Sun Safety

July 12, 2005

Many consider sun exposure and being tan a desirable trait. However, this is not always a safe practice. REMSA will discuss the dangers of sun exposure and sun burns. The obvious danger to the sun is cancer, however this is not the only danger individuals should keep in mind when being exposed to the sun.

How to Stay Safe in the Sun

1. The general medical recommendation is to avoid tanning. However, if you wish to get a light tan, follow these directions to do it as safely as possible.
2. Don't be too anxious to get a super tan. Remember that, in the case of sun exposure, less is best. A bad sunburn can ruin your trip and increase your risk of skin cancer.
3. While sunscreen preparations are widely available in the islands, selection can be limited in some areas. Bring your favorite brand with you.
4. Always wear sunscreen. Begin with no more than 10 minutes of exposure with no less than SPF 15 sunscreen. Early sun exposure is best done early in the day or late in the afternoon. Increase exposure gradually, but no more than 30 minutes.
5. The remainder of the time you spend in the sun, apply a sunscreen with a high enough SPF (sun protection factor) to block all the sun's harmful rays. The higher the number, the more protection offered by the sunscreen/sunblock.
6. Stop sun exposure as soon as you have a light tan. Don't risk skin cancer by trying for a dark tan. Slather on sunblock (SPF 35 or greater).
7. Don't forget that you can get a sunburn even on cloudy days or when sitting in the shade. The reflection of sun off water can be almost as bad (or worse) than direct sun exposure.
8. Be particularly careful if you're boating. Wind and sun combined can give you a very painful burn.
9. If you don't want to tan (and it is not recommended), wear a sunblock at all times. Don't forget to apply it to all exposed skin areas, including your feet and ears. Your scalp can burn, too. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect hair and scalp.
10. Wear reflective, light-colored clothing to cover up when not swimming. Long-sleeved, loose cotton clothing is cooler and give good sun protection.
11. Be careful when snorkeling and re-apply sunblock frequently. Water will wash off most preparations fairly quickly. Even scuba divers who spend most of their time under water need sunblock to protect them during surface intervals.
12. If you should get burned in spite of precautions, apply one of the sunburn remedy preparations containing aloe to soothe your skin and help prevent damage. Take lukewarm baths and showers rather than hot.
13. If you should have fever (temperature above 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit), seek medical attention.
14. As an alternative to sun exposure, get your tan from a bottle. There are some great bronzers available. Check your local pharmacy or your favorite cosmetics counter.
15. Be very careful to protect your children. Their young skin is even more sensitive and vulnerable to the adverse effects of too much sun.
16. Be sure to follow the instructions for your particular sunblock or sunscreen preparation. And re-apply it often, since perspiration or water can wash it off.
17. If you get burned and don't have an aloe preparation, try some cider vinegar. You can spray it straight on with a spray bottle, or dilute it 50-50 with water. Or try soaking towels in vinegar and applying them to the burned areas.
18. Always wear a sunscreen preparation of at least SPF 15. You can still tan, and you'll be much more likely to avoid an accidental sunburn.
19. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the peak hours for harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
20. Teach your children good sun protection habits at an early age: The damage that leads to adult skin cancers starts in childhood.
21. Examine your skin - head to toe - at least once every three months.

Skin Cancer Facts

• All skin cancers are preventable and curable when detected and treated early.
• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in women age 25-29
• More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure.
• Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and has more than tripled among Caucasians between 1980 and 2002
• One person dies of melanoma every hour.
• Almost one in four people who develop melanoma in the United States are under 40 years of age.

To set up an interview with a REMSA representative, please call Scott Walquist at 775.686.2116.

REMSA is a private, not-for-profit emergency medical services system serving northern Nevada. REMSA’s state-of-the-art 9-1-1 dispatch communications center is fully accredited, as are all emergency medical transport services of the company. REMSA provides quality patient care with no taxpayer support or other subsidies.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720