Dr. Karin CoviQ: I am a medium skin tone African-American woman and I spend a lot of time outdoors exercising. I’ve never had a sun burn but am I at risk for skin cancer from sun exposure? Should I be using sunscreen?
A: The short answer is: yes, everyone is at risk for skin cancer from sun exposure and everyone should use sunscreen while out in the sun. When people with lighter complexions spend time in the sun, their bodies produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin and creates a tan. Melanin serves as a natural defense against UV rays, and people with dark complexions, especially those with olive, brown or black skin, already have a high concentration of melanin in their skin. This high concentration of melanin is responsible for their dark complexions and protects them from burning easily. In fact, as the amount of melanin increases, so does the natural protection from sunburn. But while a higher concentration of melanin provides some sun protection, it doesn’t prevent skin cancer. In fact, many non-Caucasians with skin cancer don’t catch it early enough, which is why skin cancer fatality rates are higher among African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Hawaiians and Native Americans than other ethnic groups. I encourage everyone to monitor their own hands and feet, between fingers and toes, even underneath the nail.
– Dr. Karin Covi, Susong Dermatology; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society