Sunburn
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A: Protection from sun exposure is important all year round, not just during
the summer or at the beach. Any time the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are
able to reach the earth, you need to protect yourself from excessive sun
exposure. UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or temperature.
Relatively speaking, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during daylight
savings time (9 a.m. - 3 p.m. during standard time) are the most hazardous
for UV exposure in the continental United States. UV radiation is the greatest
during the late spring and early summer in North America.
Remember: UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as on bright
and sunny days. UV rays will also reflect off any surface like water, cement,
sand, and snow.
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A: Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form
of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells.
There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB),
and ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA is the most abundant source of solar radiation
at the earth's surface and penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin.
Scientists believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue
and increase a person's risk for developing skin cancer.
UVB rays are less abundant at the earth's surface than UVA because a significant
portion of UVB rays is absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB rays penetrate less
deeply into the skin than do UVA rays, but also can be damaging.
UVC radiation is extremely hazardous to skin, but it is completely absorbed
by the stratospheric ozone layer and does not reach the surface of the earth.
A: When possible, avoid outdoor activities during midday, when the sun's
rays are strongest. This usually means the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
You can also wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved
shirt, and long pants.
For eye protection, wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent
UV ray protection. And always wear a broad-spectrum (protection against both
UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen and lipscreen with at least SPF 15. Remember
to reapply as indicated by the manufacturer's directions.
Also, check the sunscreenfs expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration
date has a shelf life of no more than three years. Exposure to extreme temperatures
can shorten the expiration date or shelf life of sunscreen.
A: UV exposure appears to be the most important environmental factor in
the development of skin cancer and a primary factor in the development of
lip cancer.
Although getting some sun exposure can yield a few positive benefits, excessive
and unprotected exposure to the sun can result in premature aging and undesirable
changes in skin texture. Such exposure has been associated with various types
of skin cancer, including melanoma, one of the most serious and deadly forms.
UV rays also have been found to be associated with various eye conditions,
such as cataracts.
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A: The UV Index was developed by the National Weather Service and the Environmental
Protection Agency. It provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure
to UV rays and indicates the degree of caution you should take when working,
playing, or exercising outdoors.
The UV Index predicts exposure levels on a 0-10+ scale, where 0 indicates
a low risk of overexposure and 10+ means a very high risk of overexposure.
Calculated on a next-day basis for dozens of cities across the U.S., the
UV Index takes into account clouds and other local conditions that affect
the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground.
The level of danger calculated for the basic categories of the index are
for a person with Type II skin. For a person with type II skin, for example,
an Index value of 5 or 6 represents a moderate possibility of UV overexposure.
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A: The penetration of UV rays to the skin's inner layer results in the production
of more melanin. That melanin eventually moves toward the outer layers of
the skin and becomes visible as a tan.
A suntan is not an indicator of good health. Some physicians consider the
skin's tanning a response to injury because it appears after the sun's UV
rays have killed some cells and damaged others.
A: Whether individuals burn or tan depends on a number of factors, including
their skin type, the time of year, and the amount of sun exposure they have
received recently. The skin's susceptibility to burning can be classified
on a five-point scale as outlined in the following table:
| Skin Type |
Tanning and Sunburning History |
| I |
Always burns, never tans, sensitive to sun exposure |
| II |
Burns easily, tans minimally |
| III |
Burns moderately, tans gradually to light brown |
| IV |
Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately
brown |
| V |
Rarely burns, tans profusely to dark |
| VI |
Never burns, deeply pigmented, least sensitive |
Though everyone is at risk for damage as a result of excessive sun exposure,
people with skin types I and II are at the highest risk.
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Rub It On
A: Sunscreens come in a variety of forms such as lotions, gels, and sprays,
so there are plenty of different options. There are also sunscreens made
for specific purposes, such as the scalp, sensitive skin, and for use on
babies. Regardless of the type of sunscreen you choose, be sure that you
use one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and that it offers at least SPF
15.
A: Sunscreens are assigned a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number according
to their effectiveness in offering protection from UV rays. Higher numbers
indicate more protection. As a rule of thumb, you should always use a sunscreen
with at least SPF 15.
A: You should follow the manufacturerfs directions regarding reapplication
or you risk not getting the protection that you might think you are getting.
Though recently developed sunscreens are more resistant to loss through sweating
and getting wet than previous sunscreens were, you should still reapply frequently,
especially during peak sun hours or after swimming or sweating.
A: Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering
the sun's rays. Such products contain chemicals that interact with the skin
to protect it from UV rays. Sunscreens help prevent problems related to sun
exposure, such as aging skin and precancerous growths.
Keep in mind that sunscreen is not meant to allow you to spend more time
in the sun than you would otherwise. Thatfs why it is important to complement
sunscreen use with other sun protection options: cover up, wear a hat and
sunglasses, and seek shade.
A: There are cosmetics and lip protectors that contain some of the same
protective chemicals used by sunscreens on the market. However, not all of
these products meet the standard of having at least SPF 15, and therefore
do not offer sufficient protection by themselves.
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A: Clothing that covers your skin protects against the sun's UV rays. Loose-fitting
long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the
best protection. A wet t-shirt offers you much less UV protection than does
a dry one.
If wearing this type of clothing isn't practical, at least try to wear a
t-shirt or a beach cover-up. Keep in mind, however, that a typical t-shirt
actually has an SPF rating substantially lower than the recommended SPF 15,
so double-up on protection by using sunscreen with at least SPF 15 (and UVA
and UVB protection) and staying in the shade when you can.
A: Wearing clothing made of tightly-woven fabric is best for protecting
your skin, regardless of the color. Darker colors, though, may offer more
protection than lighter colors.
A: Protecting yourself from the sun's UV rays doesn't have to be a major
chore; it's just a matter of knowing your options and using them. Wearing
a dry t-shirt is a good start, but it is not enough if you are going to be
outside for more than a few minutes.
If you can't wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, you can boost your
protection by seeking shade whenever possible and by always wearing sunscreen
with at least SPF 15.
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A: Hats can help shield your skin from the sun's UV rays. Choose a hat that
provides shade for all of your head and neck. For the most protection, wear
a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the
back of your neck.
If you choose to wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears
and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using
sunscreen with at least SPF 15, or by staying in the shade.
A: A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin
from UV rays. When possible, avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight
through.
A: The amount of shade offered by a particular hat appears to be its most
important prevention characteristic. If a darker hat is an option, though,
it may offer even more UV protection.
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A: Yes. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of
cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
A: Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection.
The majority of sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost,
meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV
rays from sneaking in from the side.
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A: The sun's UV rays are strongest and do the most damage during midday,
so it's best to avoid direct exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. You
can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under
an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun.
A: If you can't avoid the sun, you can protect your skin by wearing a wide-brimmed
hat, wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, long-sleeved
shirt, and long pants. You can also wear a sunscreen and lipscreen with at
least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection and reapply according to the manufacturerfs
directions. When you can, take your breaks and your lunch in the shade.
A: UV rays can reflect off virtually any surface (including sand, snow and
concrete) and can reach you in the shade. Your best bet to protect your skin
and lips is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you're outside
--- even when you're in the shade.
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Symptoms of sunburn are well known: skin becomes red, painful, and abnormally
warm after sun exposure.
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Consult a doctor if the sunburn affects an infant younger than 1 year of
age or if these symptoms are present:
- Fever
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Severe pain
Also, remember these tips when treating sunburn:
- Avoid repeated sun exposure.
- Apply cold compresses or immerse the sunburned area in cool water.
- Apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas. Do not use salve, butter,
or ointment.
- Do not break blisters.
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Acne
