Woman and Three Children Playing Water

Sunrise to Sunset - It’s hot out there!

Rebecca Myers MSN, RN  /  August 13, 2022
A Boy with Sunscreen on His Face

5 ways to protect you and your loved ones from sunburn

Sunburn is skin damage from spending too much time outdoors without protection of sunscreen. Sunburn can cause redness, blisters, pain, swelling, headache, fever, chills, and weakness, with dry and itching skin that peels days after the sunburn. The symptoms of sunburn usually get better in 3-5 days, however, the damage to the skin build up over time and speeds up aging and increases the risk of getting skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

Do these 5 things daily to prevent sunburn: 

1. Wear Sunscreen:
Applying sunscreen every day and reapply every two hours, especially if you are sweating, going into the water, or toweling off. Every day, apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF and wait at least 15 minutes before you go outside. 

Studies have shown that the higher the SPF, the higher the sun protection. Apply sunscreen to all bare skin. Make sure to get sunscreen on your face, ears, back of the neck, tops of your feet, any areas of your head not covered by hair, and your hands – these are spots that are sometimes missed. Don’t get sunscreen in your eyes or mouth. Use lip balm with SPF of 30 or higher on your lips.

2. Stay out of the sun between 10a and 4p 
Sun exposure is the strongest during these hours. It is best to avoid being in direct sunlight during this time of day. 

3. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
Sunglasses protect your eyes from the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun and decrease your risk of getting cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which is usually clear(4). Make sure your sunglasses have a UV rating. Sunglasses help to protect your eyes from sunlight that is reflected off of water and sand.

4. Layer your protection 
Besides sunscreen, staying in the shade or using a beach umbrella5, wearing protective clothing like long sleeves and long pants or skirts, and wearing a wide brim, tightly woven hat will help to protect you from UV rays of the sun.

5. Be aware of risk factors. 
Risk factors increase your chances of getting a sunburn.

  • Having white skin or red hair
  • Having a history of sunburn
  • Swimming – wet skin burns more than dry skin
  • Working outdoors
  • Using a tanning bed
  • History of skin cancer

Note: All skin tones can get sunburn if exposed to the sun’s rays for prolonged periods. 

Protecting yourself from the sun helps to keep your skin healthy and lowers your risk of getting skin cancer. Every time you tan or get a sunburn, the damage to your skin increases. Sun damage (including from tanning beds) can cause premature aging of skin and increases your risk of all types of skin cancer. Follow these tips daily to keep you and your loved ones safe from the damaging effects of the sun.

Faceless woman applying lotion on hand on sunny day

What is SPF7?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor which is a number that that rates how well it blocks UV rays from the sun on skin that has sunscreen vs. skin with no sunscreen. Basically, the higher the SPF number, the better the protection, if you follow the directions.

Does sunscreen expire?
Yes, check the sunscreen’s expiration date. If a sunscreen does not have an expiration date it has a shelf life of 3 years.

A Person Applying Sunscreen on a Young Girl's Arm

For Babies & Toddlers

“Protect babies and toddlers from sunburn with brimmed hats and lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs. Keep them cool, hydrated and out of direct sunlight. 

When that’s not possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to the face and back of the hands. The American Academy of Dermatology and the FDA don’t suggest sunscreen for children under 6 months.

If sun-protective clothing and shade aren’t available, sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the next best choice.”  — MayoClinic.org

Orange Safety Ring on Man Shoulder Near Body of Water

Sunburns can be severe.

If you have a sunburn with fever over 103, fainting, confusion, low blood pressure, cold skin, or profound weakness is an emergency. Seek medical treatment right away.

Contact your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about sunburn.

Group of Students Looking at a Smartphone while under the Shade of a Tree

Treatment for sunburn

  • Take cool showers or baths for pain relief.
  • Add moisture to your skin by applying moisturizing cream with aloe or 1% hydrocortisone.
  • Consider over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin (don’t give aspirin to children), acetaminophen, or ibuprofen.
  • Wear clothing that covers the sunburn and stay in the shade and anytime you go outdoors.

Contact your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about sunburn.