Playing Safe in the Sun
There is never a safe time
of year to be exposed to the
sun. While many think they
only need protection in the
summer it is important to
apply sunscreen daily before
going outside. Skin cancer
is by far the most common
cancer in the U. S. with 1
in 5 individuals being
diagnosed. There are two
types of skin cancer: non-
melanoma which is the most
common and Melanoma which
can be fatal.
While some skin cancers
appear to be influenced by
heredity, most are caused by
sun exposure. Although most
occur in adults, studies
have shown its' development
may be related to our
behavior as children. The
two primary triggers are
accumulated lifetime
exposure to the sun and
severe sunburns. This means
the more we spend in the sun
over our lifetime the
greater the risks of
developing skin cancer.
Protecting children is
important since we get most
of our lifetime exposure
before the age of 18.
Because of this children
need to know how to “play
safe in the sun” by finding
shade, wearing coverup
clothing, and using sun
screen. One severe sunburn
before the age of 18 appears
to significantly increase
the risk for developing
Melanoma. Eye damage can
lead to cataracts and
blindness when older. Each
time children go outside –
think of the clothes they
wear – clothes that cover
the body like long pants vs.
shorts, shoes vs. sandals,
long sleeves vs. sleeveless,
etc.
When going outdoors everyone
should wear a hat with at
least a 3” brim. This will
help protect the head, ears,
neck, and face. The use of
sunglasses will protect the
eyes. Using sunscreen with a
Sun Protection Factor SPF 15
will give 2 hour’s of
protection. Both lotion and
lip balm should be applied
30 minutes before going
outside. Use broad spectrum
products that protect
against both UVA and UBA
rays.
Remember, there is never a
safe season against the sun—
protect yourself year round.
For programs on Sun Safety,
please contact Buncombe
County Cooperative Extension
Center at 828-255-5522.
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