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Health & Fitness

Protecting Against Sunburn

Protecting against sunburn can be a challenge. Learn how to protect yourself and others when your outside. Tips to avoid sunburn and medications are discussed in the battle of fighting Sunburn.

          With the summer sun almost upon us, I would like to focus on sun protection. Sun protection doesn’t just apply to the summer but all year around. There are 2 million new cases per year of skin cancer. This is considered an epidemic by medical standards. Childhood burns or over exposures increase the risk for melanoma, the worst type of skin cancer. In a sun worshipping society, it is important that parents and children be well versed in sun protection. The goal would be to decrease the number of skin cancers in the future.

            Sunshine is actually radiation that comes in 2 forms.

  1. UVA- These rays make up 95% of the rays that reach the Earth.
  2. UVB- These rays account for 5% of the rays that reach the Earth.

             Both types can be harmful. UVB rays are absorbed by the ozone. UVA is not absorbed by the ozone layer. UVA is visible light. UVB is more intense in the summer than the winter and UVA is constant throughout the year. UVB is more intense at higher altitudes and when closer to the equator. The goal is to protect against both UVA and UVB.

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           Sunlight is needed for the production of vitamin D. Studies have shown that a decrease in vitamin D is associated with other health problems such as breast cancer and osteoporosis. Lack of sunlight has also been a contributing factor in certain forms of depression. The trick is to have enough sun to positively affect your health. 

            Sunburn is defined as red or blistered skin due to sun over exposure. After 4 hours of the exposure, the skin starts to become inflamed. This inflammation peaks at about 24 hours and begins to improve at about 48 hours. Sunscreen, when applied appropriately, can protect against squamous cell carcinoma. It does not protect against basal cell carcinoma or melanoma.

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              How to avoid burns:

  1. Shake the bottle before you apply and use a sunscreen of 45 or above. The higher the SPF (sun protection factor) translates into more protection against UVB rays.
  2. Apply the sunscreen ½ hour BEFORE going outside.
  3. Make sure the sunscreen states it protects against UVA and UVB rays (broad spectrum).
  4. Apply every 2 hours.
  5. Apply after swimming, exercising or towel drying.
  6. Sunscreens have star ratings from 1-4. One star means low UVA protection. Two stars means medium protection. Three stars is high protection. Four stars is the best protection in an over the counter sunscreen.
  7. Sensitive areas such as the nose and cheeks may need zinc oxide or titanium dioxide blocks. These types of sun block are usually colored and kids like to paint their faces with them.
  8. Check the UV index. This was developed in 1994 by the National Weather Service in conjunction with the US Environmental Agency and The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. This index predicts the intensity of UV light based on factors such as the sun’s position, cloud movement, altitude, ozone data just to name a few. It calculates a number based upon skin that would sunburn easily. 

                           0-2 = minimal intensity

                          3-4 = low intensity

                          5-6 = moderate intensity

                          7-9 = high intensity

                          10 or above = very high intensity

Avoid exposure if the UV index is 7 or higher. You can find this at www.Weather.com.

  1. If you have a child less than 6 months old, find shade. Children this age should be out of the direct hot sun. Pregnant women with blood pressure issues should also seek shade. If you take medication, check with your pharmacist regarding sun exposure. Certain medications can make you sun sensitive. Common medications that cause sun sensitivity include antibiotics such as Bactum or Septra and quinolones. Vitamin A, certain blood pressure medications, certain birth control pills and drugs for ADHD and ADD such as Aderall can cause sun sensitivity. Please check with your pharmacist if you have a question about any drugs your child may be taking.
  2. Clothing should include tightly woven fabrics that block out the sun. Broad brimmed hats that protect the head and face. Sunglasses should have 98% or above protection against UVA and UVB rays. Just because the lenses are dark colored, doesn’t mean that the glasses are approved for sun protection. The lenses must be chemically treated.

      When outside in hot weather, one must remember to keep children well hydrated. Kids can loose water very easily. Teach your children the importance of protecting their skin. Good health habits last a lifetime. I’ll see you at the pool.

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