The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with IFO-San Gallicano, has launched a new awareness campaign entitled "Always protect your skin". The goal is clear: to educate young people, and not only them, about the importance of sun protection to prevent sunburn, premature aging and, above all, skin cancer. The sun is a friend to be respected. Exposure to sunlight is essential for the production of vitamin D, serotonin, etc., but it is equally true that excessive and unprotected exposure can have harmful consequences for skin health. Nurses, true guardians of health, are called upon to play a key role in health education for the population. Their expertise and closeness to citizens make them ideal figures to educate the Italian people on the importance of prevention. To prevent sunburn and skin cancer, it is essential to adopt some simple precautions: Gradual exposure, accustom the skin to the sun gradually, avoiding or at least paying particular attention to the hottest hours of the day (11:00 – 16:00) Hydration, drink plenty of water to counteract dehydration caused by the sun. Sun protection, use broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreens daily with a protection factor appropriate for your skin type and reapply every two hours. Protective clothing, wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV filter and light-colored, lightweight clothing. Balanced diet, consume foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, to protect cells from free radical damage. Self-examination of the skin to regularly check for new suspicious moles or other changes. Specialist visit in case of new growths or changes Skin cancers are a danger, among the most common and often underestimated. Exposure to UV rays is the main risk factor for the development of these cancers, particularly melanoma, considered the most aggressive, while basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are on the rise, but with proper prevention, it is possible to intervene safely. This article is a call for prevention, which remains the best weapon against skin cancer and can make a difference in the prevention of skin tumors. Vincenzo Parisi
