July is UV Safety Month across the United States, a time when everyone should remember to take precautions to protect against the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.
The skin is the largest organ in our bodies and being neglectful in protecting it from the sun can have harmful effects. Sunlight, tanning lamps and beds are the main sources of UV rays that can cause skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the U.S. The amount of UV exposure a person gets depends on the strength of the rays, the length of time the skin is exposed and whether the skin is protected with clothing or sunscreen.
People who live in areas with year-round, bright sunlight have a higher risk of skin cancer. Spending a lot of time outdoors for work or recreation without protective clothing and sunscreen dramatically increases your risk.
Skin cancers are one result of getting too much sun, but there are other effects as well. Sunburn and tanning are the short-term results of too much exposure to UV rays, and are signs of skin damage. Long-term exposure can cause early skin aging, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, dark patches and pre-cancerous dry, scaly or rough skin.
One very significant way to limit your exposure to UV light is to avoid being outdoors in direct sunlight, particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV light is strongest. If you are unsure how strong the sun’s rays are, use the shadow test: if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are the strongest and it’s important to protect yourself.
Wearing long sleeves and long pants are effective ways to shield you from the sun’s harmful rays, though it’s not often feasible to do so when the sun is at full force and the heat index skyrockets. Thin linens and cotton clothes are comfortable to wear when it’s hot, and wearing a wide brim hat that protects your face, neck and ears is a great way to fend off the sun’s rays.
Applying sunscreen to exposed areas of your skin is always a good idea, but it should not be used as a way to prolong your time in the sun. Even with proper sunscreen use, some UV rays still get through. Because of this, sunscreen should not be thought of as your first line of defense. Consider sunscreen as one part of your skin cancer protection plan, especially if staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing are not available as your first options.
When choosing a sunscreen, be sure to read the label. Sunscreens with broad spectrum protection and with sun protection factor (SPF) values of 30 or higher are recommended.
Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours so it stays effective. If you’ve been swimming, you will want to reapply sunscreen after getting out of the water even if two hours have not yet passed.
Many people don’t realize the correct amount of sunscreen that should be applied. You need at least 1.5 fluid ounces of sunscreen to cover all exposed skin on your body. That’s about as much sunscreen as it takes to fill an average shot glass.
If you have concerns or questions about your health, the health of someone in your family or are in need of a primary care physician for yourself or someone else, please call 317-880-7666 or visit www.eskenazihealth.edu/doctors.
Dr. Nydia Nunez-Estrada
Family Medicine Physician at Eskenazi Health