Sun Safety Information

Welcome to our Sun Safety Information page, where your skin's health takes center stage. At Dermatology of Southeastern Ohio, we take sun safety very seriously. Learn more below about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun.

Due to its emission of ultraviolet radiation, the sun poses a significant risk to human skin. The American Academy of Dermatology unequivocally asserts that no method of tanning is safe, as tanning is the skin's defensive reaction to sun damage. Moreover, the Environmental Protection Agency warns that everyone, irrespective of race or ethnicity, is vulnerable to the harmful consequences of excessive sun exposure. Hence, it is crucial for everyone to shield their skin from the sun's rays daily.

When ultraviolet light penetrates the epidermis it stimulates melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation. Up to a point, the melanin absorbs dangerous UV rays before they do serious damage. Melanin increases in response to sun exposure, which is what causes the skin to tan. This is a sign of skin damage, not health. Sunburns develop when the UV exposure is greater than the skin’s natural ability to protect against it.

AVOID THE SUN 

Stay in the shade whenever possible. You should be especially careful between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest, or when the UV index in your area is high. Remember you can still get sunburn on cloudy days, too.

BEWARE OF REFLECTIVE SURFACES

Even when you think you’re in the shade you may be exposed to the sun. Reflective surfaces, such as water, sand and snow can reflect up to 85% of the sun’s damaging rays into the shade.

COVER UP

Wear clothing that will protect your skin’s sensitive areas. Loose-fitting tightly woven fabrics; dark-colored, long-sleeved shirts, blouses or skirts, hat with a 4 inch wide brim; and UV – protected sunglasses are recommended. Special sun protective clothing can be purchased through Sun Precautions-Solumbra Clothing (800-882-7860), Cabela’s (800-844-2267), L.L. Bean (800-809-7057), Orvis (800-333-1550), and Sportif USA (775-359-6400).

USE SUNSCREEN

Sunscreens work by absorbing, reflecting or “scattering” the sun’s rays. They are available in many forms and are labeled with SPF (sun protection factor) numbers. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. Apply 20 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours. Your sunscreen should block both UVA and UVB, most sunscreens break down when exposed to the sun, reducing their UVA protection. Anthelios SX is a new & improved sunscreen that absorbs both UVA & UVB. It is stable and lasts longer on your skin. Neutrogena adds Helioplex to stabilize many of their sunscreens and prevent breakdown by the sun. Other good sunscreens are: Banana Boat, Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic, Olay Complete, Solbar PF, Blue Lizard, Total Block and Vanicream.

PROTECT YOUR LIPS

The lips have no natural pigment and therefore are very susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer. Use a sunscreen lipstick and reapply often.

APPLY ENOUGH

The effectiveness of any sunscreen depends on the amount applied. A recent study found that most people use about ¼ as mush as they should. To be sure you adequately cover the body, apply liberally, using about an ounce of sunscreen (one shot glass full). Cover every exposed surface, including those areas which people frequently miss: ears, scalp, lips, and front and back of the hands and neck. Also apply under thin clothing such as T-shirts or polo shirts. For best results, apply directly from the bottle/tube to each body part, then rub it in.

APPLY SUNSCREEN DAILY

The best way to reduce UV exposure and its damage is DAILY application of sunscreen. Most people apply sunscreen only before outdoor activities such as swimming, golfing, boating, or going to the beach. However, more than half of ultraviolet light exposure occurs in non-summer months and during routine daily activities when most people are not protected with sunscreen. It’s never too late to start; a person who begins using SPF-15 sunscreen daily at age 40 can reduce lifetime exposure by 40%.

PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN

Studies show severe sunburns in the childhood or teenage years can increase the risk for melanoma later in life. So, take extra care to protect babies and children from the sun. Imagine how much sun damage would be avoided if all children wore sunscreens daily – teach children at an early age.

If you experience a sunburn, get out of the sun and cover the exposed skin as soon as possible. A sunburn will begin to appear within 4 to 6 hours after getting out of the sun and will fully appear within 12 to 24 hours. Mild burns cause redness and some peeling after a few days. They can be treated with cold compresses on the damaged area, cool baths, moisturizers to prevent dryness and over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams to relieve any pain or itching. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids when you experience any type of sunburn.

More serious burns lead to blisters, which can be painful. It is important not to rupture blisters as this slows down the natural healing process and may lead to infection. You may want to cover blisters with gauze to keep them clean. Stay out of the sun until your skin has fully healed. In the most severe cases, oral steroids may be prescribed to prevent or eliminate infection along with pain-relieving medication.