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Preventing Sunburnbr& Skin Cancer
By Dr. Josh Prickett, medical director, North Tarrant E-Care Emergency Center
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities withbrfriends and family. While having fun in the sun, don’t forget to take care ofbryour skin. By following a few simple precautions, Southlake-area residents canbravoid sunburns and other problems related to overexposure to the sun’sbrever-present UV rays.
Sun damage can occur after just a short time outdoors, orbreven when riding in a car. Ultraviolet rays play a part in problems ranging frombrskin irritation, cataracts and corneal burns to sunburn, “sun poisoning” andbrvarious types of skin cancer.
Symptoms of Sunburn
Mild sunburn can result in skin irritation 2-6 hours afterbrexposure. Peak effects may be felt after 12-24 hours. Severe sun poisoning isbrcharacterized by blistering, extreme burning sensations, dehydration, lowbrelectrolytes, and possible skin infection. Serious untreated sunburn may resultbrin shock and can sometimes prove fatal.
Other sunburn aftereffects may include:
· brChills
· brFever
· brNausea orbrvomiting
· brFlulikebrsymptoms
· brBlistering
· brSkinbrpeeling (4-7 days after exposure)
Sun poisoning can cause a rash called polymorphous lightbreruption (PMLE). Small bumps appear all over the body, especially in UV-exposedbrareas, then progresses to thick rash and hives on lower arms, legs and chest.
If your sunburn is causing extreme pain, blistering,brheadache, confusion, fainting, or nausea, be sure to seek emergency carebrimmediately. ER doctors at E-Care EmergencybrCenters (with three locations to serve you in North Tarrant, Frisco andbrMcKinney) will evaluate burns closely. Mild sunburns may be treated with over-the-counterbrpain relievers, cool compresses, anti-inflammatory medications, and soothingbrskin lotion/gel.
Risk of Skin Cancer
According to American Family Physician,brone in every six Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer: malignant melanoma,brnonmelanoma, basal cell carcinoma (the most common) or squamous cell carcinoma.brAsk your doctor to check new or irregular moles or other possible skin cancer signs.br(See Table 1 for skin cancer screening tips.)
No matter what your age, skin type or lifestyle, UV raysbrhave an impact on everyone. Certain people with very fair skin and freckles maybrburn more easily. Others at greater risk for sunburn include anyone previouslybrtreated for skin cancer, people with genetic disorders that deplete pigment , thosebrwith unusual moles, persons with a family history of melanoma and anyone whobrsuffered at least one severe sunburn.
Beat the Burn
By following these tips from the World Health Organization and MayobrClinic , you avoid sunburn from ruining your summer fun.
- Select a sunscreen and lipbr balm with UV protection factor of at least SPF30.
- Avoid sun exposure betweenbr 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Apply broad-spectrum,br water-resistant sunscreen to protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Know if your sunscreenbr contains PABA, which may irritate skin. PABA products should not be usedbr on children younger than 6 months old.
- Spread sunscreen onbr exposed areas 30 minutes before you go out.
- Cover ears, neck, baldbr areas on the head, backs of hands and arms, knees and tops of feet.
- Reapply every two hours orbr so, or more frequently is you are exercising, swimming or sweating.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hatbr and loose clothing to shade you from the sun.
- Choose sunglasses thatbr block both ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays.
- Do not use tanning beds orbr sunlamps.
- Children younger than 6br months of age should avoid direct sunlight.
If you need care for sunburn, skinbrabnormalities or other problems, visit E-Care Emergency Centers for emergencybror urgent care. Check in online or call 817-281-7277 in the Southlake area of North Tarrant County.
Josh Prickett, MD, is currently medical director for North Tarrant location of E-Care Emergency Center in North Richland Hills. Dr. Prickett graduated from the University of Oklahoma Medical School and has been practicing emergency care in Oklahoma, Minnesota and Texas since 1989. He has been married to his wife Carin for 29 years. They have a son Jonathan, a daughter Whitney, and a son-in-law John. Dr. Prickett and his family are active at Gateway Church in Southlake and love being a part of the Southlake community.