How To Prevent Sun Burns? | Sun Burns Health Precautions | Sun Burns Tips
How To Prevent Sun Burns? | Sun Burns Health Precautions | Sun Burns Tips
It used to be that sunburns were as much a part of summer as picnics and pool parties. Today, we know that too much sun — i.e. when your skin gets red and feels hot to the touch can, over time, result in dry, wrinkled skin, liver spots, and even skin cancer.At the very least, sunburn is painful and can lead to headache, fever and fatigue. Preventing sunburn is important to protect your skin and your future health — and to really enjoy your summer.
It is important to prepare for sun exposure, especially if you plan to be out in the sun for an extended period of time or during the middle of the day, when the sun’s rays are strongest (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM during daylight savings time in the continental United States).
Even on cloudy days, it is important to protect your skin because UV radiation can pass through the clouds and cause sunburn. In addition, UV rays can be reflected off of surfaces like sand, snow, cement, and water. Using two types of protection (shade/clothing plus sunscreen) is the best way to reduce sun exposure.
Seek shade — Areas that are shaded receive less UV radiation, and can reduce your chances of developing a sunburn. Trees, an umbrella, or a structure (eg, porch, tent) can help to provide shade. Sunscreen is still recommended while sitting in the shade because your skin is exposed to some UV rays, even in the shade.
Sunburn results when the amount of exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source exceeds the ability of the body’s protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. Other ultraviolet sources can be from sunlamps, tanning beds, or even from some workplace light sources (i.e. welding arcs). You can be sunburned on a cloudy or overcast day as well as a clear sunny day. The risk for sunburn is increased for persons with fair-skin, blue eyes and red or blond hair. Persons taking some medications including sulfa drugs, tetracyclines, some diuretics are at risk.
The best way to prevent a sunburn is to avoid sun exposure.
Stay out of the midday sun (from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon), which is the strongest sunlight. Find shade if you need to be outdoors. You can also calculate how much ultraviolet (UV) exposure you are getting by using the shadow rule: A shadow that is longer than you are means UV exposure is low; a shadow that is shorter than you are means the UV exposure is high.
It is important to prepare for sun exposure, especially if you plan to be out in the sun for an extended period of time or during the middle of the day, when the sun’s rays are strongest (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM during daylight savings time in the continental United States).
Even on cloudy days, it is important to protect your skin because UV radiation can pass through the clouds and cause sunburn. In addition, UV rays can be reflected off of surfaces like sand, snow, cement, and water. Using two types of protection (shade/clothing plus sunscreen) is the best way to reduce sun exposure.
Seek shade — Areas that are shaded receive less UV radiation, and can reduce your chances of developing a sunburn. Trees, an umbrella, or a structure (eg, porch, tent) can help to provide shade. Sunscreen is still recommended while sitting in the shade because your skin is exposed to some UV rays, even in the shade.
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