There are many dangers of the sun that can cause serious damage to the skin. Sun damage to skin can cause life threatening medical conditions, such as cancer. Taking precautionary steps can help reduce the damaging affects of the sun.
The dangers of the sun can cause many serious health conditions if proper preventative steps are not taken. Sun damage to the skin can be reduced by practicing many simple preventative steps. Preventative steps you can take to avoid sun damage include avoiding prolonged sun exposure and use sun screen.
Dangers of the Sun
A serious health condition that can develop from sun damage is an aggressive cancer of the skin, malignant melanoma. Many risk factors involving the sun can increase your risk of developing melanoma. The most common risk factor for developing melanoma is frequent and prolonged sun exposure. Although family history has a role in a person’s risk of developing this cancer, the sun is the greatest risk factor. Luckily, you are able to control it.
People that have been extensively exposed to the sun during their childhood are at an increased risk of melanoma. People who take part in frequent outdoor activities and have jobs that require them to be outside have an increase risk of developing skin cancer. There are numerous other risk factors caused by the sun that can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Skin Damage Prevention
The dangers of sun can be avoided by following a few preventative tips. The best way to avoid skin damage is to avoid sun exposure. This will decrease your risk of becoming sunburned. The most dangerous time to be outside is between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If you have to go outside during these hours, try to stay in shaded areas.
Protective clothing can be worn to avoid sun expose as well. Hats that have a brim of at least 4 inches are classified as protective clothing. Hats that have big brims protect your ears, eyes, scalp, and neck from the sun. Sunglasses protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. Light, loose fitting clothing should be worn to protect your arms and legs from the sun.
Sunscreen
Using sunscreen can protect your skin from the sun as long as it is used correctly. Sunscreen should contain SPF (sun protection factor) needs to be at least 30 or higher. Sunscreens that protect against both ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) are the best to use. Sunscreen needs to be applied to the body at least 30 minutes before going into the sun. You should reapply sunscreen to all exposed areas of the body every two to three hours. Even with proper preventative steps, sunburns can still occur. There are many home remedies that can relieve the pain of sunburns.
References:
“Protecting Your Skin from the Sun” July 10, 2007 webmd.com