SKIN cancer is on the rise amongst expatriates in Bahrain, say experts.
They are also warning that sunscreen is no longer considered to be a reliable source of skin protection.
The alert comes as a result of studies carried out by the US-based Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Bahraini experts voiced their concerns after EWG research found that four out of five brand name sunscreens do not adequately protect the skin from both UVB and UVA rays.
The sun care products were tested for Ultraviolet B (UVB) sunburn protection, Ultraviolet A (UVA) protection and each lotion's ability to last in the sun.
UVA rays are responsible for premature ageing, skin damage and potential skin cancer.
The fact that the EWG had declared many sunscreens inadequate was a cause for concern, said health experts in Bahrain.
Dermaplast consultant plastic surgeon Dr Tariq Saeed, whose clinic specialises in dermatology, said limiting exposure to the sun was the best protection.
Over-exposure causes premature ageing of the skin such as wrinkles, loss of tone and elasticity and increases the risk of contracting skin cancer.
"It is particularly important between noon and 4pm to protect the skin with regular and sufficient application of high SPF sunscreen, which shields UVA and UVB rays, and to use protective clothing and hats when taking part in recreation," said Dr Saeed.
"The greatest value of the EWG report is that it sets up a dialogue between physicians, scientists and the public with regards to the dangers of sun exposure and how to deal with it, creating an awareness of a topic which is not taken seriously enough.
"As plastic surgeons and dermatologists, we are very concerned about the repercussions of inadequate sun protection because there are potential serious consequences to this. In addition to premature skin ageing, the main danger is that skin damage leads to skin cancer.
"We see the greatest number of skin cancers among male expatriate patients, particularly those who have resided in the Gulf for many years."
Dr Saeed recommended wearing protective clothing and limiting the amount of time spent in the sun.
He maintained that it was particularly important for babies and young children and anyone with Type 1 and Type 2 skins - fair skin - usually of Caucasian origin and which had no natural protective mechanisms to deal with the intensity of the sun in this part of the world.
General surgeon and Bahrain Cancer Society board member Dr Sara Al Reefy also advised people to ensure that the sunscreen they were using had been EWG-approved.
"People need to check that the sunscreen they are using is suitable for their skin type," she said.
"Many people do not take adequate care when applying sunscreen. During the summer, the sun is more intense and people need to make sure that they are getting both UVA and UVB protection."
The number of skin cancer cases in Bahrain was on the increase and although no figures had been officially published since 2003, cases had continued to rise since then, said Dr Al Reefy.
There were different types of skin cancer, although the two skin cancers prevalent in Bahrain were associated with sun exposure, she said.
Melanoma is the cancer of melanin-producing cells, the brown pigment in the skin, which is also what causes the skin to turn darker in the sun.
This type of cancer mainly occurs when a mole or skin pigmentation changes shape due to overproduction of cells, which can turn cancerous.
There were two cases in Bahrain in 2002 according to figures from the society.
Squamous cell cancer is as a direct result of sun exposure and figures showed that from 2000 to 2003, cases had doubled in Bahrain.
"Skin cancer accounts for up to four per cent of the cancer cases in Bahrain," said Dr Al Reefy.
"The reason that the number is relatively low is mainly because the sun affects fair skin more readily than it does darker skin.
"Bahrainis are naturally more tanned so are less likely to become victims of skin cancer as a result of sun exposure.
"Many Muslim women on the island wear the hijab and abaya and men tend to wear thobes, therefore, they are not always exposed to the sun.
"During the summer, it is wise to undertake activities indoors to avoid the strong sun.
"Many people do not realise the damage the sun can do to their skin because it is often not noticeable until they become older."
The EWG found that approximately 85pc of the sunscreens tested included untried ingredients, which could provoke potential health risks.
Many of the sunscreens claiming to be water-proof, chemical-free and having broad-spectrum protection were discounted by the EWG.
The main culprits include Banana Boat, Coppertone, La Roche Posay, Lancume, Garnier, Avalon Natural Products and Neutrogena.
According to the EWG, none of Coppertone's sunscreens met the EWG criteria and only one out of the 103 sunscreens produced by Neutrogena was approved.
EWG statistics stated that only 15pc of the 952 products analysed prevented both UVA and UVB rays and did not contain hazardous ingredients.
Tests also showed that due to extensive sun exposure, the ingredients broke down in many of the sunscreens causing them to become ineffective.
Sunscreens contain organic chemicals, which absorb ultraviolet rays such as Oxybenzone, which enables chemicals in sunscreen to penetrate the skin; and inorganic particles that reflect UV light such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Although Oxybenzone had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, concerns had been raised by the EWG about the chemical, as it posed health hazards.
A recent study was also undertaken by the US-based Centre for Disease Control (CDC) that showed that 97pc of Americans had allergies, cell damage and other ailments associated with Oxybenzone.
As a result, scientists were urging people to ensure that the sunscreen they were using did not contain the chemical.
Sunscreen is usually measured through a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) scale, which was developed by chemist Franz Greiter in 1962.
What is unclear to many is that the SPF actually refers solely to UVB rays and the amount of time a person can be exposed to the sun without becoming burnt.
This is determined on the individual's tolerance to the sun, skin type, amount and frequency of application.
It also implies that a person who would normally burn after being exposed to the sun for 15 minutes would burn only after 150 minutes with SPF 10, depending on whether or not the individual has been swimming or playing sports.
A more effective way, according to experts, is the Boots star rating system commonly used throughout the UK and Ireland.
The star rating system is concerned with both UVB and UVA protection and is separate from SPF.
Products bearing one star provide the least protection and products with five stars contain the highest UVA and UVB protection.
Some EWG recommended products are as follows:
l Blue Lizard Australian Suncream Lotion, Sensitive, SPF 30.
l California Baby Lotion SPF 30.
l CVS Sunscreen with zinc Oxide SPF 30.
l Olay Complete Defence Daily UV Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin, SPF 30.
l Keys Soap Solar Rx Therapeutic Sunblock SPF 30
l UV Natural Sunscreen SPF 30.
l Sun Science Sport Formula SPF 30.
For more details visit: www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.
