BANGKOK – Thailand is now in the summer, when ultraviolet light in the longer, brighter days can cause skin damage and even skin cancer.
Director-General of the Department of Medicine Supan Sri Dharma said skin cancer constitutes 5% of all cancer cases in Thailand. The condition is more common in males than females and people over 40.
Dr Supan advises the public to avoid the sun during the hours of 10:00am to 3:00pm. He encouraged people to routine use sunscreen and umbrellas, as well as dress in non-revealing clothing. Even on overcast days, UV light is strong enough to damage skin and can actually be more damaging, as people take fewer precautions.
The department has suggested that a healthy diet of all five food groups, especially tomatoes and carrots, can help prevent the harmful effects of sun exposure. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day would also help skin cells function normally and reduce dehydration in the summer.
