Beach danger number 1: Sunburn

May 22, 11:28 AMWorld Beach ExaminerBarbra Stuter

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Reapply that sunscreen!

Making number one on our hit list of dangers facing visitors to the beach this summer is …. (drum roll please) …sunburn.  That’s right, along with nearly everything else, going to the beach can cause cancer, if you get too much sun that is.  Not only is a sunburn painful and uncomfortable, studies now show that getting even one severe sunburn in your life increases your chance of developing skin cancer by 50%.  Half of all Americans who reach the ripe old age of 65 will have at least one instance of skin cancer, making skin cancer the most prevalent type of cancer by far.  A history of several severe sunburns, particularly in childhood, has been linked with the most serious type of skin cancer – melanoma.   Too much exposure to the sun can also cause age spots, permanent scarring and (gasp) wrinkles.  Fortunately this top 5 risk is completely preventable.  Learn how to prevent sunburn also learn what to do if you don’t heed my advice.

Sunburn Prevention

1. The main prevention tip is to ACTUALLY FOLLOW THE TIPS FOR PREVENTION!
2. Limit Exposure.  Realistically, following the guidance to limit exposure during the peak sun hours between 10am and 4pm is not going to happen.  Those are also peak beach hours, am I right?  The key is to limit exposure.  Beach umbrellas and shade structures help, but the best option is to carry your shade around with you by wearing it.
   • Wear a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses that will block UVA/UVB rays.  Speaking of hats, I love my hat (see my profile picture).  It is a “Barmah Canvas Drover” that I found at my favorite sporting goods store.  It is the perfect sun hat with a solid brim, vented top and packs flat without crushing.   I keep buying more of them (I think I have five of them now), afraid that the company will discontinue them and I’ll not be able to replace my favorite hat.  I swear, I am not making money from the endorsement – I just love my hat. 
   • Wear a long sleeved rash guard or a t-shirt.  SPF clothing (or sunscreen clothing) and swim-wear has been popular in Australia for years and is now becoming popular in the US.  At an SPF rating of 50+, this clothing is great protection against sunburn. There are many more options available now, particularly in children’s swim-wear. 
3. Wear sunscreen.  SPF 45 is recommended and I always use waterproof even if I am not planning on going in the water.  Apply and reapply, reapply, reapply.  Don’t forget your ears, back of your neck, tops of your feet and the backs of your knees and the tops of those love handles.  If you don’t have a hat or you are swimming, don’t forget the top of your head. 
4. Check the UV forecast before heading to the beach.  This EPA website gives forcast information in your area, as well as sun protection advice for each level on the UV scale. 

Sunburn Treatment

• Take a cool bath or shower.  A sun burn is just that – a burn. 
• Aloe vera gel is very soothing and healing for burns of any sort, especially sunburns.
• Take a tepid vinegar and water bath.  This remedy was recommended by my Granny Peebles– and she knew what she was talking about.  Vinegar will completely take the sting out of sunburn and while it is a bit smelly – it is worth it.
• Do not apply any creams like petroleum jelly, lidocaine, benzocaine  or cocoa butter.  They will make the symptoms worse and may slow healing.