The temperatures are climbing in Western New York and along with the heat come the scorching sun rays. Although sun is our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium, too much exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can result in damage to our skin.

Both types of rays can cause skin cancer like melanoma and frequent and lengthened exposure is discouraged. The most common type is UVA, which is used in tanning beds. This type of ray makes up the largest part of our sun exposure because it is able to travel effortlessly through the ozone layer. UVB rays, while less common because most are trapped by the ozone layer, are still very dangerous and can cause cataracts and burns and damage the immune system. Both types of rays are most prevalent during the summer months due to the angle of the earth.

While it is true that fair-skinned people are more susceptible to burns, everyone’s skin, light and dark alike, can be damaged by the sun’s rays. KidsHealth offers the following tips to be safe while still enjoying the warm summer weather:

- Avoid being in the sun while the rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on normal summer days. If outdoors during these hours, apply sunscreen liberally. Remember that it is still possible to burn on overcast days.

- Keep covered. Wear loose clothing, wide-brimmed hats and use umbrellas if staying outside for an extended period of time. Step indoors or into the shade at frequent intervals.

- Use sunscreen. Always. And use it liberally on lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, arms, legs and behind the neck. When wearing bathing suits, make sure to apply the sunscreen under the straps in case they shift. If going into the water, use waterproof sunscreen.

The sun protection factor on sunscreen spells out the length of time you can stay in the sun without burning. For instance, an SPF 15 sunscreen protects a person outdoors for up to 15 minutes, but be careful: if you rub against clothing or other people or are exposed to wind and water, the sunscreen can wear off faster. SPF only protects against UVB rays, although some new sunscreens now contain chemicals that protect against UVA rays. Check the labels for specifics. Those with lighter skin, moles, family history of cancer like melanoma and children six months and older should be especially diligent about sunscreen application. Children under six months should be kept out of the sun as much as possible.

- Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Eyewear labels will state if the glasses provide protection against the sun’s rays. “Even one day in the sun can result in a burned cornea,” KidsHealth says.

- Check medications, especially antibiotics and skin/acne creams. Some medicines can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun; exposure to UV rays while on these medications can result in severe sunburns, even on people who don’t normally tend to burn.

According to KidsHealth, most kids receive “between 50 percent and 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18,” so parents with young children should be especially careful to keep kids out of direct sunlight without proper protection.

If you or your child gets a sunburn, stay inside or in the shade until the burn heals. Take cool baths (or use cold cloths to relieve the pain), apply aloe vera gel and take pain relievers (do not give aspirin to children). Additionally, “apply topical moisturizing cream to rehydrate the skin and reduce swelling,” such as hydrocortisone cream, says KidsHealth. Call a doctor if the sunburn is especially severe or causes blisters.

The sun can also cause heat-related illnesses like heat syncope (fainting), heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are more serious than sunburns. Consult a doctor if you have a fever above 102 degrees, if sunburned skin looks infected, if you have trouble looking at light or if you experience nausea, vomiting, fainting, delirium or diarrhea after being exposed to the sun.

For more information, visit www.kidshealth.org.

---

Tell Us what You Think: