by Dr. Bjorn Nordstrom
With the arrival of summer comes the thoughts and sounds of children playing outside, hours spent by the pool and trips to the beach. Summer brings the smell of barbeques, corn on the cob and sunscreen.
The sun can cause sunburns through its harmful ultraviolet rays. Even more important than the discomfort resulting from a sunburn, is it can represent excessive sun exposure which can predispose to skin cancers, especially basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Those most susceptible to sunburn include those with fair skin, light hair, and those taking medications such as tetracyclines, non-steroidal anti-inflamatories, quinolones and some diuretics. Those with tanned or darker skin are less likely to experience a sunburn however the risks of long term sun exposure, including skin cancers and photo-aging, however, are not decreased.
One of the several ways to avoid the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays is to wear long sleeve shirts and pants. This may not always be practical during hot summer days, but wearing a full brim hat and using an umbrella or staying in shady areas can offer the same protection of nearly eliminating ultraviolet light.
The use of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) clothing or sunscreens also protect from harmful ultraviolet rays. Rash guards and other swim wear are often made with a high SPF from 30-50. Sunscreens are also sold in a wide SPF range. A simple way to think about SPF is that if you use an SPF, for example of 15, it is filtering away about 90% of UV rays, specifically UVB. This means if it would take 10 minutes to burn without it, it would take 150 minutes with sunscreen. Be careful to apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes prior to exposure and 2mg/cm2 in thickness for proper use. I recommend applying a second coat and using an SPF of at least 30. A higher SPF allows for a longer exposure between reapplication and can make up for a lack of thickness. Barrier sunscreens, like zinc oxide remain the most effective.
For any questions regarding sunburns, skin cancer and protecting yourself and your family from the harmful effects of the sun, please discuss them with your Primary Care Provider.
Dr. Nordstrom recently moved his successful practice from the Graybill Fallbrook office to Temecula and is eager to serve his hometown community. Dr. Bjorn Nordstrom can now be reached at (866) 228-2236.