How to Prevent Sunburn

The best treatment for sunburn is prevention. Learn how to protect yourself and your family from the painful and dangerous effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Protective Clothing
• Lip Balm, SPF

1. Avoid or limit outdoor exposure between 10 am and 3 pm. The strongest UV rays are emitted during this time period.

2. Cover up or take cover. Wide brimmed or floppy hats will help prevent sunburn on sensitive facial and neck areas. If you are going to the beach or will be sitting outdoors, large umbrellas work well to protect you from the suns harmful rays. Awnings or shelters will also offer some protection against harmful rays.

3. Long-sleeved breathable shirts are excellent for active individuals that spend a lot of time outdoors. Hiking and outdoor equipment stores will offer some brands that have SPF built into the garment. These tend to more breathable, thus making them much cooler to wear. Rit, available in many fabric stores, also produces an SPF powder that you add during the rinse cycle when laundering clothing. Sun can penetrate through sheer or cotton clothing, the Rit product offers some added protection by creating an SPF barrier from harmful rays.

4. Use an SPF 15+ or greater sunscreen that protects from both UVA & UVB rays on any exposed skin. Waterproof sunscreen is essential if you will be getting wet or sweating. Don't forget to slather hard to reach areas, such as ears, backs of neck and knees. If you are wearing sandals or playing outdoors barefoot, feet burn, too. Lips can be protected by applying a specially formulated lip balm that contains sunscreen. Remember, follow the instructions on sunscreen carefully and reapply after leaving the water.

5. Don't forget to protect your scalp. Shampoo and conditioner that contain SPF protection are available. Or, spritz your head with a non greasy sport sunscreen. This type of sunscreen comes in a mist bottle and dries quickly with no oily residue

6. Know your risk factors. Infants, children and individuals with Lupus or other medical conditions that require certain medications which cause sun sensitivity are at greatest risk to suffer severe sunburn. If you are in the "high risk" group, consult your doctor about sun safety.

Tips & Warnings

• Children tend to squirm or retreat when they see the sunscreen bottle approaching them. This can make it very difficult to ensure that you have coated all the necessary areas. Creativity or a simple reward system can make it much easier for you to apply sunscreen to an antsy child. Consider inventing a game that you play while applying sunscreen. This will distract your child and make it fun. Or, reward your child with a small treat for allowing you to completely apply their sunscreen.
• UV rays penetrate through the clouds, so wear sunscreen even on cloudy days!
• Check the expiration date on your sunscreen. Expired sunscreen may not offer the same protection.
• Sunscreen, unless otherwise labeled, is not intended for children under the age of 6 months.