The Sun & Your Skin

THE SUN & YOUR SKIN

The sun's rays contain ultraviolet radiation that can damage our skin. Ultraviolet A (UVA) is primarily responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, and tanning, while ultraviolet B (UVB), known as the "burning" ray, causes sunburns. Both types can severely damage the skin and can cause skin cancer. There is no "safe" UV ray. These harmful UV rays are more intense in the summer, at higher altitudes, and closer to the equator. However, even on cloudy days, UV radiation reaches the earth and can cause skin damage.

PROTECTING YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here's how to Be Sun SmartSM:

• Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed skin. The term broad-spectrum means that the sunscreen provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays . Reapply approximately every two hours — even on cloudy days — and after swimming or sweating. Look for the AAD SEAL OF RECOGNITION TM on products that meet these criteria.
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.
• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you've been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
• Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Wrinkling of the skin from years of sun exposure

UV INDEX: AN IMPORTANT TOOL

The UV Index provides information to help plan outdoor activities and avoid overexposure to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the UV Index is a national service that forecasts the amount of ultraviolet radiation expected to reach the earth's surface. For each geographic area, the UV Index is reported as a number that ranges from 1 to 11+. As shown below, the higher the index, the greater the risk of overexposure to UV radiation.

UV INDEX NUMBER

EXPOSURE LEVEL

2 or less = Low
3-5 = Moderate
6-7 = High
8-10 = Very High
11+ = Extreme

EFFECTS OF THE SUN

Without adequate protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, the following can occur:

• SUNBURN

To prevent a sunburn, sun protection is essential year round. While most common on a sunny, summer day, sunburns happen on cloudy days and during the winter. Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun's rays, causing sunburn and damage to uncovered skin. The most common sign of a sunburn is redness, which can intensify for up to 24 hours. A severe sunburn causes skin tenderness, pain, swelling, and blistering. Fever, chills, upset stomach, and confusion indicate that the sunburn requires immediate medical attention. Be sure to see a dermatologist if any of these severe sunburn symptoms develop. A dermatologist can recommend medicine to reduce swelling, pain, and prevent infection. Cool, wet compresses, baths, and soothing lotions may provide some relief for all sunburns.

• TANNING

Often mistaken as a sign of good health, a tan actually means the skin has been injured. A tan develops when the skin tries to protect itself from exposure to UVA rays by producing more melanin, the substance that gives skin its color. Studies show that UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays. UVA rays contribute not only to tanning, but can cause premature wrinkling and skin cancer.
Indoor tanning is not a safe alternative. Most tanning salons use UVA bulbs to cause tanning.

• AGING

Without adequate sun protection, people who spend lots of time outdoors often develop tough, leathery skin that makes them look older than their actual age. Large freckles called "age spots," and scaly growths known as actinic keratoses, which are considered the earliest stage in the development of skin cancer, also are common without adequate sun protection. As these skin changes are caused by years of sun exposure, protecting children from the sun can reduce the lifetime total exposure to UV rays and decrease premature aging.

• WRINKLES

Directly related to sun exposure, wrinkles can be intensified by smoking.

• SKIN CANCER

More than 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on sun-exposed skin. The face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands are the most common places to find skin cancer. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on the face, ears, nose, and around the mouth of fair-skinned individuals. It can start as a red patch or shiny bump that is pink, red, or white. It may be crusty or have an open sore that does not heal, or heals only temporarily. With early treatment, this type of cancer can be easily cured.

Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as a scaly patch or raised, warty growth. It, too, has a high cure rate when found and treated early. In rare cases, if not treated, it can be deadly. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It usually looks like a dark brown or black mole-like patch with irregular edges. Sometimes it is multicolored with shades of red, blue, or white. It can occur anywhere on the body and when found early, can be cured. If ignored, it spreads throughout the body and can be fatal.

• ALLERGIC REACTIONS

For some people, sun exposure causes an allergic reaction. Bumps, hives, blisters, or red blotches are the most common signs of a sun allergy. An allergic reaction to the sun also may develop when taking certain medications. Birth control pills, antibiotics, and medications for treating blood pressure, arthritis, and depression can cause a skin rash with sun exposure. If this occurs, consult a dermatologist.

• IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPRESSION AND DISEASES

Sun exposure can damage the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and cancers. With sun exposure some diseases worsen. These include cold sores and a number of less common disorders such as lupus erythematosus. Long-term exposure to Uv rays also can cause cataracts, a gradual clouding of the lens in the eye.

WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST

By using common sense and taking care to Be Sun SmartSM, most people can safely work and play outdoors without worrying too much about skin cancer or wrinkles. If you notice that one mole differs from others or a spot on the skin changes, itches, or bleeds (even if it is small), be sure to promptly contact a dermatologist. These are warning signs of skin cancer. With early detection and treatment, skin cancer has a high cure rate. A dermatologist also can explain various treatment options to help reduce signs of aging.

A dermatologist is a physician who specializes in treating the medical, surgical and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair and nails. To learn more about the sun and your skin, log onto www.aad.org or call toll free (888) 4620-DERM (3376) to find a dermatologist in your area.