We have always been told to wear sunblock, whether that’s mum or someone else. If you haven’t listened so far, this UV face scan might change your mind.
The image above is a UV scan of a 35-year old melanoma survivor, though sun damage is apparent in pre-teens as well.
A University of Colorado research team led by dermatologist Robert Dellavalle conducted a study that aims to increase awareness of skin cancer.
“Some of the kids are really freaked out and don’t want to look at the images at all, so I tell them to look at their inner zombie,” says dermatologist Robert Dellavalle. “This is like seeing your lung black, and appearances have a big impact at this time of life.”
Six hundred 12-year old boys and girls were photographed using a UV flash. Ultra-violtet (UV) light has a wider spectrum so it can see spots invisible to the naked eye. Teens showing signs of melanoma susceptibility (freckles, red hair, blue eyes, pale skin) showed more marks and freckles under the UV scan.
UV photography remains to be the best tool to detect skin cancer or melanoma. If only the technology can be more easy on the pocket, everyone can have it. The system Dellavalle and his team used, Canfield’s Visia Complexion Analysis, can cost upwards of $20,000.
So think of that next time you hit a tanning salon.
via CNET
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