We have already had a lot of hot and sunny days for our 2023 spring and summer. For sun lovers, this is a wonderful time of year. But with July being UV (Ultraviolent) Awareness Month, this is also a good time to talk about the sun and its UV rays.
What
are UV rays? They are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation.
They are actually the strongest source of ultraviolent radiation in our
environment. Certain UV rays can change the structure of skin cells. That
doesn’t sound good at all and demands our attention.
The
three types of UV rays are:
- Ultraviolet A (UVA).
These rays are the most common source of sun radiation on the earth’s surface
and can penetrate beyond the top layer of human skin. Approximately 95% of the
UV rays from the sun are UVA rays. These rays increase a person’s risk of long-term
skin damage like wrinkles, but also have a role in developing skin cancer.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB).
These penetrate less deeply but can still cause some kinds of skin cancer. These
are the main rays that cause sunburn. Approximately 5% of the sun’s rays are
UVB rays.
- Ultraviolet C (UVC). These
rays do not pose a risk to people because they are absorbed by the earth’s
atmosphere and don’t reach the ground.
If we
aren’t careful about protecting ourselves, we can set ourselves up for some
potentially harmful outcomes:
- Skin cancer (basal cell
carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
- Premature skin aging
- Eye damage (cataracts,
macular degeneration, keratitis)
- Vision problems (blurred
vision, light sensitivity, excessive tearing)
- Immune system
suppression (causing a defective immune response)
What
are some of the other risk factors for skin cancer?
- Skin that burns, reddens
easily, freckles or is painful in the sun
- A lighter natural skin
color
- Persons with blue or
green eyes
- Red or blond hair
- Certain types and a
large number of moles
- Family or personal
history of skin cancer
- Older age
There
are ways we can reduce our risk of too much sun exposure if we take
precautions. As time is spent outside this summer, make sure to practice these
important tips for sun safety.
- Stay in the shade under
a tree, shelter or umbrella, especially during the midday hours of 10 AM to 4 PM
when UV rays are the strongest. Being outside during those times increases
the risk of getting sunburned.
- Remember that the sun is
still a risk even on cloudy or cool days but is the strongest during the spring
and summer in Michigan.
- Wear clothes that
protect exposed skin from the harmful effects of the sun such as long-sleeved
shirts and long pants or skirts. Even a beach coverup or tee shirt can help.
Darker colors offer more protection. There are lots of clothes out there now
that offer UV protection for children and adults.
- Wear a wide brimmed hat
to shade the face, ears, neck and head. If a baseball cap is worn, protect the
back of the neck and ears by covering those areas or applying sunscreen.
- Wear sunglasses that
block both UVA and UVB rays. These rays can reflect off surfaces such as sand,
cement, water and even snow.
- Wear sunscreen with a
sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The American Academy of Dermatology
recommends an SPF of at least 30 that is water resistant and offers
broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply at least every two
hours and after sweating, wiping yourself off with a towel, or being in the
water.
- Use a lip balm or
lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
- Certain medications can
increase sensitivity to the sun and increase the risk of getting sunburn
(NSAIDs, tetracyclines, amiodarone)
Being
outside in the sun is a wonderful way to reduce stress, get vitamin D and be
physically active. Sun protection is a good habit to keep. PTI wishes you and
your family a fun and sunburn-free summer!
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
