Health experts recommend protecting skin from too much sun exposure Published July 8, 2015 By Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner 375th Air Mobility Wing public affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Illinois -- Summertime often means spending more time outdoors, enjoying the sun, the beach, parks and other recreation. During the sunny season, ultraviolet light from the sun is more likely to damage your skin. Individuals are also prone to heat related injuries, such as sunburns, dehydration, and heat exhaustion. Senior Airman Scott D. Luna, 375th Air Mobility Wing Occupational Safety and Health Specialist, said that your skin can get damage from UV light in as little as 15 minutes. "[According to the Environmental Protection Agency's website,] each year, there are more new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States than new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined," he said. Aside from skin diseases, he explained, risks from UV exposure include premature aging of the skin, increased risks of developing certain forms of cataracts, and immune system suppression. "To protect yourself in the sun, wear long sleeved shirts, hats and UV resistant sunglasses, especially during the peak times of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.," said Luna. "Wraparound sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats work the best for sun protection. Stay in the shade as often as possible and apply generous amounts of sunscreen (and reapply throughout the day)." All individuals should try to limit their time spent in the sun. When using sunscreen, Capt. Chauncey Tarrant, 375th Medical Group general pediatrician, recommended the daily use of sun protection factor of 15. Look for sunscreens with broad spectrum protection, not only ultra-violet A (long-wave) or ultra-violet B (short-wave) protections. For outdoor work, sports or recreational activities, Tarrant said sunscreen products with an SPF of 30 or higher are recommended. Special consideration should be taken with small children. "The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding the use of sunscreen products in infants younger than six months," said Tarrant. "However, when adequate clothing and shade are not available, a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF can be applied to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands." Teaching children good sun practices early on is important too, said Tarrant, because the majority of lifetime sun exposure usually occurs during childhood and adolescence. In addition, the World Health Organization has recommended against tanning bed use by anyone under the age of 18. One way to estimate likely UV exposure is to take a look at your shadow, according to the EPA. "If your shadow is taller than you are, such as in the morning or late afternoon, your UV exposure is likely to be lower," said Luna. "If your shadow is shorter than you are, around mid-day, you are being exposed to higher levels of UV radiation." Use the UV index forecast when you plan on staying outside, provided by the National Weather Service, said Luna. It ranks the expected risk of overexposure for a specific area. On the EPAs webpage, there is a search bar, a city or ZIP code can be entered to see the rating for that area. Another good way to stay healthy while enjoying the sun is to stay hydrated. Tarrant recommends scheduled hydration breaks, with caregivers strongly encouraging children to drink. "Drinking is very important in children, because they are more likely to inadequately replenish fluid losses during prolonged exercise when dehydrated compared to adults," Tarrant explained. "General guidelines suggest 100 to 250 milliliters [three to eight ounces] every 20 minutes for nine to 12 year old children. Up to one to one and a half [34 to 50 ounces] per hour in adolescents assuming normal pre-activity hydration." After too much sun exposure and dehydration, heat exhaustion becomes a risk. "Patients with heat exhaustion have known heat exposure and an elevated core body temperature between 37 degrees Celsius [98.6 degrees Fahrenheit] and 40 degrees Celsius [104 F]," said Tarrant. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include, but are not limited to: tachycardia, sweating (especially when associated with exercise), nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting with prompt return of normal mental status, severe thirst, normal mental status or mild confusion that responds rapidly (within 30 minutes) to cooling, and signs of mild to moderate dehydration. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat exhaustion, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For more information on safety in the sun, call the 375th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office at 618-256-6311.