It is a beautiful sunny day. Teens simply cannot wait to get outside with their friends. Perhaps they plan to sit in the sun or to go for a long hike. Before venturing out, teens should read this chapter. The sun is not as benign as it may initially appear to be. Of course, we all require some sun. It helps our bodies synthesize Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is important because it facilitates the absorption of calcium. Calcium is vital for building strong, healthier bones. However, our sun requirements are relatively modest. Most children and teens are exposed to far more sun than they need. By the time they are eighteen, teens will have received between fifty and eighty percent of their total lifetime exposure to sun. And, regrettably, all too much of that time is without any sun protection. Why is protection from the sun so important? Overexposure to the sun has a number of negative side effects. For example, in large part because of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, about one in five Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer.
The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma (cancer). It generally appears on uncovered areas of the body such as the nose, lips, face and ears. Although it is rarely fatal, it can spread and trigger additional health problems. Usually, it appears as a red patch or shiny bump, but it may also seem to be an open sore that will not heal. Or it may be crusty. About seventy-five percent of skin cancers are basal cell.
The second most common form of skin cancer—which represent about twenty percent—are squamous cell carcinoma. This type is more aggressive than basal cell and may spread throughout the body. It looks like a raised growth, a wart or a scaly patch.
Malignant melanoma, which is the most deadly form of skin cancer, has been occurring at ever increasing rates. About eighty percent of skin cancer deaths are from it. If not caught early, melanoma spreads. And it does not appear to be that difficult to place oneself at risk. In fact, it is believed that only one or two serious childhood sunburns double the risk of melanoma. Melanomas are usually irregular in shape and dark brown or black in color.
Who is at increased risk for skin cancer? A tendency for skin cancer runs in families. So if a few of a teen’s relatives have been diagnosed with skin cancer, the teen is more vulnerable. People with fair skin and light blue or green eyes as well as those with red or blonde hair who freckle easily are more likely to develop the disease. Skin cancer is also a function of the environment. People who live near the equator or at higher altitudes are at greater risk.
Too much time in the sun also causes medical problems other than skin cancer. Eyes may be damaged. Long hours in the sun without protection increases the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts. A person who has cataracts experiences a loss in transparency of the eye lens. That results in clouded vision. Sunlight may also burn the surface of the eyes. There may be pain and a loss of vision. The effects usually disappear in a day or two. But, they may cause problems later in life.
It is well known that people who spend too much time in the sun alter the texture and elasticity of their skin. The outer layer of skin wrinkles, thickens, and becomes leathery. There may also be changes in pigmentation. And scientists now contend that a sunburn alters the ability of white blood cells to fight infection. This may continue for up to twenty-four hours following the exposure to the sun. Frequent sunburns may compromise the immune system.
So what should people do to minimize the effects of UV radiation? Especially during the warmer months, one should try to limit the amount of time spent in the sun from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., the peak sun hours. Whenever possible, one should stand, work or, play in the shade. An adolescent should plan outside activities for early in the morning or late in the afternoon and always use sunscreen. Sunscreen is best applied to the skin about thirty minutes before one goes outside. It should be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. The best sunscreen is one with a sun protective factor (SPF) of at least 15. That strength will allow the teen to be outside significantly longer without burning. If a teen typically burns after ten minutes of sun, wearing a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 will enable him or her to stay outside fifteen times longer, or 150 minutes, before beginning to burn. Teens who have fair skin should select a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher. To protect against the sun, most sunscreens use zinc oxide. Regrettably, zinc oxide clogs pores, which may cause pimples. A sunscreen with micronized ingredients may not cause pimples.
Sunscreen should provide the teen with protection against both UVA rays, which age the skin, and UVB rays, which burn the skin. Water resistant sunscreens tend to remain on the skin a little longer. To protect from sun injury, teens could also sit under an umbrella, wear a hat and wear sunglasses. Better sunglasses absorb a large amount of ultraviolet light and decrease the glare from water or snow. Side shield may also be of use.
There are a number of types of specially designed clothing that guard against the sun. These are labeled with ultraviolet protective factors (UPF) between 15 and 50+. This figure indicates the degree to which the fabric is able to shelter the skin from UV rays. Thus, a fabric with a rating of 50 allows only 1/50th, or two percent, of the rays to pass through and hit the skin. Clothing that covers more of the body, such as long sleeve tops may be more protective than short-sleeved tops and pants instead of shorts. Also, if possible, the teen could wear heavier clothing. It blocks more rays.
Sun safety is not only important in the warmer months. Skin may be harmed by the sun in colder weather. The snow reflects UV rays, which may cause a sunburn. People who are outside for a prolonged period of time, such as skiers, should be especially careful. And using sun lamps is always risky. They emit a high intensity UVA that penetrates deep into the skin.
Working together, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have created the UV index. It ranks the likely exposure to UV rays between 0 and 10+. The number 0 means that there is a very low exposure; the number 10+ indicates that the exposure is quite high. Certain cities are rated on a daily basis. Teens may wish to check and see if their city is listed. One can also look up the UV Index Forecast on the Internet. These figures may also be reported in local newspapers. When the numbers are on the higher end, a teen may wish to take additional precautions.
Related topics:
Birthmarks, calcium, melanoma, skin care, skin disorders, tanning salons, water safety, wilderness safety, winter sports safety
