Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Most of the day's UVB radiation is received during the four hours in the middle of the
day, and protection from solar injury is particularly needed during this interval—the time
whenaperson'sshadowisshorterthantheperson'sheight.ProtectionfromUVAisneeded
during essentially all hours of sunlight.
A group of protective agents that block out all ultraviolet radiation contain opaque pig-
ments such as titanium dioxide (A-Fil®) or zinc oxide (Zincofax cream). Red veterinary
petrolatum (R.V.P., Paul B. Elder Co.) is also effective. Such agents should be used on the
nose, lips, and ears, which are easily sunburned and are not covered by clothing. (Products
containing benzophenones, such as Uval and Solbar®, also screen out all ultraviolet ra-
diation but were developed primarily for individuals with skin diseases that require such
complete protection. These agents are easily removed by sweating and are not suitable for
protection during recreational sun exposure.)
Treating Sunburn
If started before exposure to the sun or before the skin has reddened, oral nonsteroidal
antiinflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin® and others) or topical steroids
such as 1 percent hydrocortisone may slightly reduce redness during the first twenty-
four hours after sunburn. Once sunburn has developed, no effective treatment is available.
Nothing speeds healing. Soothing creams, cold compresses, topical anesthetics, oral acet-
aminophen (Tylenol® and others), or NSAIDS may provide some symptom relief. Extens-
ive or unusually severe sunburn must be treated as a seconddegree burn and may require
hospitalization.
Skin Cancer
Repeatedsunexposureoveraperiodofmanyyears,evenforindividualswhoaredarkly
pigmented,producesdegenerativeskinchangesthatarecosmeticallyunattractiveandcom-
monly lead to cancer. Degenerative skin changes are particularly likely in persons who
spend much time in intense sunlight, such as ski patrol members, lifeguards, and boaters.
Tanning clearly provides incomplete protection.
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and the incidence of this malig-
nancy has almost tripled in the last four decades, a faster increase than any other malig-
nanttumor.Approximately32,000newcasesand7000deathsfrommelanomaoccurannu-
ally in the United States. This tumor has become the most common cancer in Caucasians
between the ages of twenty-five and twenty-nine. Sunlight is the most significant environ-
mental element causing this tumor. Intermittent exposure, particularly early in life, appears
to increase risk more than cumulative exposure. Three or more episodes of blistering sun-
burn during childhood or adolescence predispose individuals to melanoma.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search