I just got back from the dermatologist where they lopped off part of my ear for a biopsy. No results yet...but irregardless the doctor said to stay out of the sun. “But I’m a cyclist!” I protested. He said, "where a straw hat." Not very aero:) What can I do to protect my skin in general and ears particularly ? I almost always where sunscreen. Anyone have a way to keep the tops of their ears out of the sun while riding?

Thanks.

tape, zinc.

Is this a joke post?

I don't think its a joke at all. I've heard of several outdoor endurance athletes getting skin cancer, especially down here in the Southern states. I have a fair amount of sun damage to my skin from years of running and cycling. Sunscreen helps obviously, but it doesn't prevent everything. Its also important to realize a lot of jerseys/clothes don't block everything either. I have a giordana jersey that if I wear 30spf suncreen on my arms I don't get too much of a tan line(in other words the jersey only affords the same protection as the 30 spf sunblock).

I'd definitley slather on the high spf sunblock and/or use zinc, avoid riding in the heat of the day if possible, ect....

true, a conventional cotton T-Shirt provides less than 5 SPF, that is why you see sun specific clothing lines for fishermen, sailors, etc. Helly Hanson/REI/Ex Officio all sell shirts that advertise 30 SPF, just imagine what their non-SPF lines provide. As far as the ears go, Bullfrog,, you are probably sweating off your protection.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SPC/content/SPC_1_Sun_Protection_Ratings_For_Summer_Clothes_an d_Fabrics.asp

I just got back from the dermatologist where they lopped off part of my ear for a biopsy. No results yet...but irregardless the doctor said to stay out of the sun. “But I’m a cyclist!” I protested. He said, "where a straw hat." Not very aero:) What can I do to protect my skin in general and ears particularly ? I almost always where sunscreen. Anyone have a way to keep the tops of their ears out of the sun while riding?

Thanks.


....over your ears.........I do it all the time........It looks Dorky, but I don't give a flip...... :D
besides I (you) will look pretty Dorky without ears !!! :eek:

Also, use Bullfrog.........it really works well !!!

ps- don't you hate those frozen Nitrogen treatments ??? :(

Anyone have a way to keep the tops of their ears out of the sun while riding?

I don't understand! When I have my helmet on, the only time the tops of my ears are not "in the shade" is late in the evening or early in the morning when the sun is coming from the side. There's essentially no sunburn risk under those conditions. I never put sunscreen on the tops of my ears and I have no noticeable suntan there. Maybe you should find a helmet that sits a little lower on your head.

Wear a Livestrong band...it'll all go away.

Wear a Livestrong band...it'll all go away.

After living through a year of chemo and radiation and watching my mother do the same, it isn't that easy....Cancer is not a joke.

After living through a year of chemo and radiation and watching my mother do the same, it isn't that easy....Cancer is not a joke.

I've lost my father, aunt and 2 of my closest friends to cancer (both at a VERY early age). I know very well it's no joke...the joke is the band.

I'm a little freaked out, but obviously don't want to stop riding. So I'll take all your advice and hope to see you all on the road at some point.

Thanks.

Mike

Not to hijack this thread but why is a Livestrong band a joke? Virtually all of the proceeds go to fight cancer. Maybe you're refering to some people who wear them being a joke because they have no clue what they're about or only wear them as a fashion statement. Nontheless, someone had to buy it and alot of money has been raised to fight cancer because of this "joke".

I had two patches of pre-cancerous cells burned off my cheek last year. My dermatologist advised that I use a good sunblock -- not a sunscreen -- at least an SPF 30 (I use a 45).

As I understand it blocks work mechanically by placing a fine layer of zinc, titanium or "parsol" between your skin and the sun. Screens, on the other hand, work chemically (that's why they recommend waiting 20 minutes before going out into the sun).

Blocks tend to have a higher SPF and are supposed to last longer. Nevertheless, I reapply every couple of hours.

Also, my doctor advised starting the new summer season with a fresh bottle of sunblock -- apparently these products break down or separate over time.

Hope this is useful (and accurate) information!

PS...went back for my one year followup and received a clean bill of health.

I'm a little freaked out, but obviously don't want to stop riding. So I'll take all your advice and hope to see you all on the road at some point.

Thanks.

Mike

Don't sweat it mikebikr. I've been living in the "high risk" category for years. You don't necessarily get skin cancer in an area because that is "the exact spot" that got sunburned in the past. I would tend to agree with Dave in that most of your ears are covered with your helmet, but by all means, put some sunscreen on them given your history. I've been lucky so far in that all my occurances have been carcinoma and not melanoma. Hopefully, that will be the same case for you (I've actually had a spot on my ear removed also). Carcinoma is definately a concern that needs to be addressed by a doctor, but not nearly as threatening as melanoma. I hope everything goes well for you.

Not because of sun exposure concerns, but because of the simple fact that I was busier during the day, I started riding this summer at 5-5:30am nearly every morning for 90-120 minutes. On the weekends, I did the same, but for up to 4-6 hours. I am a lot less tan this fall than in previous falls, but I also did keep up with the 30+SPF sunscreen on all my rides.

Perhaps switching your schedule to avoid the midday sun would help? I also discovered the joys of night mountain biking with a group of buddies. Dunno if you're into MTB, but night riding has increased my love of riding in general tenfold.

If you can't beat it, avoid it!

Mikebikr,
I'm one of the very high risk group...both parents died from cancer (not skin ), I'm a fair-skinned. Irish, redhead (before I started turning grey/white), my older brother was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (the less aggressive form), and I've lost count of the basal cell removal procedures that I've had to date. I had one area the size of a quarter on my left, upper shoulder surgically removed, had another one on my left, upper back...same size cut out, had a dime-sized basal cell removed from my front jaw area, another on my nose, and most recently, a small area on my upper right arm.

I've been a dedicated runner for over 22 years, love to hike and explore the outdoors, and have been a fairly serious cyclist/swimmer/triathlete since 2003. I also had several VERY bad sunburns as a kid, which I understand is another factor that predisposes an individual to skin cancers.

I try to schdule workouts prior to 10-11 am of after 4-5 PM. I should be more consistent with my sunblock use, but I do believe in it's importence. DON'T BE STINGY WITH IT> Get a STRONG rated product, and re-apply if you're out on a long ride.

Most importantly, monitor your body and all its little bumps, freckles, moles, etc. Do this several times weekly. Have your wife, G/F, or someone check those areas that you can't easily see. No need to be paranoid about it..for me it's become as routine as brushing my teeth. I have regularly scheduled visits to my Dermetologist every 6 months...if I find a small "thing" (mark, scaley spot, somthing new) I do not hesitate to make an immediate appointment. More often than not, he just sprays me with his little "gun" and the spot blisters up and disappears

Be vigilant but do not worry. These types of cancer are easily treated Serious problems are often related to people who don't pay attention to their bodies, and neglect to visit the doctor because there are really no uncomfortable symptoms. Some of the other feedback given by others is really god as well. Most clothing offers minimal protectiom. I try to wear stuff that has some significant blocking properties. One last point, make sure that you have a decent doctor. My first dermetologist checked me out and was ready to have me put my shirt back on to leave when i asked "Don't you want to check out my legs...I usually run in shorts." Unbelievable.

Like I said, DO NOT WORRY, just pay attention to your body, use available precautions, adopt a training schedule that will help avoid high risk times, and set up a regular schedule of visits to a competent dermetologist for check ups.

Good luck, ride safe, and have fun
Dave

Not to hijack this thread but why is a Livestrong band a joke? Virtually all of the proceeds go to fight cancer. Maybe you're refering to some people who wear them being a joke because they have no clue what they're about or only wear them as a fashion statement. Nontheless, someone had to buy it and alot of money has been raised to fight cancer because of this "joke".

Amen. I wear one for me, my mother, Ryan, Brett in NC and everyone fighting the damn thing called cancer. I won't pull mine off until my mother is cured..... It means something to those who know...

I had a growth removed from my calf about 8 years ago. The dermatologist basically told me stay out of the sun and do not get any sunburn because I have such light skin. I have basically learned to live with it. I ride strictly in the evenings and when I am out in the sun, which is rare, I wear max sunscreen. The most important thing is to make follow up appointments with the dermatologist so they can do a visual exam. A fellow Irishman friend of mine uses some type of white paint on his ears and nose, he says it totally blocks the sun, not sure what it is. Hope your OK.

It means something to those who know...

Speak for yourself.

Not to hijack this thread but why is a Livestrong band a joke? Virtually all of the proceeds go to fight cancer. Maybe you're refering to some people who wear them being a joke because they have no clue what they're about or only wear them as a fashion statement. Nontheless, someone had to buy it and alot of money has been raised to fight cancer because of this "joke".

I've lost 4 people in my life to cancer...my dad, aunt and 2 closest friends (both young) so I get it. The band is a joke...it's a fashion statement. The money that goes to LAF is undeniably good IF you believe that LAF is a great cause. The many many folks I know that attempted to use them found it literally worthless. Thus enhancing the joke. Lastly, FAR too many people wear the rubber and think "poof, put on the band and I can beat this." Not giving enough time and focus on the actual battle...relying it and Lance's fairy tale to carry them.

The only positive to the whole thing is the little awareness that it might raise which is now unfortunately almost completely overshadowed by the people that have to figure out what matches yellow in their closet when they put on their rubber.

Better places to give your dollar for the cancer fight...

And lastly...this isn't the thread for this and I apologize...hopefully the point is driven home. I feel for you and sunscreen is absolutely the key. Even a little and make sure it's sweat proof. My friend passed away from skin cancer and he was high risk for years...never did anything about it. Early detection and preventative maintenance is huge...

I've lost 4 people in my life to cancer...my dad, aunt and 2 closest friends (both young) so I get it. The band is a joke...it's a fashion statement. The money that goes to LAF is undeniably good IF you believe that LAF is a great cause. The many many folks I know that attempted to use them found it literally worthless. Thus enhancing the joke. Lastly, FAR too many people wear the rubber and think "poof, put on the band and I can beat this." Not giving enough time and focus on the actual battle...relying it and Lance's fairy tale to carry them.

The only positive to the whole thing is the little awareness that it might raise which is now unfortunately almost completely overshadowed by the people that have to figure out what matches yellow in their closet when they put on their rubber.

Better places to give your dollar for the cancer fight...

Wow - that seems both rather cynical and judgemental. Why do you not think the LAF is not a great cause? Why do you think people wear them as "fashion statements" only? I've worn mine since before people knew what they were. People were asking me why I was wearing a yellow rubber band. I took criticism and good natured ribbing because people thought it looked funny. Fashion statement huh. I kinda resent people like you saying I'm wearing it as a fashion statement. Kind of comes off "holyier than thou"....

Wow - that seems both rather cynical and judgemental. Why do you not think the LAF is not a great cause? Why do you think people wear them as "fashion statements" only? I've worn mine since before people knew what they were. People were asking me why I was wearing a yellow rubber band. I took criticism and good natured ribbing because people thought it looked funny. Fashion statement huh. I kinda resent people like you saying I'm wearing it as a fashion statement. Kind of comes off "holyier than thou"....

Every article out there is about bands...yellow, purple, white, red, green ,etc. No one knows what they're for. They have camo ones for the Army. They're ALL fashion statements! The majority of people wearing the yellow ones are not the Lance fandom. Now they even mean what type of sex acts you perform in highschool! LOL! They are a fashion statement and Lance himself has said that they've moved to mean something other than the original cancer intent because MOST people didn't know the original intent. I took the same criticism and crap you did about the yellow band...I bought a ton in June of 04 just before the Tour and handed them out to tons of people in France. Now they're just a joke...LAF does nothing to push the intent other than to "Livestrong"...Clinton and Lance now want people to use them in their battle with weight loss. Gimme a break...my money was to help fight cancer not people that can't lay off the McDonald's. The whole thing has turned silly and like I said...sorry I bumped into this thread since it was poor on my part since the original poster had an important question.

Speak for yourself.

As a 17 year survivor I am speaking for myself.. I'm not going to force you to believe in the LAF, it is your choice who you support. Hijacking this thread isn't worth it. You have your opinons, I have mine. I gladly give to the LAF, St Judes and other cancer causes, that I believe in. Therefore I speak for myself.... If you don't believe in the LAF, then that is your choice.

A note about SPF. The SPF rating has nothing to do with the "strength" of the block but how long it lasts. For instance, SPF 45 will last longer than SPF 30.

This is from the ConsumerSearch web site (http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/sunscreen/fullstory.html).
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Experts say that sunscreen ingredients are just starting to catch up with the discovery of how bad UVA rays are, and unless the product contains avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide, (or Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb outside the U.S.), you're not protected from UVA. <o:p></o:p>

There are two different types of UV rays in sunlight: UVB light causes surface sunburn, while UVA light penetrates and causes deeper connective tissue damage—even when the skin surface feels cool. UVA light is the culprit for premature aging and cellular damage. With the number of sunscreens on the market, it's important to know which ones will protect you from both UVB and UVA rays. We turned to the excellent book, "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," by Paula Begoun, as well as reviews by Consumer Reports, Which? Online, Prevention, and Better Homes & Gardens to locate the most complete sunscreens.<o:p></o:p>

Coppertone's Sport Lotion (*est. $12/4 ounces) sounds like the perfect protection for active folks—the ultra sweatproof formula keeps it out of the eyes and it's oil-free, without greasy residue that could loosen your handgrip. It's waterproof, and comes in SPF 15, 30, and 48. However, experts say it doesn't contain any of the recommended UVA protective ingredients (avobenzone, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Mexoryl SX, or Tinosorb) that signify a complete sunscreen. Only the gel version, Coppertone's Sport Sunblock Gel (*est. $7.30/6 ounces) contains avobenzone as a UVA defense. <o:p></o:p>

If you like the other qualities of these Coppertone Sport sunscreens, choose the gel, which comes only in SPF 30; however, experts say UVA protection shouldn't be an "extra," but rather a given. Experts say every sunscreen should contain UVA protection, so the gel formula is simply complying with current health standards—not offering anything extra. At least Coppertone labels their products well, and you can easily see which ones contain avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789) by reading the front of the container.<o:p></o:p>

The SPF (sunscreen protection factor) in sunscreen is also frequently misunderstood; many people think that an SPF 30 offers double the protection of an SPF 15. However, experts say SPF 15 blocks 93% of rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97%, only 4% more. SPF ratings higher than 30 don't offer any further UV protection, and let the same 3% of UV rays through as SPF 30. Further, SPF only blocks UVB rays. For that reason, it's just as important to look for UVA protection as SPF.<o:p></o:p>

Experts also point out that children's sunscreens are no different than those for adults, except for added fragrance that can actually irritate kids' more-sensitive skin. The only beneficial difference to look for is UVA protection with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, since these are less irritating than avobenzone to children's skin.<o:p></o:p>

You can get products that block UVA and B plus visible light and if you want to be protected they are the only ones you should use. Generally they have something about totalblock in the name and have micronized titanium dioxide to produce the visible light block.

My favorite at the moment is Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Sport spf 60. It has a consistency like whipped butter so is almost impossible to apply too thinly and it stays put very well. I've also used their spf 45 version which has ti dioxide and a nice coconut smell. It's odd they make some good stuff since most of their product line is worthless for anything but promoting cancer.

There is also RIT sunguard that you can use to treat clothes to increase the blocking. In Hawaii I used to have bib tan lines on my back through a jersey and light t-shirt so if you want to be safe.

Avoiding the sun is the best method. The way SPF ratings are determined is by skin reddness. Unfortunately as a result there is now some animal evidence that some of the sunblocks prevent redness and burning by reducing immune response, but may do little to prevent cancer or even aggravate cancer risk (due to the lessened immune response).

The best time to apply Sunblock UVA & UVB (with Mexoryl or Parsol 1789) is a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your ride....NOT 10 minutes before the ride. The application has to 'bond' to the skin and you need to re-apply after 90 minutes of water exposure or sweating.
Don't forget to apply to the ears and back of your neck..UVA & UVB are properties of daylight conditions, not just direct exposure from the sun.
http://healthgate.partners.org/browsing/browseContent.asp?fileName=13823.xml&title=Play%20it%20safe%20in%20the%20sun
If you do get a bad sunburn, apply some Vinegar (clear) and it will remove 90% of the sting and help heal the skin....won't remove the 'red', but you can put a shirt on without all the pain..
For those who don't agree with Sunblock applications: Don't apply any...it's your skin!

I just say this news article and it seemed appropriate for this thread.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/items/200511/1499225.htm?sunshine

Aspirin 'helps prevent' skin cancer

Queensland scientists say common drugs such as aspirin may hold the key to reducing the risk of developing skin cancer. The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) says it has obtained the first evidence that non-steroidal drugs may offer protection against squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratoses, or skin spots.

Some non-steroidal drugs have already been found to be effective in reducing the risk of heart disease and other cancers.

A team of epidemiologists discovered the link through the Nambour Skin Cancer study, which surveyed about 1,000 residents in the south-east Queensland town.

The QIMR's Dr David Whiteman says the result has been found in patients who have taken drugs such as aspirin or Ibuprofen at least twice a week over five years.

"It's known that skin cancers produce an enzyme ... [that] is used by cancers to develop blood vessels and grow into the skin - you know the way they burrow down into the skin," he said.

"What aspirin does is it prevents that enzyme from working.

"It blocks its activity almost completely."

Dr Whiteman says while the findings look hopeful, a bigger study needs to be done.

"It may well be that this research leads to new strategies, particularly for the people at very high risk of skin cancer, we may be able to develop new drugs from this type of finding," he said

"So what today represents is a new strategy for skin cancer prevention, but I certainly would not advocate abandoning our current strategies, they're working well."