Story Created:
May 20, 2008 at 11:00 AM EDT
Story Updated:
May 20, 2008 at 1:11 PM EDT
The summer months are quickly approaching. That means ball games, cook outs and traveling — and with that, hot summer sunburns. WSBT and the Berrien County Health Department want you to be safe in the sun — here's how:
Avoid Harmful Rays
The summer is a great time to play and work outside. But be sure you stay safe under the sun. Later, grass and sand reflect light, so you might be getting a double dose of radiation on the beach or while playing ball. These exposures can lead to an increased chance of getting skin cancer.
UV radiation is made of rays of ultraviolet light. Our eyes cannot normally see it. It comes from the sun in waves. Different waves have different effects. Too much exposure can increase the risk for skin cancer, harm the immune system, cause cataracts and make the skin age quicker. UVA waves are the radiation that ages the skin and causes it to wrinkle. UVB waves cause sunburn. Both kinds can cause skin cancer (melanoma). Even when the sky is cloudy, it is important to be careful. UV radiation can reach the Earth even through the clouds. Getting sunburned is especially dangerous. If children get one or two bad sunburns the chance of getting skin cancer when they are adults doubles. Pale-skinned people are in more danger than dark-skinned people for getting skin cancer. However, dark skinned people should still use sunscreen because they are not completely protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Both dark and light-skinned people should wear sunglasses. Unlike skin color, dark eye color does not protect you from the sun’s rays.
Sun Safety Tips:
Avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Noon is the very worst time to be outside.
Stay in the shade as much as possible.
Wear sunscreen. Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 15. (SPF = “Sun Protection Factor”)
Stay away from sunlamps and tanning beds. These give off dangerous UV rays also.
Wear protective clothing. Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Light colors are better. They reflect the sun’s rays back to the sky and keep you cool.
Wear hats that protect your face. Make sure that it has a wide brim.
Wear sunglasses. The darker the lenses the better. Large lens also protect more of your eyes. The label on the sunglasses should say that they block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays.
What is the UV Index
The ozone layer shields the Earth from harmful UV radiation. Ozone depletion, as well as seasonal and weather variations, causes different amounts of UV radiation to reach the Earth at any given time. The UV Index is a daily forecast of the UV radiation levels people might experience. The Index predicts the next day's levels on a 0 to 10+ scale, helping people determine appropriate sun protection behaviors. An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow. If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be low. If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to high levels of UV radiation. Seek shade and protect your skin and eyes. Don't forget that water, sand, pavement, and grass reflect UV rays even under a tree, near a building, or beneath a shady umbrella. Remember that UV exposure is especially strong if you are working or playing between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
What to do for a Sunburn
Take a cool bath or apply a cool, wet washcloth to the burn.
If the pain is bad or there are blisters see a doctor. Sometimes blisters do not show right away so check the painful area frequently.
DO NOT put ice on the burn.
DO NOT put ointments or butter on the burn. These can block sweating, which is important.
DO NOT use sprays and creams that list “benzocaine” or other anti-itch medications as these may cause allergic reactions.
Once the sunburn starts peeling, you can apply a moisturizing cream. Look for creams that list hydrocortisone 1% as an ingredient.
For more information, contact the Health Department at 926-7121 or visit www.berriencohlthdept.org
