Sun Safety
U.V. Awareness & Sun Safety
July is U.V. Safety Awareness Month! As many of us spend more time outdoors enjoying the beach, swimming, picnics, and other fun outdoor summer activities, it is also important that we remember to protect our skin and eyes from the sun. The sun emits ultraviolet (U.V.) rays which prolonged exposure can cause premature aging of the skin causing wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, and can cause skin cancers such as melanoma.
Sunburn Risk Factors
Some people may be at a higher risk of getting a sunburn, for those at higher risk, take extra precaution to protect yourself from the sun.
Those at Higher Risk For Sunburns:
Individuals with pale skin and light-colored hair
Who spend time in the sun without protective clothing or sunscreen
Reside in areas around water, sand, or snow, where the sun will be reflected.
These areas can reflect the sun’s U.V. rays up to 30%Those taking certain medications, that can make one more sensitive to the sun
Certain Antibiotics such as Bactrim, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin
Allopurinol
Antiepileptics such as Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine, Oxcarbazepine, and Phenobarbital.
Sulfasalazine
Diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone, and Furosemide.
Oral Contraceptives and Estrogens
And Others
Make sure to ask prescribing doctors, or pharmacists when picking up a prescription, what a medication’s risks are, including if sun sensitivity is one.
Protect Your Skin
The first step to protecting yourself from sun damage is to limit your time in the sun. The sun's U.V. rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so staying indoors or in the shade during this time is important. Even on a cloudy day, U.V. rays will still go through clouds and can cause damage to your skin.
Wearing protective clothing with tightly woven fabrics, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and broad brim hats will help to prevent your skin from absorbing as many U.V. rays. While darker colors may be warmer in the summer, they will block more of the sun’s harmful U.V. rays.
Sunscreen is a key factor in protecting yourself. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater that protects against both UVA and UVB, and if you are spending time in the water, find a water-resistant sunscreen. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going in the sun to allow it to form a protective film. Make sure to apply a generous teaspoon size amount to each area of the body (each leg and arm, chest, and back) and half-teaspoon size to the face, and reapply at least every 2 hours, immediately after swimming, or as recommended on the product.
HELP! I Have A Sunburn, Now What?
If you recently got a sunburn, it usually will resolve itself within a few days. While there is no way to reverse the damage done to the skin to quicken the healing time, you can treat the symptoms of pain and discomfort. By using a cool compress or soak, calamine lotion, or aloe-vera based gels, this can help to soothe the pain and discomfort. As long as there are not any contradictions to taking oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, these may be used to help with pain and discomfort from the sunburn. Finally, staying out of the sun while your skin is healing will help to prevent worsening sunburn and a quicker healing process.
Quick Sunburn Relief
Cool Compresses
Soaking in Cool Water
Calamine Lotion
Aloe-Vera Based Gel
Ibuprofen or Naproxen
STAY OUT OF THE SUN
BEFORE STARTING ANY MEDICATION ALWAYS SPEAK WITH A PHARMACIST OR DOCTOR
Prior to picking up NEW medications examine the bottle to ensure it’s safe and right for your needs. If needed, ask a Pharmacist for assistance selecting the right OTC medication for treating a sunburn or preventing one.
For those experiencing a Severe Sunburn, BLISTERS, SEVERE PAIN, FEVER, VOMITING, HEADACHE, or DEHYDRATION speak with a doctor as it may be appropriate for additional treatment to help with recovery
We This Information Helps Everyone Enjoy The Summer Sun Safetly