Sunburn
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The sun is a mixed blessing. In small
doses it helps you use the vitamin D consumed through your diet,
offers psychological benefits, and may help acne and other skin
problems. Unfortunately, it can also cause skin to:
You are at greater risk for sunburn and skin cancer if you:
Causes of Sunburn Ultraviolet light is the culprit in sunburn. It is invisible and cannot be felt, yet seventy or eighty percent penetrates water and clouds, and can be reflected off water, sand and snow. As the atmosphere thins at high altitudes, more rays filter through. For these reasons hikers, skiers, swimmers, and beach-goers need to protect themselves from overexposure to sun, and especially from the rays of ultraviolet light. Certain substances can make the skin more susceptible to burning: drugs, such as certain antibiotics and birth control pills, or antibacterial agents in medicated soaps and creams. In addition, many drugs and chemicals are sun-sensitive and may cause allergic-type rash on parts of the body exposed to the sun. |
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Symptoms and Treatment
Sunburned skin becomes "lobster" red, extremely dry, and painful. You may feel most miserable sixteen or so hours later. in addition, you may suffer from dehydration, dizziness, light-headedness, or nausea. If the exposure is severe, your skin will peel within several days and any tan will be lost. If you do get a sunburn, keep the burn "cool". Soak in a cool or tepid bath. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also be helpful. Avoid lotions, creams, and butter (an old myth), which act to trap the heat. If your skin is raw and blistered, visit a student health center.
The Sun and Cancer
In time, the sun weakens the elasticity of the skin and can cause dark patches and scaly gray growths called keratoses, which are often pre-cancerous. The most severe result of exposure to the suns rays is skin cancer. Nearly all cases of skin cancer are considered to be sun-related. Ultraviolet radiation damages the DNA (genetic material) in skin cells. Accumulated DNA damage can result in the formation of cancerous cells.
Sun exposure is the primary cause of superficial types of skin cancer, which are highly curable.
Skin cancer is now the leading type of cancer. The more common sites for skin cancer are those most frequently exposed to the sun: face, neck, ears, forearms, lower legs, and for men who go shirtless- shoulders, backs, and chests.
How Can You Tell If You Have Skin Cancer?
The American Cancer Society says that you cant tell for sure. Only your health practitioner can. See your health practitioner if:
- A mole changes size, shape, color, or if it bleeds.
- There is an unusual growth on your skin
- Your skin changes color in certain spots
- A sore wont heal
Look at your skin. Check moles, spots, and birthmarks monthly. Getting too much sun causes other skin problems, such as red, scaly patches. These can also become cancer. See your health care practitioner for this condition, too.
Skin-Saving Tips
Dont let yourself get sunburned. Use sunscreens or sun-blockers. Sunscreens are products which contain chemicals that absorb ultraviolet light before it reaches your skin and they are rated by how much protection they offer. The SPF (sun protection factor) of your sunscreen should be at least "15". Sunscreens work most effectively when applied thirty minutes before exposure to the sun, and need to be reapplied after swimming or perspiring. PABA (para-amino benzoic acid) is a good chemical sunscreen and there are effective non-PABA screens for people allergic to PABA. Sun-Blockers are products which reflect the sun.
Zinc Oxide compounds are sunblockers frequently used by life guards to protect their nose and lips from the sun.
You can find skin-protection products at any campus pharmacy or community drugstore.
- Protect delicate facial areas: the eyes, earlobes, and under the chin. Dont use sun reflectors on these areas. Apply extra sunscreen there and wear polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Use clothing as protection. Choose loose-fitting, light colored clothes, long sleeved shirts and pants, and wide brimmed hats.
- Avoid sunlight between 11am and 3pm (daylight savings time) when the sun is the strongest, since most rays penetrate the ozone layer at this time.
- Avoid tanning parlors and sun lamps, which emit ultraviolet light at a high intensity. Also avoid tanning pills, which are illegal in the United States.
- Know your skin. Check your moles, blemishes, and birthmarks monthly; at the same time as your monthly breast or testicular self-exam, perhaps. If there is any change in the size, shape, border, or color, or if you have a sore that does not heal, make an appointment at a student health center.
- Use common sense. If you stay in the sun, products only lengthen the time it takes to be overexposed to the sun. And remember, it takes four to five hours after exposure for a sunburn to show.