Outdoor activities are part of the normal athlete’s life. There is an unseen danger that is ever present...the sun.

The sun produces both visible and invisible rays. The invisible rays are called Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The two forms of UV radiation are UVA and UVB. Both are harmful!

Harmful UV rays are more intense during the summer months, at higher altitudes, and closer to the equator. Texas will receive 100% - 150% more UV rays than Maine. UV intensity can be magnified by reflections from water, sand, and snow. Also, cloudy days to NOT reduce the amount of UV radiation.

Using sunscreen will help to prevent skin damage from UV exposure. This will also result in a reduction in the risk of skin cancer. A recent study concluded that precancerous skin growths (solar keratoses or SKs) were reduced by 24% when sunscreen is applied daily. (April, 2003 Archives of Dermatology)

PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM THE SUN

To lower the risk of skin cancers, protect yourself from sun exposure. Some methods are:

• Avoid peak sun hours,

• Dress appropriately in tightly woven clothing, including long sleeve shirts and long pants,

• Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), early and often (re-apply every 2 hours),

• Wear a wide brimmed hat,

• Avoid deliberate sunbathing,

• Stay in the shade whenever possible,

• Avoid reflecting surfaces,

• Avoid tanning beds, and

• Wear sunglasses.

 

Sunscreens work by absorbing or reflecting the damage causing UV rays. Many different brands and types are available including: ointments, creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and wax sticks.

The higher the SPF number listed on the bottle the more protection the product provides. Most sunscreens will protect the wearer from UVB rays only. To protect from UVA and UVB rays, look for a bottle that says “broad spectrum protection” or lists its ability to block both UVA and UVB rays. The “broad spectrum” blocks provide better protection.

Sunscreens should be applied at least 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Even water resistant sunscreens should be re-applied about every two hours, after swimming, or after strenuous activities. So called “water-proof” sunscreens are not; they loose effectiveness when exposed to water or heavy sweat.

Peak sun exposure hours are from 10 AM to 4PM. This is when the sun’s UV rays are at their highest concentrations. It is easier to burn on a clear day, but clouds do NOT protect one from sun burn.

Sun burn results from over-exposure to the sun’s UV rays. The red skin of a sunburn will develop and increase for up to 24 hours. A severe sunburn can result in painfully red skin, skin swelling, skin blistering, nausea, fever, and confusion. Mild sunburns are treated with cool, wet compresses, bathing and use of sun burn skin care lotions. If over exposure to the sun results in nausea, fever or mental confusion, consult a physician immediately.

Tanning is often mistaken as a sign of good health. A suntan is actually the result of skin injury. The tan is a direct result of exposure to UV rays. Increases in the skin pigment melanin causes the darker color.

Tanning beds are less safe than exposure to the sun. A tanning bed produces UVA rays. These rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays resulting in more skin damage.

People who tan frequently or work in the sun can develop tough, leathery skin. Keep in mind that cow skin is tanned to produce leather, this is what is happening to the skin of a sunbather. The sun can also produce “age spots,” and scaly growths (actinic keratoses), that may develop into skin cancer.

More than 90% of all skin cancers occur on the sun-exposed skin areas of the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands. The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma develops most commonly on the face, ears, nose and around the mouth of fair-skinned individuals. It may start as a red patch or shiny bump that is pink, red, or white. It may also be crusty in appearance or have an open sore that heals temporarily or not at all. This is an easily treatable cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma is usually seen as a scaly patch or raised, warty growth. With early recognition and treatment this cancer has a high cure rate. If not, it can be deadly.

Melanoma is the worst type of skin cancer. It usually looks like a dark brown or black mole-like patch with irregular edges. It may be multicolored with shades of white, red, or blue. Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body. If treated early, it has a very low mortality rate. When treatment is ignored, it can spread quickly throughout the body and become fatal.

Some people are allergic to sun exposure. A very short time in the sun may result in: bumps, hives, blisters, or blotches. Cosmetics, perfumes, plants, topical medications, or sun preparations can intensify these reactions.

Some diseases can be worsened by exposure to the sun. Chickenpox, cold sores, and lupus erythematosus, for example, can all be worsened with exposure to UV rays. UV rays can also cause cataracts.

Visit the American Academy of Dermatology web site (www.aad.org) for more information about skin care and sun exposure.