Use your sun sense

It’s important to make sun safety an everyday habit during every season of the year. It's  important to practice summer sun sense since you’re likely to spend more time outdoors.

Here’s a summer-specific tip – keep a “go bag” stocked and ready to grab and go. What should you stash in your tote? You might include the following:

• A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt or cover-up.
• A wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, head, ears and neck.
• Sunglasses that block both UVA and UBA rays.
• Plenty of at least SPF 15 or higher sunscreen with both UVA and UBA protection.
  

But what if you do get a sunburn?

The pain from a common sunburn is usually worst the day or two after you’re exposed. While there’s no quick fix, you might try the following to relieve symptoms:

• Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluid.
• A cool bath or a cool wet cloth can provide comfort.
• Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve pain and headache.
• A topical moisturizing cream, aloe or 1% hydrocortisone cream can also relieve symptoms.
  

If your sunburn blisters:

• Cover the area with gauze to protect against infection.
• Don’t break the blisters. This will slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
• Seek medical attention if you’re dehydrated, have a high fever or experience extreme pain that lasts longer than two days.
  

Sources:
“Sun Exposure – Sunburn.” cdc.gov, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 May, 2018.
“What Are the Risk Factors for Skin Cancer?” cdc.gov, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9 April 2020.