Don’t forget the sunscreen

Jul. 20, 2015

Just about everyone has experienced the sting of sunburn, but sunlight can cause much more damage than just red, irritated skin. The sun’s ultraviolet rays come in three types: UVA rays, UVB rays, and UVC rays. These are in order from most to least harmful.

UVA rays are the most common and permeate beneath the top layer of skin, increasing a person’s risk of developing skin cancer. UVB rays do not penetrate as deeply, but they still carry a risk of causing skin cancer. The Earth’s atmosphere absorbs UVC rays, making them neutral. It’s important to be aware of the different kinds of ultraviolet light and to stay protected from harm. Defending oneself is simple, but very important.   

As fun as it is to be out in the sun, overexposure can lead to aging of the skin and, more importantly, a higher vulnerability to skin cancer. To avoid these and other unpleasant effects of too much sunlight, wear sunscreen with SPF of at least 15. The SPF rating refers to the level of protection against UVB rays only; products with Mexoryl, Parsol 1789, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or avobenzone will block the more dangerous UVA rays. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours thereafter, following the directions on the bottle. Never use sunscreen that is 1-2 years old or older, as it loses its potency.

In addition, one can shield oneself from sunburn by wearing appropriate clothing. Dark clothing with a tight weave provides better coverage than light-colored, loosely woven clothing does. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses are also a wise choice. Ensure that the sunglasses are wrap-around style with almost 100 percent UV protection. Finally, limit activity in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as this is when exposure is highest.

Prolonged sun exposure can wreak havoc without these precautions in place. Watch for dangerous symptoms and know how to treat them if the need arises. Aloe, topical moisturizing cream, and 1 percent hydrocortisone cream can help to heal sunburns, blistering and swelling. Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can relieve some of the pain.

Any sunburn victim should not continue to be in the sun. To speed up the healing process, drink plenty of water and consider applying cool water to the affected skin. Cold baths, wet cloths or even misting the skin with a spray bottle can be soothing. If more severe symptoms occur, such as dehydration, signs of heat stroke, a fever above 101°F, severe sunburns covering more than 15 percent of the body or extreme pain lasting more than 48 hours, seek medical attention immediately.

These safety measures are crucial for any outdoor sunny day, especially in Texas where summer temperatures can exceed one hundred degrees! Stay aware and stay protected.

For information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/uvradiation/ or http://www.foh.hhs.gov/calendar/july.html.

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