Sun Safety
Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and get Vitamin D. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun. While the summer months can increase your risk of damaging your skin due to the UV rays, it is also important to keep in mind skin damage. Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. UV rays tend to be strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year in the United States. Skin cancer can be serious, expensive, and sometimes even deadly. Lower your chances of getting skin cancer and protect against signs of sun damage such as wrinkles and age spots
There is no such thing as "safe tanning", or getting a "base tan" to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Skin that has burned or tanned after being outside outside is an indicator of sun damage. Over time, sun damage can lead to premature wrinkling, aging of the skin, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Instead of sunbathing, wear sunscreen when outdoors and opt for a self tanner. If you do get a sunburn, the following tips can help reduce discomfort:
-Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve pain and headache and reduce fever.
-Make sure to drink plenty of water.
-Taking cool baths.
-Applying gentle application of cool wet cloths on the burned area may also provide some comfort.
-Try to avoid further sun exposure until the burn has resolved or cover up the burn the best you can.
-Applying a topical moisturizing cream, aloe, or a lidocaine spray such as Solarcaine can reduce pain and swelling.
Links to more information
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sun-safety
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/tips-stay-safe-sun-sunscreen-sunglasses