies as something natural and be easily assimilated.

Dr. Norman Shealy MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon and renowned expert on pain management, has completed studies on the impact of transdermal (skin) application of magnesium chloride oil. For his study, Dr. Shealy had 16 patients spray magnesium chloride oil on their body and take a 20 minute foot soak. This regimen was undertaken daily for 4 weeks. After the 4 week study was completed, 75% of the patients had significant improvements in intracellular magnesium levels. In fact, many of the patients saw their magnesium levels go to near the top of the reference range.

Dr. Shealy explains why these findings are so important, "Deficiency of magnesium is associated with virtually every known disease: heart attacks, diabetes, depression, cancer, etc. Oral magnesium supplements are not easy to assimilate and many take five years or longer to give results."


Zechstein Magnesium Oil

Magnesium oil coming from the Zechstein seabed in Europe appears to be the highest quality and purest available to date. The Zechstein seabed is located approximately 1,600 meters underground. This 250 million year old ancient seabed is unique in that it has not been polluted by human contaminants, so the magnesium oil coming from this source is very clean. This magnesium oil can be identified by the clear color of the oil when held up to a light.

In contrast to the pure Zechstein sea magnesium oil, there are many magnesium oil products derived from "living seas" such as the Pacific ocean or lakes. Magnesium taken from these living seas can have high levels of Mercury, Arsenic and Iron. These living sea magnesium oils usually have a rusty yellow or orange tint. These higher levels of heavy metals can produce an itch or rash when the oil is applied to the skin.

So that consumers can identify authentic magnesium oil which has been sourced from the Zechstein Seabed, the primary mining company which produces the magnesium oil has established a seal of authenticity which displays the logo "Zechstein Inside".

The following distributors are currently authorized to sell magnesium oil which has the "Zechstein Inside" identifier:

United States:
Company: Magnesium Direct
Product: DermaMag
Website: Magnesium Oil or Magnesium Chloride
http://www.magnesiumdirect.com




About the Author
Bill Johnson is a self-educated authority on supplements and vitamins. Having read dozens of books on nutrition and personally tried hundreds of health care products, supplements and vitamins, he brings a unique layman's perspective to his writings in the alternative health field. Bill enjoys golf and raising his two children.

Protect your Skin against Damaging UV Rays

How do I Choose a Good Sunscreen?

There are so many different products, textures, ingredients and claims that it can be confusing. Narrow the choice down by insisting on the following four:

An SPF of 15 or More

Dermatologists agree that everyone (even those with dark skin) should follow this rule to be protected from UV damage.

UVA Protection

Sunscreens used to protect skin only against UVB rays, but it's now known that UVA rays also cause damage so make sure you choose a product that screens out both. Look for the UVA symbol or UVA star rating (sometimes on the back of the bottle) - five stars is a guarantee of the highest protection possible.

Photostability

This ensures UV filters won't break down in the sun.

Water Resistance

When you swim, water-ski and snorkel, you need a sunscreen that stays put.

How are Sunscreens Rated?

The European Commission has introduced new laws to standardize sunscreen labeling by 2009. They classify sunscreens like this:

Low protection = SPF6 - 14; Medium protection = SPF15 - 29; High protection = SPF30 - 49; Very high protection = SPF50+. You should never choose a sunscreen with an SPF of less than 15. To play it safe, go higher.

Why are Sunscreens so Expensive?

The price of sunscreens reflects the fact that costly research is constantly being done to improve their effectiveness in shielding skin from UV light. Many of us accept the importance of buying the best possible moisturizers for our faces to delay visible ageing. But given that about 80% of this ageing is the result of UV exposure, an even better way to keep skin looking young is to invest in good sunscreens.

A recent survey by the British Association of Dermatologists showed that most women think the best regime for keeping their skin looking young is applying moisturizer daily, eating a healthy diet and drinking eight glasses of water a day. While these are important, they do not have the same anti-ageing impact that sun protection does.

If there's one category of skincare that I would urge people to spend money on, it's good-quality sun protection.

Is there a Facial Sunscreen that won't give me Spots?

New technologies mean there are now sunscreens for different skin types, as is the case with moisturizers. If you have oily skin, try a non-pore-blocking one.

If Sunscreens are now so Good, Why isn't it Safe to be out in the Sun for as Long as you Like?

Even if you apply a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB filters - and apply it well, making sure you don't miss any patches of skin - you are not completely shielded from UV rays. This means you are not completely safeguarded against skin cancer.

Many ingredients in sunscreens do not survive exposure to the sun indefinitely, it is recommended you reapply more every hour and whenever you've swum. There are many reasons to be diligent about this. Need a reminder? Sun is skin's number-one enemy - it causes premature ageing, hyper-pigmentation, capillary damage, skin thickening and, worst of all, cell trauma resulting in permanent damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Should I use a Sun Bed before my holiday to give myself a Base Tan?

Never risk a sun bed. The health risks are very serious. Many people think a 'base tan' will offer protection when they first go out in the sun, but it offers hardly any. At the most, you could think of it as equivalent to an SPF2 or SPF4.

And what little protection it does offer will be outweighed by the damage done on a sun bed. Its intense burst of UV light will damage and age your skin faster than any amount of natural sunlight. Using sun beds before the age of 35 increases your risk of developing skin cancer by 75%. Given there are now all sorts of great fake tans around, there is even less reason to risk a sun bed.

What's the Best Sun Lotion for People with Sensitive Skin?

Choose a sunscreen specially formulated for sensitive skin but, even then, always try a new cream on a small area first. Every case of reactive skin is different.

There's no History of Skin Cancer in my Family, so Why Should I Worry?

The number of cases of skin cancer, the second most common cancer among 20-to 39-year-olds, is increasing faster than any other cancer. Skin cancer is now so common we should be checking our skin for worrying moles as regularly as we check our breasts for lumps. Melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) appears most often on the legs, so pay extra attention to them. If you find anything worrying, ask your doctor or dermatologist to check it for you.

What's the Latest Development in Sun Protection?

Studies have shown that wearing even a high SPF doesn't significantly reduce the amount of free-radical damage caused by exposure to the sun. This is why antioxidants are now being added to sunscreens. They 'mop up' the free radicals triggered by the sun and so help to prevent skin damage. Look for sunscreen labels that offer 'added antioxidants', especially vitamins A, C and E, and green and white tea. In March 2009, Clinique is launching a reformulated sun-protection range containing state-of-the-art antioxidants as well as UVA and UVB filters.

Is it Okay to Use the Sunscreen I have Left over from Last Summer?

Generally, a product will work for two-and-a-half years - if it's been correctly stored. If it's been kept out of direct light with the lid shut properly, it should be fine. But if it smells odd, throw it out.

Does anyone Really Need an SPF of More than 30?

In most cases, an SPF of between 15 and 30 is adequate. But use a higher SPF if you don't want to keep reapplying cream or when that's impractical to do, for instance when you're snorkeling.

Another reason for applying a higher SPF is to allow for the fact that you may not be applying it as well as you should. The reason many dermatologists recommend a high SPF is that most people don't apply sunscreen properly. The biggest problem is not using enough - which effectively means you may be reducing the protection by as much as two-thirds. Sunscreen should be applied liberally. As a rough guide, you need to use, at the very least, 30ml - about six teaspoons - of lotion to cover an average-sized adult body.

Your Holiday Tan Plan

Here's how to get to the beach ready to show off your bikini, tan safely while you're there and keep your color glowing after you're back from holiday.

Before you Go

If you are Fair-Skinned, use a self-tan so you look golden when you strip down to your bikini for the first time. This will also make you less likely to overdo sun exposure in the first few days and get burnt.

Stock up on Sun Cream

You'll get through a bottle every three to four days if you apply it correctly, so pack plenty.

On Holiday

Avoid the Midday Sun

You know the drill: don't go in the sun between noon and 3pm, when it's at its fiercest.

Don't forget your Hot Spots

The nose, ears and lips are prime targets for sunburn. Sunscreen sticks are good to use on these areas.

Keep it up

Top up sunscreen throughout the day

Wear a Hat and Big Sunglasses

Ideally, you should keep your face out of the sun completely and use bronzer to make it match your tan.

You can still enjoy the sun on you body without ageing your face five years every summer.

Wear Black

Skin experts reckon that black - although warmer to wear in the sun - offers skin better protection from the sun than white fabrics do.

Eat Healthy

There is strong evidence that a diet rich in antioxidants can help prevent the free-radical damage caused by sun exposure. This means eating lots of brightly colored fruits and vegetables. The best are carrots, tomato, apricots and green leafy vegetables, because they are rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), which gives the most skin protection.

Use After-Sun Products

They will rehydrate skin and help prevent peeling. Many will enhance your tan, too.



About the Author
Sandra Prior runs her own bodybuilding website at http://bodybuild.rr.nu.

Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The first type of cancer is known as basal cell carcinoma. The typical signs of basal skin cancer are waxy or pearly looking bumps that can occur anywhere on the body. Basil cells are more common on areas that are frequently exposed to the sun, like the face, arms and legs. It might also show up on your back or chest as a scar-like spot that can be flesh-colored or brown and can look like liver spots. This is the most common type of skin cancer. It doesn't usually spread very fast and is usually easy to treat.

The second type of cancer is known as squamous cell carcinoma. It is more dangerous than a basil cell and is characterized by symptoms like a red nodules or a scaly lesion that won't heal. This type of skin cancer can show up on anywhere on the body but the face, arms and legs are where these usually occur. This type of cancer does not spread very fast, but the frequency of spreading is slightly higher than that of basal cell carcinoma. It is also a cancer that can easily be treated effectively if it is detected early. Left untreated, this type of skin cancer can go to other parts of the body, making treatments much more difficult.

The third type of skin cancer is known as a melanoma, and is considered to be the rarest and most serious type of skin cancer. Melanomas cause the majority of skin cancer related deaths. The most effective treatment for a melanoma is surgical removal. A melanoma can look like an asymmetrical skin lesion and can have an irregular border. Sometimes the lesion will have multiple colors and can be raised above the skin like a mole.

Symptoms of a melanoma include a mole that can be located anywhere on your body. Check your skin for new moles. Check existing moles for any noticeable changes like an increase in size or a change in color. For instance, a melanoma can look like a large brown spot with darker speckles inside it. Lesions with irregular borders or more than one color may also be signs of a melanoma.

If you notice any unusual spots or moles anywhere on your body, or if a mole changes at all, it is important to see your doctor for a professional examination. While melanoma can be more serious, it is still 99% treatable when caught in the early stages. Melanoma is more dangerous but less common. If untreated it can spread to other tissues and organs.

There are many treatment options available for the different types of skin cancer. Surgery to remove the cancerous cells is the most common. Radiation and chemotherapy may work on some cancers and there are alternative skin cancer treatments available. The important thing is to see a doctor if you have any changes in your skin that cause concern. Changes in the skin have to be evaluated to determine if cancer is present and what treatment is necessary and appropriate. There are advantages and disadvantages to every treatment. It's up to you and your doctor to determine which one is best.

Marshall Crum is a 25 year safety professional who enjoys writing articles about self-improvement and other items of interest from a personal perspective. He is looking forward to retiring in a few years and is gathering useful material that will help make a successful retirement and may be of interest to other people who are retired or contemplating retirement. Visit his website for a link to information about his personal skin cancer treatments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marshall_Crum

Warts, Moles and Skin Tags - Can They Develop Into Cancer?

Skin tags pose no real danger. They will not develop into a cancerous growth. However sometimes they may be irritating especially if they are found around the collar. You may even decide to remove a skin tag for cosmetic reasons.

When one considers warts, particular attention needs to be taken in the case of genital warts, since these may be transmitted to others. Moreover sometimes genital warts may develop into a cancerous growth. Therefore if you have genital warts you should consult your physician right away.

Moles may develop into a cancerous growth. It is therefore important to take appropriate care of any changes that can occur to any mole. If you have many moles on you body it is not a bad idea to have regular checks.

Take particular attention after summer because the sun rays may make a mole develop into melanoma or cancer of the skin.

Consider any changes that you notice to any of your moles. Specifically you must consult your physician if a mole changes it's:

• Shape
• Size
• Elevation
• Color

You must also consult your physician if your mole starts to itch or the nearby skin starts to irritate you or starts to discolor.

Moreover certain moles have more probability of developing in a cancer than others. Asymmetric moles are at a more elevated risk to develop into a cancer. The same also applies to irregular moles. Further more moles with a variation of tones have also an increased risk of developing into a cancerous growth.

Elisa Spencer has an extensive background in health, beauty and well being. Elisa will help you regain health and well-being, achieve a sense of balance and renew both your body and mind. Visit http://www.molewarttreatment.net/ for more information to learn how you can safely remove your warts with natural treatments and in the comfort of your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elisa_Spencer

Skin Cancer Prevention - Is Your Child Sun-Protected?

The depleting ozone layer seems to be contributing to the increase of skin cancer. An estimated 1.3 million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed within the United States each year, outnumbering all other cancers combined.

As with most children, they tend to spend time outdoors from 10:00am to 4:00pm when UV rays are at their highest. One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life."¹ "A person's risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any age."². Is your child sun protected?

Skin cancer can be prevented and it is never too late to start taking better care of your skin! Clothing appears to provide one of the most convenient forms of protection against ultraviolet radiation (UV). However, not all clothing is sufficiently protective against UV radiation. The average T-shirt only provides an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) equivalent to a SPF 7 sunscreen.

Sun protective clothes are specially engineered clothing, swimming suits or hats that have been specially developed to include chemical UV absorbers that prevent penetration of UVA and UVB rays. UVA, the "Ageing Ray" which makes up 95% of UV light energy, has the power to penetrate deep into our skin where it can do permanent harm to the skin cells. UVB, the "Burning Ray" which makes up 4-5% of the UV light energy, is one of the foremost causes of skin cancer.

UPF is like the sun protective factor SPF used on sunscreen lotion bottles and fabrics today, in that both UPF and SPF measure sunburn protection. A lot of companies will kind of bounce back and forth between SPF and UPF so let's take a moment to clarify what exactly each of these acronyms means.

UPF is the measurement of how much UV light it blocks. The amount of protection fabric provides depends on the type of fabric and the weave or knit of the fabric. Generally, these fabrics have a tighter weave or knit and are usually darker in color. A 1 over the UPF number demonstrates the maximum amount of UV rays coming through the fabric. A UPF 15 rating allows 1/15 of UV rays through the fabric.

SPF on the other hand measures how long you can stay in the sun without burning. If you normally burn in 10 minutes, a sunscreen with a 15 SPF would protect you 15 times as long, or 150 minutes, assuming you don't sweat or get wet. If a fair-skinned, blond headed person burns in five minutes under the noon day sun, a SPF 10 would enable her to remain outside for fifty minutes before burning -- ten times longer than without sunscreen. A darker-skinned individual who might burn in 20 minutes without sunscreen could stay out for 200 minutes.

The best protection or prevention of skin cancer for your child is to use a combination of sun protective clothing and the appropriate SPF level of sun screen.

1. "Squamous Cell Carcinoma." MayoClinic.com. 8 March 2007. 15 April 2008 2. Pfahlberg A, Kolmel KF, Gefeller O. Timing of excessive ultraviolet radiation and melanoma: epidemiology does not support the existence of a critical period of high susceptibility to solar ultraviolet radiation-induced melanoma. British Journal of Dermatology, March 2001; 144; 3:471




About the Author
Pamela Wigglesworth is the Founder & Managing Director of Kids-Tee-Off Pte Ltd; a 20+ year veteran of the apparel & design and manufacturing industry, is a speaker & international consultant to start up companies & SMEs. To learn more about the benefits of sun-protective clothing for kids please visit http://kids-tee-off.com