ORLANDO. Fla. – Spring break is around the corner for so many and spending more time enjoying the outdoors is expected.
While you’re outside soaking up the sun, so is your skin. Extended exposure to the sun and its powerful UV rays can lead to various skin health issues.
“One in five people develop skin cancer in their lifetime and a single burn during a week like spring break puts you at double the risk of getting melanoma,” said Dr. Charles Dunn, Dermatologist and Pediatrician for Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery.
Dunn offers advice for those looking to catch some rays while also being safe.
“Seek shade and wear sunglasses. Many people don’t realize that wearing sunglasses is so important in preventing eye cancer,” said Dunn.
Dunn’s suggestion is to use sunscreen or sunblock, but make sure it gets reapplied if you’re in the water or you’re sweating.
And the amount? About a shot glass worth of sunscreen.
“Before you use the shot glass for enjoying the day, use it to measure out your sunscreen.”
Dr. Rajesh Nair, an MD/Surgeon with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute, also offered some safe skin tips.
“The often-repeated cliché remains true: The best sunscreen is the one you use. You can apply mineral sunscreens on top of other skin-care products, and they start working immediately upon application. These need to be absorbed by the skin and ideally need 15-20 minutes to reach peak effect.”
But skin cancer is not the only risk that comes with long sun exposure. Dunn highlights two types of rashes that are a result of sun exposure.
- Juvenile Spring Eruption: A result of going from small light exposure to high amounts of sun exposure.
- Margarita Dermatitis: A result caused by juices hitting the skin and being exposed to sunlight.
Spending too much time in the sun can lead to sun poisoning, which Dunn described as “swelling under the skin caused by the layers of skin separating.”
But there are ways to help alleviate some pain that comes with this.
“If you sustain a sunburn, try to get out of the sun as soon as you can. Application of a cool compress can alleviate pain and may reduce inflammation. Aloe or other soothing, simple moisturizers give symptomatic relief but won’t reverse the damage,” said Nair.
“One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” said Dunn.
