Test Your Knowledge

Protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is important year round, not merely during the summer months. The following steps may be taken to reduce the risk of damage from sun exposure:

• Limit sun exposure. The rays of the sun are the strongest, and thus cause the most damage, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. People should plan their outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. If it is not possible to avoid sun exposure during peak hours, individuals should attempt to seek shade under a tree, beach umbrella or tent, especially during the summer months and/or in regions with high altitudes. Individuals may also benefit from limiting use of sun lamps and tanning beds, which emit UV rays and can produce skin damage comparable to that caused by excessive sun exposure. Infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of all direct sunlight.
  
  
• Cover up. When spending time outdoors cannot be avoided, protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants can help prevent sun damage. Many sun-protective garments have a label that lists the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value. The highest UPF value is 50+, which only allows 1/50^th of the sun’s radiation to penetrate the garment. Tightly woven clothing blocks out the sun and prevents damage more effectively than garments that are loosely woven. Darker colors may offer more protection than lighter shades. Wet clothing loses some of its protective ability.
  
  
• Wear a hat. Wide-brimmed hats protect the ears, neck, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp. A baseball cap or visor covers the scalp and forehead, but offers little or no protection for the ears and neck.
  
  
• Use sunscreen. Frequently apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. If a person typically burns in 10 minutes, an SPF of 15 will protect them 15 times longer, or for 150 minutes. It is important to follow the directions on the sunscreen's label, including when to reapply, and to check the product’s expiration date. SPF ratings refer only to UVB protection. Individuals should be sure to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that includes protection against both UVA and UVB. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied after swimming or sweating. Children should begin wearing sunscreen at 6 months of age.
  
  
• Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses. Sunglasses protect against cataracts and ocular melanoma. Even inexpensive sunglasses can be effective. Look for ones that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. Wrap-around or close-fitting sunglasses offer the best protection because they shade the sides of the eyes as well.
  
  
• Check the UV index. Developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Weather Service, the UV index forecasts the expected strength of UV radiation on a given day and indicates the level of caution people should use when playing, exercising or working outdoors. Exposure levels are predicted on a scale of 0 to 11+, where 0 indicates minimal risk of overexposure and 11+ indicates maximum risk of overexposure. The UV index is calculated one day in advance and accounts for such factors as cloud coverage and local conditions that affect the quantity of UV radiation. Expected risk of overexposure is calculated for an individual with Type II skin. Therefore, adjustments may be necessary for people with other skin types.
  
  
• Check personal care products and medications. Some products, including cosmetics, perfumes and a number of prescription drugs, can increase a person’s photosensitivity, placing them at increased risk of sun damage. Patients can discuss the risks associated with medications and other products with their physician or pharmacist.
  
  
• Regular physical examinations. Routine examinations by a dermatologist qualified to diagnose skin conditions – including skin cancer – are recommended for individuals with all levels of sun exposure. In between clinical exams, monthly self-examinations are recommended.

Parents should begin teaching their children about sun safety at an early age. Regularly applying sunscreen to a child can help them develop good sun habits they will continue to use for the rest of their lives.