Cooperative Living July 2015 - 25

HEALTHY TAKE
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ultraviolet (UV) radiation - may seem like just a temporary irritation, but can cause
irreversible damage to the skin. It not only hurts and looks bad, but a single severe
sunburn during childhood or adolescence can more than double a person's chances of developing
melanoma later in life. While sunburn is preventable by using sunscreen, shade and clothing,
mistakes happen. In a recent survey conducted in partnership with iVillage, the Skin Cancer
Foundation learned that 42 percent of people polled get sunburned at least once a year.
SHOULD YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER EXPERIENCE SUNBURN,
HERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO EASE THE PAIN AND LIMIT THE DAMAGE:
ACT QUICKLY. If you feel the telltale
tingling of a burn or see any sign of skin
reddening on yourself or your child, get
out of the sun as soon as you are able
and start treatment. " Sunburn tends to
sneak up on us. It can take four to six
hours for the symptoms to develop, " says
Barton Schmitt, a pediatrician at
Children's Hospital Colorado. So a touch
of pink at the beach could turn into a big
problem later if you don't cover up or go
inside in time.
MOISTURIZE. Take a cool shower or
bath, then slather on a moisturizing cream
or lotion to soothe the skin, using a product
containing aloe, Vitamin C and
Vitamin E. While studies are inconclusive,
this might help limit skin damage, says
Shawn Allen, a dermatologist and
spokesman for the Skin Cancer
Foundation. Reapply lotion frequently to
make peeling and flaking less noticeable.
It's also okay to use a hydrocortisone
cream for a day or two to relieve discomfort,
Allen says. Do your best to avoid
scrubbing, picking or peeling away skin
and breaking blisters.
HYDRATE. Any burn draws fluid to the
skin surface and away from the rest of the
body. So drink extra water, juice and
sports drinks for a couple of days and
watch for signs of dehydration. Children
are especially vulnerable, so check with a
doctor if they appear ill or report having a
headache or dizziness.
July 2015/www.co-opliving.com
DON'T WAIT TO MEDICATE. Give
the sunburn sufferer a dose of ibuprofen
(such as Advil) as soon as you see signs
of sunburn. Continue regular doses of this
medication for the next 48 hours. Schmitt
explains, " This will reduce the severity of
the symptoms, cutting back on the swelling
and redness that is going to occur, and
might prevent some long-term skin damage. "
Acetaminophen (for example,
Tylenol) will treat the pain, but doesn't
have the same anti-inflammatory effect.
ASSESS THE DAMAGE. Most sunburns,
even those that cause a few blisters,
can be treated at home. But if a
blistering burn covers 20 percent or
more of the body (such as a child's
entire back), seek medical attention,
Allen says. Anyone with a sunburn who
is suffering fevers and chills should also
seek medical help. Finally: Consider the
burn a warning that your sun-safety net
has failed and vow to do better.
Source: www.skincancer.org
TEN TIPS TO PREVENT SUNBURN
* Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher anytime you are outside.
* If you will be outside for an extended time, generously apply sunscreen
to all exposed areas of your body at least 30 minutes beforehand, then
reapply every two hours.
* Don't forget to apply sunscreen in hard-to-reach places, such as the
backs of your ears.
* On sunny days, seek the shade as much as possible between 10 a.m.
and 4 p.m.
* Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking
sunglasses.
* Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies
over the age of six months.
* Avoid UV tanning booths. If you must tan, start with a short exposure
and build up gradually over time.
* Consider adding lycopene (a carotenoid available in cooked tomatoes),
omega-3 fatty acids, green tea and grapeseed extract to your diet to
boost your body's sun tolerance and help protect against sun damage.
* Examine your skin head-to-toe every month for signs of skin cancer,
including any moles that bleed or change in size and color.
* See your physician every year for a professional skin exam and report
any concerns you may have. n
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ALPHABETMN/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

http://www.skincancer.org

Cooperative Living July 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living July 2015