Skin Safety in the Sun
by A. Dixon, RN

Many of us have suffered the painful blisters, fever, and other discomforts
that come from too much sun. Overexposure to the sun, whether intentional
or not, can cause severe sunburn and prematurely aged skin. However, these
are not the worst results of constant sun exposure. Skin cancer is the worst
result. Almost all cases of this disease developed by Americans annually are
considered to be sun-related.

Everyone should practice safety in the sun, but some of us are more prone to
skin damage than others. You need to be especially careful about protecting
your skin if you have:

- a family history of skin cancer
- a childhood history of severe sunburns
- fair-skin and freckle easily - light-colored eyes or hair.

The more you are out in the sun or are exposed to ultraviolet rays, the more at
risk you are of skin damage. Frequent visits to tanning parlors and certain
medications can put you at risk for sun skin damage. Always remember to read
the pharmacy insert given to you before you take medication and get in the sun.

A suntan is not a sign of health. By constantly seeking a tan, the sun is hard at
work making us look older - later causing wrinkles and a tough, leathery look.
With enough time, the sun weakens the skin's elasticity, and can cause dark
patches and scaley grey growths called keratoses, which are often pre-cancerous.

Getting a suntan is your skin's response to damage from ultraviolet radiation.
The ultraviolet (UV) portion of sunlight is an invisible form of radiation that causes
skin cancer by penetrating and changing skin cells. There are two types of UV
rays: UVA, which damages the deeper layers of skin, and UVB, which damages
the top layer. UV rays reflect off water, cement, sand, and snow, so they can do
damage on cloudy days, under water, and through car windows. Protect your skin
by using sunscreen, wearing a brimmed hat and long sleeves, and avoiding the sun
between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m

When picking out a sunscreen, make sure you pay attention to the Sun Protection
Factor (SPF) offered by that product. The higher the SPF number, the greater the
protection against skin cancer provided by that product. The higher SPF numbers
also help protect your skin against premature aging through sun exposure. When you
shop for sunscreens, read the labels carefully and look for one that blocks both UVA
and UVB rays. The smart, simple choice recommended by the American Cancer
Society is to use a sunscreen with a SPF rating of at least 15. You should wear a
sunscreen every day, even when you expect to spend most of the time indoors.
Remember to cover sensitive spots - ears, lips, bald heads, back of the neck, throat,
and tops of the feet and hands.

It is best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. The screening agent
needs time to react with your skin before it begins to become effective. Reapply
sunscreen when you are in the sun for long periods of time or if it washes off.

It's important that children develop good sun awareness habits. Experts report
that even one severe sunburn in childhood can double the risk of getting skin cancer
during that lifetime. To keep your children safe in the sun it is important that infants
under 6 months old stay out of direct sunlight and children over 6 months old should
always use a waterproof sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Remember to reapply
sunscreen after swimming, washing, bathing, or heavy sweating.

Children should wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats outdoors. If possible,
provide a shady area for outdoor play. Let children see you protect your own
skin - children learn by example. If you or your child do get sunburned, apply cold
compresses or gently bathe in cool water at the first signs of the sunburn. Sunburn
causes skin to be red, painful, and sometimes swollen. Severe sunburn causes blisters,
chills, and fever. Take acetaminophen for pain and drink plenty of liquids. Call your
doctor if the burn is severe or if there is fever.

As mentioned earlier, the worst result of overexposure to the sun is skin cancer.
Approximately 600,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Fortunately,
only a few are fatal. With early detection, most forms of skin cancer can be cured.
Check your skin monthly and consult your doctor immediately if you detect any of these
early warning signs:

- a reddish patch of skin that does not go away after three weeks
- any sore that does not heal after three weeks
- any sore that oozes fluid, blisters, or has a crusty texture
- a scar-like patch of skin that looks yellowish white and/or waxy
- a smooth growth that seems to be indented in the center
- a smooth growth with a raised rim
- a mole that changes appearance in size, color, texture, shape or sensation.

1 out of every 3 cancers diagnosed in America is skin cancer. By the year 2000,
one in every 6 Americans is expected to develop some form of skin cancer in his
or her lifetime. Protect yourself and your family by practicing smart skin safety in the sun!

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