By Joy Pierce Mathews for Summit Medical Group

Although each of us needs some exposure to the sun for good health, too much short- or long-term exposure to ultra-violet (UV) radiation can damage the skin and eyes. Depending on your risk, even one severe sunburn can lead to skin cancer.

Melanoma is the third most common and deadly form of skin cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Melanoma results from excessive, intense, short-term exposure to UV rays. Nonmelanoma skin cancers result from less intense but extended exposure to the sun. People who work outside such as construction workers, farmers, and fishermen have a higher risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer than people who spend more time indoors. In addition, it is excessive long-term exposure to UV radiation that can damage the eyes and cause cataracts.

The good news is that skin cancers are highly curable, especially if they are detected and treated early. Despite high cure rates, the best way to prevent skin cancer is to limit your exposure to the sun.

Risk for skin cancer includes having: 

• Fair skin or skin that freckles, easily turns red, or quickly becomes sensitive after sun exposure
• Blue or green eyes
• Blond or red hair
• A family history of skin cancer
• Exposure to the sun at work or play
• Sunburns, especially early in life

When You Are at Risk
The higher the sun is in the sky, the more UV radiation reaches the earth’s surface. For this reason, UV radiation levels are highest in the middle of the day, with about half of total daytime UV radiation delivered between 10 am and 4 pm. This means that the higher the sun is in the sky, the less time it takes for UV radiation to damage your eyes and skin.

Although clouds and ozone block the sun somewhat, they do not offer significant protection from UV rays. On some days, in fact, even thin clouds can scatter radiation and increase UV levels so that they are higher than when skies are clear. For this reason, it is important to remember that you risk UV exposure on cloudy as well as sunny days.

UV exposure occurs year around. Although the sun’s rays are strongest in the summer, UV rays can be damaging throughout the year. During the winter, UV reflects off the snow. During the warm months, water, sand, cement, and even your backyard deck or patio are among surfaces that reflect UV.

UV rays from tanning beds and sunlamps are as dangerous as those from the sun. Dermatologists recommend avoiding tanning beds altogether; however, if you use a tanning bed sporadically or regularly, you should use the same precautions you would use outside to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

Being Sun Smart
Limiting your exposure to the sun is the easiest way to protect against UV damage. If you are going to be outside, however, here are some easy things to do to prevent unwanted effects of UV radiation: 

• Avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when UV rays are strongest
• Stay in the shade
• Wear tightly woven clothing that protects your skin
• Wear a brimmed hat that shades your head, face, ears, and neck
• Wear sunscreen with UV/UVB protection and a sun protector factor (SPF) of 15 or more
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses that block as close to 100% of UVA/UVB rays as possible

Don’t Forget the Kids!
It only takes a few severe sunburns during childhood to increase risk of skin cancer later in life. Being sun smart means applying sunscreen to your child’s skin throughout the year and anytime he or she is outdoors, including: 

• At school
• At the beach
• At the swimming pool
• On vacation

If you have questions or concerns about your skin, risk for skin cancer, or if you would like to know more about how to prevent sun-related skin problems, you may contact Summit Medical Group Dermatology at 908-277-8668.

If you are concerned about sun damage to your eyes or if your vision has changed recently, you may contact
Summit Medical Group Ophthalmology at 908-277-8682.

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