May 24, 2017
by Brendan Sullivan, PT, MSPT, OCS
As Summer approaches, sunny days will be bountiful and so will trips to the beach. Make that beach trip sunburn free by following these tips from Chester County Hospital's Department of Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine.
Tips to Protect Yourself Against the Sun
The sun is our primary source of Vitamin D, a critical vitamin that helps us absorb calcium, which is essential for strong and health bones. However, too much sun exposure can cause damage to our skin and eyes, suppress our immune system and cause skin cancer.
Sunlight comes in three ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. The majority of our exposure is to UVA rays, which pass through the ozone layer. We are exposed to some UVB rays but many are absorbed by the ozone layer. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. The most dangerous are UVC rays but luckily, these are blocked by the ozone layer.
It is estimated that most kids are exposure to 50 to 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Therefore, it is critical to begin educating and protecting kids on the use of sunscreen when they are young, especially those who are considered high-risk (having moles on their skin; having fair skin and hair; or have a family history of skin cancer).
Here are some recommendations to reduce your sunburn risk:
- For babies six months and younger, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure and to dress infants in lightweight long pants, light-weight long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats to protect their face and next. Sunscreen for babies under six months of age is not recommended.
- For young children, a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended.
- For older children/adults, the best protection against the sun is to cover up. Use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and cotton clothing with a tight weave (a good gauge is not being able to see your hand through the clothing). Try to stay in the shade as much as possible and limit sun exposure during the most intense time of the day, which is generally 10am to 4pm. Broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is recommended. Remember, reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Be careful around water and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in quicker sunburns.
- Apply sunscreen at 15-30 minutes prior to going outside to form a good layer of protection. Use generous amounts to ensure adequate coverage. Don’t forget about the lips, ears and behind the neck.
- Remember, you can still get a sunburn on a cool and cloudy day. Clouds do not offer protection against UV rays.
- Wear sunglasses to avoid sun damage to the cornea.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any medications you or your child is taking may increase sun sensitivity, such as antibiotics or acne medications.
By following these tips, you'll greatly reduce your risk of getting a sunburn and enjoy your trip to the beach or any outdoor locale
Sources:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009: AAP Summer Safety Tip Sheet
- KidsHealth.org. Sun Safety
- MedicineNet.com
- Aquatic Safety Research Group, 2005
- www.beach-net.com
- WebMD, 2006: Beach Safety 101