The Sun and Its Impact on Your Skin

Summer brings lots of good things to the Carolinas, like peaches and tomatoes and time at the beach, but it brings some hazards as well. Knowing what to expect and being prepared to avoid summers hazards can help us stay healthy and enjoy the pleasures that summer brings.

The same sun that makes us want to work in the yard or go swimming can cause real health problems. The sun reaches its highest point in the summer sky on the first day of summer. Because of this, even the cooler days of May and June, before high summer hits, can put us at risk of sunburn and other sun related problems. The sun’s rays include many frequencies, but it is the invisible ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn. Sand and water, because of being reflective, increase your exposure. The ultraviolet rays penetrate cloud cover, so a bright overcast day can still put you at risk.

The fairer your skin the more prone you are to sunburn. Melanin, the natural brown pigment in skin, is a natural sunscreen and protects the deeper layers from burn. Even someone who tans easily, though, develops progressive skin damage from solar exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet rays cause wrinkles, loss of the skin’s elasticity, a yellow discoloration of the skin, blotchy pigmentation, damage to the blood vessels underlying the skin and, most importantly, skin cancer.

Anyone can get skin cancer, but the fairer your skin, the higher your risk. There are three main types of skin cancer. The most common is basal cell carcinoma, next is squamous cell, and third and most serious is melanoma. All of these skin cancers are more common on sun-exposed skin. While wearing sunscreen may be somewhat protective, if it keeps you out in the sun longer it may actually lead to increased risk. Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen and try to limit your exposure to ultraviolet. Every severe sunscreen in your life increases your risk of skin cancer substantially. If you do have something on your skin that seems unusual or is growing or changing, do get it checked by a health professional.

When you use sunscreen remember places like the back of your neck and the tops of your feet. Sunscreens should have both UVA and UVB blockers to work most effectively. Even “waterproof” sunscreens should be reapplied periodically to assure the best protection. If you do get burned, drink lots of fluids and stay in a cool place and out of the sun. Use a good moisturizing lotion. Cool compresses and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can help the pain. Severe sunburns may require medical attention.

Outdoor activities also put us at risk of some other problems. Summer is when we see most cases of contact rashes like poison ivy and poison oak. If you work or play outdoors, make sure you know what these plants look like and avoid them when possible. Wearing long sleeves, pants and gloves while doing yard work can help protect you. If you think your skin has been exposed, a shower as soon as possible with soap, warm water and a washcloth can prevent a severe outbreak. If you do get a rash, the blister fluid does not spread it and it is not contagious. Keep the area clean, and try over the counter products like Caladryl and Cortisone cream. If these do not help, or you have the rash on your face or genitals or if extensive areas of your body are involved, see a doctor.

Summer is also the time when bugs can become a problem. Mosquitoes around here are usually just a nuisance, but historically mosquitoes have been the cause of many serious illnesses like malaria and yellow fever. In the past couple of years we are beginning to see cases of West Nile virus infection, an illness imported from Africa and spread by mosquitoes. This can be particularly severe in the elderly. To avoid mosquito bites, stay indoors during the troublesome dawn and twilight periods, wear clothes that cover as much exposed skin as possible, and use insect repellents if you know you will exposed to bites.

Ticks carry a number of illnesses, the most common of which in our area is Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Again, wearing protective clothing and using insect repellents containing DEET can protect against the tick bites that can lead to illness. If you get a summer illness that includes fever, headache and muscle aches, please see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease can prevent serious illness and even death.