A vital job: Protect your skin
Looking after your skin is just as important as looking after your overall health, Katie Doyle, Teagasc Gorey, shares some key advice.
For farmers, working outdoors is simply part of everyday life. Whether it’s management of livestock, making silage, fencing or harvesting crops, avoiding the sun is rarely an option.
Spending long hours outdoors means farmers are exposed to significantly higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation than people who work indoors, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with approximately 11,000 cases diagnosed each year. Around 90% of skin cancer cases are linked to exposure to UV rays from the sun. While this may sound alarming, the good news is that most skin cancers can be successfully treated when detected early.
Protecting your skin on the farm
Taking a few simple steps can make a big difference in reducing your risk of developing skin cancer:
- Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible, including long-sleeved shirts with collars.
- Use a wide brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and neck.
- Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.
- Apply a water-resistant sun cream with a SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours.
- Allow sun cream around 30 minutes to absorb before going outside.
- Replace sun cream each year, as older products may not provide the same protection stated on the label.
Sun cream shouldn’t be your only line of defence. A combination of clothing, shade where possible and sun cream offers the best protection against harmful UV rays.
What to look out for?
Checking your skin regularly can help identify problems early. Farmers should pay particular attention to any changes in their skin and seek medical advice if they notice:
- A new lump or discoloured patch of skin.
- A sore that does not heal within a few weeks.
- A spot that itches, hurts, crusts, scabs or bleeds.
- A new mole or changes to an existing mole.
If you notice any of these warning signs, contact your GP. Early detection is vital. Around 90% of skin cancers can be successfully treated when found early.
Looking after your skin is just as important as looking after your overall health. A few simple steps today can help ensure many healthy years working on the farm in the future.
Katie Doyle is an Education Officer, Drystock Advisor & Health and Safety Coordinator based in Teagasc Gorey.
For more on the Teagasc Wicklow/Carlow/Wexford Advisory Region, visit here.