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SUN PROTECTION TIPS
Sun protection involves knowing what might happen if you have too much
sun exposure, and what you can do to prevent skin damage.
The risks:
- Skin Cancer (may cause death if left untreated)
- Skin cancer removal (may cause scars)
- Premature aging of the skin (wrinkles and dryness)
- Red
scaly pre cancerous spots
- Brown "liver
spots"
- Broken blood vessels
- Sunburn and pain
What you can do:
- Avoid direct sun exposure especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Always use a sunscreen, preferably one that is waterproof
(reapply hourly when in the water) and that has a SPF (sun protection
factor) of 30 or higher. The higher the SPF is, the greater protection
it gives. Choose sunscreens that block UVA and UVB. Facial makeup should
contain a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Remember: Most sun exposure
happens while walking to and from the car and as other incidental exposure
and not just on special occasions, e.g. at the beach, on a picnic,
at sports events.
- Wear sun protective clothing made with tightly woven fabrics. Hat
brims should be at least 3 inches wide.
- Avoid sun-tanning parlors. Any suntan means skin damage.
- Use self-tanning
products, but remember the "tan" will not provide
sun protection. The product may or may not contain sunscreen-be sure
to check the labels.
- Check your skin
and your loved ones' skin regularly. Your health
care provider should examine any growth that is irregular in size,
shape or color.
For more information on skin cancer and all types of cancer you can
call the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-4-CANCER or visit their web
site: National
Cancer Institute.
Questions regarding sun protection and other health problems
may be addressed to Student Health Center personnel at (775) 784-6598.
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