Summer UV rays pose risks to skin of all types

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Sun screen and hydration can limit the damage extended exposure to the sun's UV rays pose to skin.

A hidden danger that the summer season can bring is sunburns and long-term effects of extended exposure to UV rays. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Multiple sunburns can lead to premature skin aging and skin cancer.” No matter how much melanin you have, everyone is susceptible to sunburn.
A 2017 study published in JAMA Dermatology found that 78% of participants who spent three and a half hours under an umbrella had gotten sunburned, while 25% used only sunscreen. The clinical study states, “Neither shade nor sunscreen alone completely prevented sunburn.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sunburn is caused by ultraviolet rays such as UVA and UVB, both of which can cause skin cancer. UVB are midday burning rays, the most intense and quickest kinds of burns, which can cause melanoma over time. UVA is whenever you’re in constant contact with light and with enough exposure, can lead to burns. These are often associated with basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

The UV Index is an important factor for sun safety. Levels of 10 are common in the summer and 11 or more is considered extreme. The United States Environmental Protection Agency advises staying indoors if levels reach 11 or higher. 

According to the World Health Organization, extreme UV levels can worsen due to climate change and ozone depletion, exposing us to more UV radiation and UVB, heightening risks of skin cancer and eye disease. 

Healthcare providers group sunburn severity based on the three layers of skin that are affected. 

First-degree sunburn:

• Affects the outer layer of your skin such as the epidermal layer.

• Takes a few days to a week to heal. 

• You may experience tenderness, discomfort, and peeling of the skin. 

• Symptoms usually peak around 24-35 hours.

Second-degree sunburn:

•  Affects the dermis layer, a more serious damage that goes through the middle of your skin. 

•  Takes weeks to heal. 

• Symptoms include severe blisters, dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. 

• May need medical care treatment or hospitalization. 

Third-degree sunburn:

Though rare, it severely affects entire layers of skin which may cause nerve damage. This is a medical emergency and should be treated promptly. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the long-term effects of frequent sunburns increase your risk of:

• Premature aging.

• Skin cancer including precancerous skin lesions.

• Eye damage such as cataracts causing loss of vision.

• Cancer that can spread to internal organs.

Often, sunburns can be treated at home. Cleveland Clinic suggests home treatment and care. It’s advisable to:

• Cover burns when heading outside.

• Use cooling and hydrating gels such as hydrocortisone and aloe vera. (you may put them in the refrigerator for a more cooling effect)

• Apply ointment and petroleum jelly to prevent scarring.

• Take cool showers or baths with oatmeal or baking soda for sore skin.

• Use NSAIDs medication for pain such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

To prevent future sunburns and heat exhaustion, here are ways to protect yourself:

• UPF 50-plus gear is a kind of textile that is tightly woven and blocks 98% of UV rays. This can come in forms of clothing and umbrellas.

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30-plus sunscreen protects you from both UVB and UVA. Make sure you reapply every two hours and don’t forget about lips and scalp protection. Wait 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and heading into the water. 

• Wide-brimmed hat and UV sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.

• Avoiding peak sun hours from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Stay hydrated before, during, and after sun exposure.

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