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Like most kayak fishermen, I love being outdoors on a sunny day. For years I did little to protect myself from UV radiation other than wearing sunglasses and a hat. Those years of poor decisions are coming back to get me in my older years. Yesterday I had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my shoulder. The incision required stitches. I cannot do physical activities like casting, paddling, or other kayak fishing activities until the stitches are removed in 10 days. Once this one heals, the dermatologist plans to remove a second patch from my back, with a similar healing period. Between those two events, I will be off the water for 3-4 weeks.
Last summer I had another basal cell carcinoma on my cheek next to my nose. That required a more rigorous Moh's surgery to remove the spot and patch me up. With three identified spots in the past year, I suspect I can look forward to more skin cancer fun in the future. Fortunately the basal cell carcinomas are not highly dangerous, but I am not keen on having more chunks of my body removed.
I bring this up as advice from an older guy to the younger members of this forum. The sun does damage your skin -- the damage accumulates over time. Do yourself a favor and cover up as much of your skin as possible. Use sunscreen on the skin that is not covered. For the past few years I have looked more dorky than usual with my face cover and hat with a neck flap. I wear long pants, sun gloves, and long-sleeved shirts on virtually all of my fishing trips, even on hot days. I feel like I am doing a pretty good job on sun protection now, but I am reaping the rewards of poor sun protection for decades.
IMAG0581.jpg
For the past two years I have been using Bull Frog Water Armor Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 on my face. This clear alcohol-based gel dries quickly and does not leave a greasy residue like most of the white lotions.
Last summer I had another basal cell carcinoma on my cheek next to my nose. That required a more rigorous Moh's surgery to remove the spot and patch me up. With three identified spots in the past year, I suspect I can look forward to more skin cancer fun in the future. Fortunately the basal cell carcinomas are not highly dangerous, but I am not keen on having more chunks of my body removed.
I bring this up as advice from an older guy to the younger members of this forum. The sun does damage your skin -- the damage accumulates over time. Do yourself a favor and cover up as much of your skin as possible. Use sunscreen on the skin that is not covered. For the past few years I have looked more dorky than usual with my face cover and hat with a neck flap. I wear long pants, sun gloves, and long-sleeved shirts on virtually all of my fishing trips, even on hot days. I feel like I am doing a pretty good job on sun protection now, but I am reaping the rewards of poor sun protection for decades.
IMAG0581.jpg
For the past two years I have been using Bull Frog Water Armor Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen SPF 50 on my face. This clear alcohol-based gel dries quickly and does not leave a greasy residue like most of the white lotions.
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