EVERYONE loves a day in the sun, but spending too much time under those golden rays can leave you with a skin you’d rather not be in. Prolonged sun exposure can cause premature aging and skin cancer, and in the short term the sun can inflict a nasty burn, characterized by red skin, and in extreme cases, blisters. But luckily, with the proliferation of sun protection products, and a little common sense, sunburn prevention is a snap.

　　Sunscreen

　　Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 year round, regardless of skin type. For the best protection, apply to dry skin 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors, and ask a friend to assist with hard-to-reach areas. Apply liberally to all exposed areas of the body and don’t forget ears, back of neck, bald spots, and even the part in your hair. Also, make sure your lip balm or lipstick contains sunscreen. Reapply after swimming and perspiring, for even waterproof sunscreens last only 80 minutes. And remember, you can still burn on an overcast day; 80 percent of the sun rays filter through the clouds.

　　Protective clothing

　　Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts if the climate permits. Bring a broad-brimmed hat, and wear it! Hats keep the heat off your head, a good preventive measure for heat-related illnesses, and shade your face. The sun’s reflective powers are increased around sand, snow and water, so invest in high-quality sunglasses if your vacation plans take you to the beach or the ski slopes.

　　Take to the shade

　　Avoid the sun between the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if possible and remember that sun-intensive hours vary according to latitude. If you think you might be getting burned, cover up or head inside. It can take up to 24 hours for the full effects of overexposure to appear. Some prescription antibiotics can make you more susceptible to sunburn — ask your doctor, and exercise caution if you are taking these medications.

　　Treatment

　　Typical sunburns are first-degree burns characterized by red, warm skin. These burns usually heal within a few days and can be treated with cool baths, over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams, aloe gel, and aspirin. The chief symptom of a more severe sunburn (or second-degree burn) is blistered skin. Seek medical attention if a large area is affected. If the burn is severe and accompanied by headache, chills, or fever, seek medical help right away.

　　(SD-Agencies)