Wellness - Sunburn Safety

We've all been sunburned at some point in our lives and it is no fun. Here are some tips for avoiding sunburns:

1. Avoid outdoor activity between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun's rays are most intense
2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, neck and ears
3. Wear sun-protective clothing
4. Check the side effects of any medications you take. Certain medications have sun sensitivity as a side effect, meaning that you will burn quicker if you are taking them. Some of these medications will actually make you sick if you get to much sun while taking them.
5. If you must be outside for an extended period of time, use a broad-spectrum sunblock. A broad-spectrum sunblock, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays, is a must for exposed skin. Go with a sunscreen that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as these form a physical, rather than chemical, barrier to the sun and make sure to reapply often
6. Avoid getting citrus products on your skin. If you are out grilling tequila lime chicken or something and get lime juice on your hands, wash your hands and put some gloves on. There is a sunburn-like condition known as phytophotodermatitis that results from sunlight hitting skin that has citrus oils on it.
7. Don't count on glass to protect you. Yes, you can get a sunburn even if you are behind glass. Glass is not effective at blocking UVA rays and won't be of any help unless it has UV tinting on it. Consider this too when buying sunglasses. Unless they have UVA and UVB protection, they're basically worthless
8. Cloudy skies do not block the sun's rays, so follow these tips even on cloudy days

If you do get sunburned:
HOW TO ALLEVIATE SUNBURN
There's no fast "cure" for sunburns -- it may take days for your skin to heal. To treat the pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and keep the area moisturized with aloe or other lotions. Keep the skin cool by using cold compresses or taking a cold bath. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a "healthy tan." Unprotected sun exposure causes premature aging of the skin

Don't forget that your eyes can get sunburned, too, so be sure to wear sunglasses when you are going to be outdoors. The lenses should have both UVA and UVB protection.