Protect Yourself from
the Sun
Protect yourself from the sun. Excessive exposure to
sunlight may lead to skin cancer. Signs are a spot,
pigment, lump, or mole that grows, oozes, bleeds, or
changes appearance in a short time.
Plan of action: Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. -3
p.m. Do not sunbathe. Use at least an SPF 15
sunscreen. Cover skin with clothing, and wear a
wide-brimmed hat.
Definition:
Sunburn--a painful skin
condition that occurs as a result of overexposure to
the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Causes:
Overexposure to the sun
causes sunburn. The time it takes to sustain sunburn
varies widely related to the age of the person, skin
type and color, geographical location, altitude, time
of day, time of year, reflection of water, sand, or
snow.
Sun lamps can cause severe sunburns, as well.
Some medications can make a person much more
susceptible to sunburn.
Symptoms:
Symptoms may not appear
for a few hours, and the full effect may not be
obvious for 24 hours.
Skin is red, tender, and warm to touch.
Skin may be blistered and/or swollen.
Blistering may occur several days after exposure.
Severe reactions (sometimes called "sun poisoning")
may include fever, chills, nausea, or rash.
The sunburned skin may peel several days after the
sunburn.
Considerations:
Infants and children are
especially sensitive to the burning effects of the
sun.
Fair hair and skin can heighten susceptibility to
sunburn, but even dark and black skin can burn and
should be protected.
The sun's rays are strongest during the hours of 10:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. standard time. The sun's rays are
stronger at higher altitudes. Reflection of water,
sand, or snow can intensify the sun's burning rays.
First and second-degree burns can be sustained from
sun exposure. There is no such thing as a "healthy
tan". Years of unprotected sun exposure will cause
premature aging of the skin. Skin cancer usually
appears in adulthood, but sun exposure and sunburns
that occurred in childhood cause it.
Malignant melanoma is the most deadly type of skin
cancer. You can prevent this by protecting your
child's skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Cataracts may result from exposing the eyes to years
of unprotected sun exposure.
First Aid:
Apply cool baths or cool
compresses for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.
Baking soda in the water may help relieve the pain
(small children may become easily chilled, so keep the
water tepid).
Apply a soothing lotion to the skin.
Your physician may prescribe a steroid cream to treat
severe sunburn.
An over-the-counter pain medication such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) may be helpful
(Note: aspirin should not be given to children).
Do Not:
DO NOT apply petroleum
jelly, ointment or butter to the sunburn. They make
the symptoms worse and do not allow air to assist in
healing.
DO NOT wash burned skin with harsh soap.
DO NOT use over-the-counter creams and sprays that may
contain benzocaine. Benzocaine often causes an
allergic reaction especially in children.
Call Immediately For
Emergency Medical Assistance If:
There are signs of shock
such as faintness, dizziness, rapid pulse, rapid
breathing, increased thirst, pale skin, and clammy or
cool skin.
Prevention:
Avoid sun exposure during
the peak hours of the suns rays.
Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of
at least 15, paying special attention to face, nose,
ears and shoulders.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to
allow penetration.
Children should wear sunhats.
Use sunglasses with UV protection.
Use a lip balm with sunscreen.
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