Too Much Sun Exposure, Too Little Protection: How to Protect Yourself
The sun sets its sight on you. More than half of American adolescents experienced a sunburn in 2017.
Sun exposure is tricky to avoid. Everyone wants to spend some time in the sunlight, enjoying the outdoors. Yet sun exposure can be dangerous in several ways.
How does a sunburn cause skin cancer? How else can sun exposure damage the skin? What can occur if you are out in hot and sunny weather for a long period of time?
Answer these questions and you can understand the risks of being out in the sun. Here is your quick guide.
Skin Cancer
A sunburn occurs when a patch of skin is exposed to the sun over a long period of time. The solar radiation damages the DNA inside skin cells, causing the cells to become inflamed.
If the damage is significant, the cells may begin to develop moles or tumors. One sunburn is usually not enough to cause skin cancer. Frequent exposure to the sun without proper protection will lead to cancer growth.
You may notice red and itchy skin after sun exposure. It may not be a sunburn, but a sun exposure rash.
Find guides on what is a sun rash so you can tell the difference between the two. Google “vitamin d sun exposure chart” and “lupus sun exposure” if you have a pre-existing condition that can lead to rashes.
The easiest way to prevent skin cancer is to wear sunscreen. Cover all exposed areas, including your scalp and the backs of your ears.
Signs of Aging
Most sunburns go away by themselves. But they can leave behind liver spots, which make the skin seem older.
The skin can also develop wrinkles. The DNA damage the skin sustains prevents it from becoming elastic, causing it to bag or shrivel up.
Sun exposure causes liver spots and wrinkles in old people more than young people. The spots can cover up moles, making it harder to detect skin cancer.
As with sunburns, you want to cover your exposed skin with sunscreen. You should also wear long sleeves and full pants.
Sunstroke
Sunstroke occurs when the internal temperature in the body goes above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It does not have to be that hot in order for someone to develop sunstroke. Extensive exercise on a day around 80 degrees can induce it.
Signs of sunstroke include red skin, a severe headache, and dizziness. You should drink plenty of water while you are exercising. You should also rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
You can wear clothing that breathes while covering parts of your skin. Baggy pants and shirts will let cold air travel to your skin as they block sunlight.
How Sun Exposure Can Hurt You
Everyone must be mindful of sun exposure. A sunburn means the DNA in your skin cells has become damaged. You can develop a tumor, though you can avoid sunburns by smearing some sunscreen on yourself.
Your skin can become wrinkly or spotted. In addition to sunscreen, you should cover up as much skin as possible.
Sunstroke takes place when your body temperature rises by a few degrees. Take breaks while you are exerting yourself under the sun.
Be mindful of all threats to your health. Find out about the latest threats by following our coverage.
