Pomperaug District Department of Health Sun Safety Tips

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Now that summer has arrived, the Pomperaug Health District would like to remind people about the importance of protecting themselves from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of getting skin cancer. This year over one million new skin cancer cases will be diagnosed. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer will claim over
7, 000 lives.

Public health education efforts have alerted most people to the link between the sun's UV rays and the risk for skin cancer. Study after study has shown a link between early sun exposure and skin cancer as an adult. However, many people are unaware of other hazards posed by exposure to the sun's rays.

Hazards of UV exposure
We all know about sunburns. They can be painful, sometimes accompanied by blistering, fever, and nausea. Unprotected skin can be damaged in as little as fifteen minutes, but it can take up to twelve hours for the skin to show the full effects. Skin that's a little pink after an afternoon at the beach, may be burned the next day. Severe sunburns can increase the risk for skin cancer in later years. The sun can also cause premature wrinkling and discolorations.

Some people may have sensitivity to the sun. They may develop bumps, hives, blisters or red blotchy areas as an allergic reaction to sun exposure. Certain drugs, perfumes and cosmetics may make some people sensitive to the sun.

Many people may be unaware that the sun can damage the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections and cancers. Some disease such as cold sores, chicken pox, and lupus can become worse with sun exposure.

Lastly, excess exposure to UV radiation can cause a painful burn of the cornea. Chronic exposure may increase the risk of cataracts, a clouding of the eye lens. It may also increase the chances of pterygium, a condition in which a fleshy membrane covers the eye and the development of macular degeneration, a condition that is characterized by the development of spots and could lead to blindness.

Sun Safety Tips
Surveys have shown that while most American are aware of at least some of the dangers of UV exposure, only thirty three percent actually take steps to protect themselves. Since the majority of a person's exposure to the sun's UV rays occurs before they are eighteen, it is important that parents take an active role in protecting their children. The Pomperaug Health District would like to offer parents five easy ways to protect themselves and their children:

Seek Shade, especially during the mid-day hours. UV rays are at their strongest at that time. Move under a tree or use an umbrella or canopy.

Rub on sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher. The sunscreen should be applied every time you go outside. To most effective, apply it about 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Don't forget to put it on ears, nose, lips and the tops of feet. It should be reapplied during the day, especially after swimming. Look for a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Wear sunglasses to help protect against getting cataracts later in life. Choose sunglasses that block as close to 100% of both UVB and UVA as possible.

Cover up by wearing clothing that covers the skin. Long sleeve t-shirts and pants with a tight woven knit are best. If it's too hot, a t-shirt and long shorts are good, especially if you also wear sunscreen and try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Wear a hat that shades the face, scalp ears and the back of the neck. Baseball caps offer protection for the scalp and face, but sunscreen should be applied to the ears and neck.

The key to these hints is to make them a part of your daily rituals, even in the cold weather months. They will become second nature for children, especially if they see mom and dad doing it too.

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