Sunburn and Sunscreen

During the summer and on vacation many people may be out enjoying the nice weather. Getting out of our daily routines and out from under the fluorescent lights that constitute the majority of light exposure for most of us in our work spaces can be good for both our bodies and minds. However, too much sun exposure can lead to many skin problems: sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

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People with light hair, fair skin, and those who get sunburned with a minimal amount of sun exposure are most susceptible to the adverse effects of the sun. There are also medications that can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. These medications are:

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin)
• Quinolones (ciprofloxacin)
• Tetracyclines
• Psoralens
• Thiazides
• Furosemide
• Amiodarone

Here are a few things you can do to help prevent sunburn. Avoid being out in the sun from 10am to 4pm. This is the time when the UV radiation is at it’s strongest. Choose clothing that will cover you well for maximal protection, things like wide-brimmed hats, and tightly woven, loose fitting clothing. And, of course there is also sunscreen.

Sunscreen is the mainstay of protection. There are two types of sunscreen: physical blockers like zinc, which reflect the UV radiation and chemical sunscreens, (most commercially available types) that absorb it. The chemical sunscreens, when applied properly, give good protection against UVB radiation but don’t work as well against UVA, which is the kind most responsible for the aging effects of sun exposure.

It’s best to apply sunscreen around 15 to 30 minutes prior to exposure and then every 2 to 3 hours thereafter while in the sun. Some studies suggest that a reapplication after just 20 minutes will significantly increase the protection because you’ll cover the places on your body that you may have missed on the first try. As you would guess, it’s important to reapply the sunscreen after swimming or sweating. And finally, check the expiration date and throw out the old stuff. • About Dr. Savant

Related posts:

1. Sunscreen Can Prevent Melanoma ~ Health & Wellness Tip
2. Health and Wellness Tip: Sunscreen in Winter
3. How To Avoid Vitamin D Deficiency ~ Health & Wellness Tip
4. Learn How To Avoid Vitamin D Deficiency ~ Health & Wellness Tip