think of sun protection when we are heading to the beach or the pool, but roost sun damage ceeurs when we are outside doing daily activities. If you have fair skin, moles on your bodyor a family histery of skin cancer, unprotected sun exposure may be putting your hfe at risk. “Even obtaining a ‘healthy glowor tan is a sign of skin damage,” said David Wilcox, MD, of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). “Most children get 5G percent to 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18.” ACEP wants to remind you to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of the sun by taking some practical precautions. Avoid High Risk Times First, consider staying indoors when the sun is highest overhead and therefore at its strongest. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is usually at its peak between 10 am. until 3 p.m. Cover Up The most effective way to pro- tect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is to cover up before heading outdoors. Wear a widebrimmed hat, choose hght-colored clothing such as white to reflect the most sunhght and to keep you cool. The material of the clothes you select should not he shear, but be able to screen out sunlight. Cover your eyes by choosing sunglasses with UVprotection. Apply Sunsereen Apply sunscreen at least 50 minutes before heading outdoors, and use it liberally. Use a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, especially for children 6 months and older. Check the sunscreen label to make sure it protects against both UVA and DVB rays. Reapply sunsereen every two hours, or after swimming or heavy perspiring. Babies younger than six months should not use sunscreen and should be kept out of the sun as much as possible. Avoid Heat Tiness Young children andthe elderly are most at risk for heat illness, but it can affect anyone. Therisk of heat illness increases in hot and humid weather, during heavy exertion, and dehydration. Be alert for symptoms of heat illness, including fainting, dizziness, headache, rapid pulse, flushed skin, and an increasing body temperature. If You Are Burned: Do not itch or peel loose skin. Take a cool (not cold) bath, or apply cool, wet compresses. If necessary, take a pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Apply tepical moisturizing creams to soothe discomfort and rehydrate the skin. Do not use petroleum-based products because they prevent heat and sweat froxm escaping. Avoid first-aid products that contain benzocaine, which can cause skin irritation or allergy. Keep in the shade until your sunburn has bealed. If blisters develop, see a doctor. For more information on mjury prevention visit ACEP’s Web site at ACEPorg.
