- Avoid sun exposure during hours of peak sun ray intensity.
- Apply generous amounts of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Pay special attention to your face, nose, ears, and shoulders. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow penetration. Re-apply after swimming and every 2 hours while you are outdoors.
- Wear sun hats. There is also SPF clothing and swimwear available.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection.
- Use a lip balm with sunscreen.
References
Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001.
Rakel P, ed. Conn’s Current Therapy 2005. 57th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2005.
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Review Date: 07/17/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St.
Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by
VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
