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Posts Tagged ‘Sunscreens’

Don’t Fry Day is Coming Up! By Our Student Pharmacist, Aricca Senkow.

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The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated the Friday before Memorial Day as Don’t Fry Day. This year it will fall on Friday, May 28.

Being cautious of your skin exposure should be an all year thing, but with the weather getting nicer, our amount of time in the sun is increasing!

We want to make sure you are educated to keep your skin safe this summer.

As stated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, skin aging, (such as skin spots, wrinkles, or “leathery skin”), eye damage, and skin cancer, the most common of all cancers.

In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported more than 80,422 people were diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Each year about 4.3 million people are treated for basal cell cancer and squamous cell skin cancer in the United States.

Sun damage occurs when there is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunburn is a type of skin damage caused by the sun. This damage can also happen in tanning beds, as well.

Within the UV radiation, there are two types: UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, but both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin cancer.

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What to look for when picking out the right sunscreen for you:

  • It is important to read the label. All sunscreens protect against the sun’s UVB rays, but those that are labeled “broad spectrum” will provide protection against UVA rays as well.
  • It is recommended to use broad spectrum sunscreens with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value of 15 or higher.
  • Some sunscreens claim to be “water resistance.” This means that they will provide about 40 to 80 minutes of the labeled SPF-level of protection while swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is completely waterproof or sweatproof.
  • Products that are labeled “sunblock” still need to be applied at least every two hours for protection.
  • Remember to check the expiration date on sunscreens before use.

Tips on how to properly apply sunscreen:

  • Apply sunscreen liberally to all uncovered skin, especially your nose, neck, hands, feet, ears, and lips (there are certain lip balms that offer SPF protection). Don’t forget those tricky areas! It is helpful if you can have someone who can help you reach those uncommon spots.
  • Reapply at least every two hours, and even more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating. Refer to the product label for specific application instructions.

Other tips to help protect your skin from sun damage:

  • Most weather apps provide the UV forecast for the day. This can let you know the UV index throughout the day so you can be properly prepared before heading out.
  • Limit your time in the sun, especially between 10 am and 2 pm, as this is when the sun’s rays (UV index) are the most intense.
  • When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. If this isn’t practical, try to go for a dark colored t-shirt or cover-up. Also, a wet t-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one.
  • Hats are a great option. It is recommended to wear a hat with a brim that goes all the way around to protect your face, ears, and neck. With baseball caps, make sure to apply sunscreen to the ears and back of your neck as these areas are more exposed.
  • Sunglasses are also highly recommended to help protect your eyes from UV rays. Look for sunglasses labeled with UVA/UVB rating of 100% to get the most protection.

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Sources:

Don’t Fry Day. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/dont-fry-day. Published August 18, 2020. Accessed May 11, 2021.

Sun Safety. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm. Published April 28, 2021. Accessed May 11, 2021.

Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses Accessed May 11, 2021.

Protect Your Skin! Sunscreen is In! By Our Student Pharmacist, Cambree Fillis.

With summer quickly approaching and copious sunscreen products starting to fill up the endcaps at many retail stores, it is important to understand which products are appropriate. Check out our endcap display at the end of this posting or stop in the store to find what you need.

What causes sunburn and what is my risk?

Sunburn is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from natural and artificial light sources. Ultraviolet radiation is made up of UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the main culprits of sunburn, but both rays can contribute to cosmetic concerns and cancer down the road.

The body’s natural protection from the sun is by a substance called melanin. The amount of melanin correlates to the pigmentation of the skin. Generally, the more melanin, the darker the skin color. Individuals with lighter skin tones have less melanin and are therefore at a higher risk of sunburn.

Additional risk factors for getting sunburn include:

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Why is it so important to prevent sunburn?

By preventing sunburn, you can prevent unnecessary pain and possible infection. You can also prevent the possible development of skin cancer and wrinkles in the future. One in five Americans develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and melanoma is one of the deadliest forms. However, if it is detected early enough it can be treated effectively. Use the ABCDEs of melanoma shown above as a visual guide for when to seek help from a medical professional.

a - Sunscreen Image

How can I prevent sunburn?

Several mechanisms for preventing sunburn exist. Finding shade during the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest is helpful. Or, seek shade from trees, umbrellas, and tents. Hats, too, may provide adequate protection for the face, head, ears, and neck, and lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants may provide more full-body coverage. In addition, remember to protect your eyes with sunglasses while you’re outdoors. Lastly, sunscreen can, and should be, used in combination.

Sunscreens come in a variety of forms including sprays, lotions, gels, and wipes. When choosing a product it is important to consider the sun protection factor (SPF) and whether or not it protects against UVA and/or UVB rays.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or greater and be broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays. Water-resistant sunscreen is also recommended. A water resistant label ensures at least 40 minutes of protection while swimming and/or sweating. However, even if you are using water-resistant sunscreen, you should always re-apply every two hours or immediately after swimming and/or sweating.

What if I was unable to prevent the burn?

Treatments of sunburn are geared towards symptom management to relieve pain and swelling due to the burn. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, can be used to reduce pain and swelling. The use of lotions with Aloe, sprays with a local pain reliever, and cool compresses can also be used to relieve discomfort related to mild sunburns. Burns that result in blistering should be cleaned with mild soap and water, and then covered with the appropriate dressing. Severe sunburns, however, may require a visit to the emergency room.

Additional pointers to stay protected this summer include:

  • Generously apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
  • Don’t forget your lips, ears, back, and tops of feet!
  • Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days.
  • Check expiration dates on all sunscreen products. Expired sunscreen may be less effective.
    • If there is no expiration date, it is recommended to replace supplies every three years.
  • Protect sunscreen from direct sun and excess heat if possible.
  • Sunscreen has not been studied on children less than 6 months old. Protective clothing and avoidance of direct sun is recommended. A minimal amount may be applied to small areas including the child’s face and/or back of hands if needed.

Resources:

  1. American Academy of Dermatology. Defend! Catch! Take Action! How to be a Skin Cancer Hero. Accessed April 2019. 2019. file:///C:/Users/ Owner/Downloads/be-a-skin-cancer-hero-infographic.pdf.
  2. American Academy of Dermatology. Say Yes to Sun Protection Say No to Skin Cancer. Accessed April 2019. https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/prevent/say-yes-to-sun- protection.
  3. Young AR, et al. Patient education: Sunburn (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. Wolters Kluwer. March 2019. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sunburn-beyond-the-basics.
  4. Young AR, et al. Patient education: Sunburn prevention (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. Wolters Kluwer. March 2019. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sunburn-prevention-beyond-the-basics?topic Ref= 2730&source=see_link.

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