July is synonymous with a carefree time of year — trips to the beach, picnics, family outings, baseball games, and fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it is also a time when ultraviolet rays are most damaging, therefore, July has been designated as UV safety month.
When a person is exposed to UV light, the body increases its production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It’s this extra melanin that creates a sun tan. This is the body’s means of blocking UV rays in an attempt to prevent skin damage.
Each of us is different when it comes to the amount of melanin we produce. Some people simply cannot produce sufficient amounts of melanin to protect the skin resulting in the skin burning. Those who are able to produce adequate amounts are not immune from sunburn, but they can handle more unprotected sun exposure. That being said, neither group is exempt from skin damage and its multitude of consequences.
Time spent in the sun’s rays unprotected is the primary cause of skin cancer. The effects of UV rays can also damage the retina (the thin layer of tissue at the back inner wall of the eyes), as well as the lens. Eye damage from the sun can result in cataracts and retinal disorders.
I’m not suggesting we should pass up our time out-of-doors since sun exposure is necessary for manufacturing vitamin D. What I am saying is that preparation is necessary before heading outside for any significant period of time.
Most of us have spent too much time in the sun on one occasion or another. We often return home bright red, in pain, and unhappy — as well we should be. We’ve just burned living tissue. Usually after a few days, the redness fades, pain eases and our moods improve. For some of us, our skin tone may darken into what we perceive to be a “healthy” tan. When we repeatedly torture our skins with this routine, however, we set ourselvse up for premature wrinkles, liver spots, dry skin, actinic keratoses, non-malignant skin tumors and even skin cancer. Skin cancer resulting from sun exposure has been well documented and the effects can be devastating.
The best way to avoid these consequences is to prevent the damage. This can be accomplished by applying sunscreen every two hours and after swimming and intense sweating (SPF 15 or higher, SPF 50 when at the beach), wearing dark sunglasses, wearing long sleeves, pants and hat, and avoiding sun exposure during peak UV hours (between 10 am and 4 pm). Keep in mind that almost 90% of UV rays can pass through clouds on an overcast day so it is important to take precautions everyday. That being said, we are human and occasionally we slip up. When this occurs, there are several things we can do to ease the pain.
On the home front, aspirin or ibuprofen, cold compresses, and moisturizers with hydrocortisone or aloe might work well. If the burn is widespread or severe, over-the-counter topical or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may provide relief from pain, swelling and inflammation. If severe pain persists more than 24-36 hours, a trip the doctor and more potent prescription NSAIDs or corticosteroids may be ordered. There are several topical remedies with benzocaine that are touted to relieve the effects of sunburn that should be avoided because of the possibility of an allergic reaction.
As with many products, sun block products expire. They lose their effectiveness and your skin won’t get the protection it needs. Unless you have a large family or are outside a great deal of time and use more than an average person or family, avoid stocking up. Buy only what you need and discard any product left over at the end of the season or when the expiration date arrives.
Enjoy summer, it’s always too short. But, take appropriate precautions. You’ll be glad you did in the years to come.
