Las Vegas Urban League WIC: A Source For Support And Advice During National Healthy Skin Month

LAS VEGAS - Nov. 6, 2023 - PRLog -- The American Academy of Dermatology stresses that November has been designated as National Healthy Skin Month to sound the alarm that 1 in 4 Americans have some sort of skin disease that could have been avoided with self-check body exams, skin cream and sunscreen applications with an SPF of at least 30 and seeking immediate medical intervention when skin damage is suspected.

"Continuous exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or from tanning beds causes skin to age prematurely where it develops wrinkles, loses elasticity and in some instances affecting skin color and texture," Norita Glispie, Clinic Coordinator at WIC's Flamingo East Office, said. "Everyone should also treat their skin gently by minimizing long, hot showers or baths, using unscented soaps and never scrubbing the skin. Applying unscented moisturizers from head to toe after bathing will also go a long way to maintaining healthy skin. "

Glispie added people sometimes damage their skin by using harsh chemicals to wash their hands, face, and body. This can result in dry and itchy patches, infections, inflammations, and acne. Exposure to air pollution and extreme heat and cold will also affect the skin.

"As people age their skin becomes thinner and more delicate," Glispie said. "Older individuals need to be gentler with their skin and make sure to use moisturizers and sunscreen, wear hats with brims when walking in the sun and wearing long sleeves and long pants when exposed to the hot sun will protect their skin."

The Academy of Dermatology recommends that all individuals, both young and old, perform self-skin exams on a regular basis. This should be done by:

• Examining your body in a full-length mirror
• Checking your underarms, forearms, and palms.
• Looking at your legs, between toes and the soles of your feet.
• Using a hand mirror to examine your neck and scalp.
• Using a hand mirror to check your back and buttocks.

For more information on maintaining healthy skin, please reach out to counselors at Las Vegas Urban League WIC's two locations: 6480 W. Flamingo Road, Suite B, Las Vegas, phone (702) 227-1573 or 3320 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 50, Las Vegas, phone (702) 476-9561.

The Las Vegas Urban League Women, Infants and Children Program is a 501c (3) program that is funded by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health. www.http://wiclv.org