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CLEVELAND, Ohio – When the sun hits northeastern Ohio, people flock outside to catch some rays. Those who don’t take steps to protect their skin can end up with painful sunburns.
Sunburns are more than annoying. They can be serious enough to warrant medical attention. More than one in three Americans report getting sunburned each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Repeated overexposure to the sun can lead to aging skin, age spots, premature wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer or melanoma.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country, according to the CDC. More than 9,000 Americans die from melanoma each year.
Melanoma affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker skin tones. It can develop anywhere on your body, in otherwise normal skin, or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous.
How much sun is too much? It depends on the intensity of the sun, the length of exposure and the person’s skin type. People with fair skin burn much more easily than those with olive or dark skin.
Here are some tips for protecting your skin from the sun. The CDC, the Cleveland Clinic, the Mayo Clinic and WebMD information provided.
Steps to prevent sunburn
Watch the clock. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Carry sun protection clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-resistant sunglasses.
Generously cover exposed areas of skin with at least 1 ounce of broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
Wear sunscreen on an overcast day as UV rays can penetrate clouds.
Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going out. Reapply every two hours – or more often if children swim or sweat a lot.
Symptoms of sunburn
Symptoms typically start about four hours after sun exposure, worsen within 24 to 36 hours, and improve within three to five days. The peeling of the skin usually begins three to eight days after exposure.
Symptoms may include:
* Skin that is red, tender and warm.
* Swollen skin, blisters, headache, fever, nausea and fatigue.
Treat a sunburn
Apply a moisturizer, lotion or gel, especially when the skin is peeling.
Drink water to avoid dehydration.
Lightly bandage the bulbs. Broken blisters increase the risk of infection. If a blister does break, clean it with mild soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a non-stick bandage.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as soon as possible after sun exposure.
Cool the skin with a clean towel soaked in cold tap water or submerge it in a bath with baking soda.
While your skin is healing, stay out of the sun.
A low-dose over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream helps reduce the burning sensation and swelling.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can relieve swelling and pain caused by sunburn.
Avoid applying benzocaine, which can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.
When to call the doctor
You may need medical attention for your sunburn if you have:
* Fever, chills, dizziness or confusion.
* Severe sunburn covering more than 15% of the body, or if you have blisters over a large area.
* Dehydration or high fever.
* Extreme pain that persists for more than 48 hours.
* Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, thirst, dizziness, fatigue, and decreased urination.
Skin cancer
Skin cancer mainly develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women. In both men and women, melanoma can occur on skin that has not been exposed to the sun.
* A large brownish spot with darker spots.
* A mole that changes color, size or feel or is bleeding.
* A small lesion with an irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue, or blue-black.
* A painful lesion that itches or burns.
* Dark lesions on the palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on the mucous membranes lining the mouth and nose.
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