In this summer sun, we all know how important sunblock is to protect our skin from those harmful rays.
But, there is one critical part of the body experts say most of us pay only lip service to and that can be dangerous, even deadly.
Action News anchor Nina Radetich explains.
When slathering on the sunscreen there is one part of the body many of us tend to forget, our lips.
Research shows more than 70% of Americans do not apply lip protection.
"It can be quite dangerous," explained Dr. Richard Wagner who is a dermatologist.
You may not realize your lips are susceptible to cancer too.
"The lip can be more dangerous than skin cancer on the skin because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body," said Dr. Wagner.
"If you take all patients across the board with lip cancer, their five year survival is 85%. But, if it is caught late and it is already spread to the lymph nodes, then the survival drops down to 50%," explained Dr. Christine Brown who is also a dermatologist.
You want to be extra careful about lip glosses that do not contain SPF.
Dermatologists warn shiny lips could be even more dangerous.
"By applying a clear shiny lip gloss to the surface of the lip, you are going to increase light penetration, the same way that you would by applying a tanning oil on the skin's surface," said Dr. Brown.
But protecting your pout does not mean slopping sunscreen over your mouth.
"I recommend specialized lip products instead of regular sun screen for the lips because the lip products tend be stickier and last better," said Dr. Wagner.
It is also important to reapply regularly.
"It may wear off eating or drinking," said Dr. Wagner.
It is information many sun worshippers are glad to have.
Dermatologists stress this is just not for women, even men should apply lip sunscreen daily.
There are some warning signs of lip cancer.
You may see bleeding, scaling or numbness of the lips or the mouth or the formation of a bump or sore.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your dermatologist as soon as possible.
Stay tuned to Action News as we monitor developing news around the Valley.
