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Summer Sun Safety! By Our June Student Pharmacist, Katy Schafer.

The sun is out, finally! Summer is on its way. Time to hit the pool and enjoy the warm weather. But before you shed those layers, let’s talk about skin protection and sunburn prevention.

There are two main types of harmful sun radiation: UVA and UVB rays. UVA radiation causes lasting skin damage, skin aging, and can cause skin cancer. UVB radiation is what causes sunburns and can also cause skin damage and skin cancer.

To protect against both of these types of sun radiation, it is best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum means that the sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, giving you better protection than just a UVA or a UVB sunscreen.

The other factor to consider with a good sunscreen is the SPF. SPF stands for sun protection factor. SPF is a measure of the sunscreen’s ability to protect you from UV rays.

Here’s how the SPF measure works: if it takes 20 minutes for unprotected skin to turn red, then an SPF of 15 should protect you for 15 times longer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you use an SPF of at least 30 to get the best protection.

Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours, especially if you’re going to be in the water or sweating. Even if it feels like the sun isn’t out, the UV rays can still reach you, so don’t forget to reapply! If you are going to be in and out of the water, or anticipate sweating a lot, make sure your sunscreen is also water resistant. This will keep you from having to reapply all the time or getting sunburn even though you were using sunscreen.

Sunscreen alone is not enough to keep you from getting burnt.  It is important to limit your time in the sun if you can, especially between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm when the sun’s rays are most intense. Try to wear clothing (long pants, broad-brimmed hats, and sunglasses) that covers exposed skin.

If you do get a sunburn, here are some things you can do:

  • Apply a cool cloth to the sunburned area.
  • Take frequent cool showers.
  • Apply soothing lotions, such as moisturizers or those containing aloe vera. These can help reduce peeling and flaking.
  • Stay hydrated. Burns draw water to the surface of the skin and take water from the rest of the body.
  • Taking an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can reduce swelling and pain from the burn. Ask your pharmacist if an NSAID is appropriate for you before starting this medication.

Enjoy the sunshine! Stay safe this summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-366-sunscreen+top.aspx

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm239463.htm

http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens

 

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