Higher temperatures means more time outside. But too much time soaking in the sun’s rays can lead to long-term health consequences, including numerous skin conditions and serious illnesses. While ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful, several precautions can reduce your risk of overexposure and keep you safe and happy throughout the summer months.
About UV Rays
UV rays are a natural byproduct of sunlight. Invisible to the naked eye, they are an excellent source of vitamin D in small doses. UV rays are broken into three categories:
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- Ultraviolet A (UVA) carries the least energy and is not absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere. Deeply penetrating the skin, UVA rays can cause indirect damage to skin cells’ DNA, leading to premature aging, wrinkles and some skin cancers.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a slightly higher energy level than UVA rays and is the primary cause of sunburns. Directly damaging skin cells’ DNA, UVB rays are also believed to be the primary cause of many types of skin cancer.
- Ultraviolet C (UVC) has the highest energy of all three but is completely absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere. Though not naturally found on the Earth’s surface, some manmade sources of UVC rays can pose a risk, including arc welding torches, mercury lamps and UV sanitizing bulbs.
Spending too much time in direct sunlight can increase your risk of UV overexposure, which in turn can lead to numerous short- and long-term complications, including:
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- Sunburn
- Premature aging like wrinkling, leathery skin, liver spots, actinic keratosis and solar elastosis
- Eye problems such as burned or inflamed corneas and the formation of cataracts
- Weakened immune systems
- Skin cancer, including basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers and melanoma
Tips to Stay Safe
Although UV rays can be harmful, that doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all summer. The following measures can help lower your risk and enjoy the warmer weather.
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- Applying sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of UV overexposure. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and buy a line that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Re-apply if you’re outside for more than two hours at a time, and more often if you’re in or around water.
- Some clothing can offer protection for exposed skin such as arms, legs, neck, and ears. Long-sleeved shirts and pants can cover up exposed areas, but when such clothing isn’t feasible with high temperatures, consider a T-shirt or beach cover-up. Wide-brimmed hats can also provide some added shade and UV-rated sunglasses can help protect against eye damage.
- Minimize your time in direct sunlight by seeking shade wherever possible, especially during midday hours.
For questions or concerns about skin health, contact your primary care physician or visit the Warner Hospital Walk-in Clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or questions, contact the Walk-in Clinic at 217-937-5284.
