Staying Safe in the Sun
The summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you’ve permanently escaped the sun’s harmful rays. When we think of sun safety, we often think it only applies in the summer, but sun safety is something you should practice all year long. August is Sun Safety Month, making it the perfect time to sharpen up your sun-safety routine.
The Dangers of Sun Exposure
The sun gives off ultraviolet radiation. Too much exposure to this radiation can cause various types of skin damage and cancer.
Aging of the Skin
One of the most common signs of too much sun exposure is premature aging of the skin. Signs of premature skin aging include wrinkles, dark spots, and changes in skin tone. You may also find your skin has less elasticity, most commonly around the hands and face.
Sunburn
Sunburns can range from mild to severe but typically appear within a few hours of sun exposure. Sunburn can vary in color but is usually red and will feel warm to the touch. Sunburn can also be painful or itchy and may begin to peel as it heals. Repeated sunburns increase your chance of developing premature skin aging and skin cancer.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most commonly caused by UV radiation from the sun. There are three main types of skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In all three cases, you’ll usually notice changing moles or marks on the surface of the skin. You can develop skin cancer anywhere on the skin. This includes the palms of your hands, your head under the hair, and the bottom of your feet.
Heat Stroke
In addition to damaging the skin, too much sun exposure mixed with high temperatures can also cause heatstroke. Signs of heat stroke include a high body temperature of 103 degrees or more, a fast pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and a loss of consciousness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you’re experiencing signs of heatstroke, contact a medical professional immediately.
Sun Safety Tips
Even on cloudy or cold days, it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun. The next time you’re spending time outdoors, following these tips to keep yourself safe.
Protect Your Skin
Whenever you’re spending time outside, you want to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You should apply daily sunscreen to your face and neck with an SPF of at least 15. If it’s a warm summer day, also be sure to apply sunscreen to any areas of the skin exposed to the sun. This includes your feet, back, and hands.
On cooler days, you can protect your skin by covering it up with clothing. You can also wear hats to protect your face and sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you’re planning an outdoor adventure, such as a day in the park, bring an umbrella to help block the sunshine. If you’re having a picnic or reading outdoors, pick a place that offers shade, such as under a tree. Remember, the sun can reflect off water, snow, and ice, so if the sun is shining, be sure to protect your skin even on a winter day.
Get to Know Your Skin
It’s natural for your skin to change with age, so it’s important to know what’s normal for your skin. Take note of any moles or discoloration on your skin and keep track of how they’re changing. If you notice changes to the size, color, border, or texture of the area, talk to your dermatologist about a skin biopsy to determine if there are cancerous cells.
Visit a Dermatologist
Even if you don’t have concerns about your skin, it’s good to establish a relationship with a dermatologist. Just like regular checkups with your primary doctor or dentist, a dermatologist can get to know your skin, determine if there are risks for severe health conditions, and provide guidance on continuing to keep your skin healthy as you age.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you or an aging loved one needs help taking care of their skin before going outside or is living with a sun-related health condition, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our compassionate caregivers can help clients apply sunscreen before heading out, provide transportation to a dermatologist appointment or help them dress appropriately to keep their skin safe. We also offer various home care services such as light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, and more.
Our Horsham office serves those in Horsham, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Ambler, Lower Gwynedd, Spring House, and the surrounding areas. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can schedule a free consultation by completing this online form or calling us at 215.938.7202.