Tips for Sun Safety this Summer

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If you are headed out to the beach, pool, lake, park, or festival this summer, you need to be aware of the dangers of sun exposure. Sun exposure can cause skin cancer, heat stroke, sunburn, and other heat-related illnesses. Infants, young children, and senior adults are at the highest risk for sun-related illnesses during the summer. Make sure that you take steps to avoid illness and injury this summer by protecting yourself and your family from the sun.

Sun Safety Tips

Protection is Your First Defence

You should always wear sunscreen when you plan to be out in the sun. A sun protective factor (SFP) of at least 15 is preferred; however, children and those sensitive to the sun should use a product with a higher SPF. Because sunscreen wears off, reapply sunscreen several times throughout the day and especially after swimming.

You can also protect your skin by wearing loose-fitting clothing in darker shades. Some clothing is specifically designed with SPF to protect skin from the sun. Always wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays. A hat with a wide brim and sunglasses that wrap around offer the best protection.

If you plan to be out in the sun for a lengthy period, find shade or use an umbrella for shade. When participating in outdoor activities, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks in a shady area to rest.

Sunburn

Sunburn can be very painful and result in permanent scars. Repeated exposure to the sun can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. To protect yourself, always wear sunscreen and know the signs of sunburn and how to treat sunburn.

Symptoms of sunburn include:

• Red, tender skin that is warm to the touch
• Blisters
• Pain
• Chills, nausea, fever, and rash (signs of sun poisoning)

If you develop sunburn, you should immediately go inside and take a cool, not cold, shower or bath. You can also apply cool compresses if you don’t think you can take a bath. Use Aloe gel or lotions specially designed for sunburns and stay out of the sun until your skin is healed. Seek immediate medical attention if blisters form or if there is swelling, fever, chills, rapid breathing, headache, confusion, dizziness, signs of infection, or signs of dehydration.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is another common danger when someone is exposed to the sun. It is easy to become overheated when you are enjoying outdoor summer activities. The signs of heat stroke include:

• Headache
• Vomiting or nausea
• Dizziness or fainting
• Cramps or tight muscles
• Skin that is unusually red or pale
• Aggressive or irritable behavior
• Rapid shallow breathing

If you believe you or someone else is suffering from heat stroke, you should move to a cooler location immediately and call for help. While waiting for help, you can try sipping cool water. Loosen tight fitting clothing, apply cool compresses, and apply an ice pack on the neck until help arrives.

Always Seek Medical Attention

When in doubt, call for help. It is always best to seek medical attention for a sun emergency. You would rather err on the side of caution, especially when sun-related illnesses can be life-threatening.

Have a Safe and Enjoyable Summer

The team of lawyers at Diamond and Diamond hope you and your family enjoy summer. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. If you need help, call our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now. We offer free consultations and case evaluations.