ARIZONA NEWS

Arizonans need to protect their skin from UV rays during winter, Valley doctor says

Feb 5, 2024, 4:15 AM | Updated: 2:06 pm

Developing skin cancer during the winter big risk for Arizonans...

A father and son look out over The Grand Canyon from its southern rim following a snow storm that left 3 or more inches of snow throughout the park and shut down roads around it. (Photo by Adam Delgiudice/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

(Photo by Adam Delgiudice/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

PHOENIX — Arizonans need to know about the risks of developing skin cancer during the winter, one Valley doctor says.

“There’s a common misconception that winter months are less risky for skin cancer,” Miguel Gonzalez-Velez, a medical oncologist specializing in skin cancer and soft tissue cancer, told KTAR News 92.3 FM in January.

However, the biggest risk for skin cancer is UV light, he said.

“Even though they’re stronger during the summer, UV light can affect the skin and can create risk factors at any time of the year,” Gonzalez-Velez said. Regardless of the season or air temperature, UV lights can still damage the skin.

Sun safety tips for Arizonans

To stay safe, practice sun safety measures all year round — even when it’s cloudy. Here are some of the steps he recommends:

– Wearing sunscreen every day and reapplying it often when outside.
– Use different types of clothing, like hats, sunglasses, scarves and long-sleeved clothing.
– Wear sun protective clothing when possible.

Gonzalez-Velez also said people who work indoors all day should follow these tips daily.

“Some of the lights that we have in buildings have some degree of UV light that can create chronic damage to the skin,” he said.

Drinking water is also critical, Gonzalez-Velez said.

“Dehydration can worsen the chronic damage of the sun,” he said. “Also, some people might be taking some medications that increase their sun sensitivity.”

It’s a good idea to speak with healthcare providers to see if certain medications heighten sun vulnerability, he added.

Arizonans should be wary of skin cancer during the winter, doctor says

It’s also important to avoid the sun when it’s at its “highest intensity,” which is usually from around 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Gonzalez-Velez said.

“During the winter in Arizona, people can spend time like in the swimming pool in the jacuzzi going to the lakes or biking, hiking, running,” he said. “All of these activities increased the exposure to the sun.”

Although exercise is good, be aware of sun damage and be strategic about when you go outside, he added.

Even snow comes with a risk of skin damage. Snow can reflect sun rays, as can water, Gonzalez-Velez said. It’s an especially big risk since most snow in Arizona occurs in higher altitudes.

“The sun is actually more dangerous the higher in elevation that you go,” he said. “When you go up into the mountains, you’re more exposed to the sun and the dangerous UV radiation.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Kate Ourada contributed to this story.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona News

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approv...

David Veenstra

2 state employees convicted of receiving bribes

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approve unemployment insurance claims.

7 hours ago

pay raise for troopers Arizona Department of Public Safety 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Katie Hobbs says DPS troopers, who seized 2,647 pounds of fentanyl pills last year, deserve 5% raise

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs reiterated her desire to institute a pay raise for troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety on Tuesday.

8 hours ago

FILE - This undated booking photo provided by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation...

David Veenstra

Arizona Supreme Court grants request to carry out state’s 1st execution since 2022

The Arizona Supreme Court granted a request to carry out the state's first execution since 2022, authorities announced on Tuesday.

10 hours ago

An Arizona woman pleaded guilty in a fraud scheme that generated millions of dollars for herself an...

David Veenstra

Arizona woman pleads guilty in fraud scheme that benefited North Korea

An Arizona woman pleaded guilty in a fraud scheme that generated millions of dollars for herself and for North Korea. 

10 hours ago

A retired deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was convicted of luring a minor i...

David Veenstra

Retired LA deputy convicted of luring a minor in Arizona

A retired deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was convicted of luring a minor in Arizona, authorities announced on Tuesday.

12 hours ago

Man shot in head in Tempe...

KTAR.com

Man shot in head in Tempe trying to drive himself to hospital crashes into vehicles

A man who was shot in the head and attempting to drive himself to the hospital crashed into two vehicles on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Arizonans need to protect their skin from UV rays during winter, Valley doctor says