North Shore Hwy 61

For years, physicians and medical experts have warned against the dangers of overexposure to the sun’s UV rays. With the dog days of summer upon us, Patty Doherty R.N. of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, said using sunscreen and covering up when spending time in the sun is still the best way to reduce your risk for health problems that can arise from too much sun exposure.

Among the health risks the sun poses is an increased risk of skin cancer and expedited aging of the skin, Doherty said.

“The main thing you’re at risk of is the basal cell carcinoma, which is a skin cancer,” she said. “If you’re adverse to wrinkles and skin discolorations, overexposure to the sun will also cause those.”

One of the simplest ways to prevent overexposure to the sun’s UV rays is to stay out of the midday sun, when its rays are most potent. Regardless of when you spend time in the sun and no matter what your complexion, you want to cover up with sunscreen and a hat when out in the sun, said Doherty.

“If you have a fair complexion, you’re more at risk but having a dark complexion doesn’t necessarily protect you from sun damage,” said Doherty. “It’s just that people with fair complexions burn more easily.”

Children are especially sensitive to the sun and extra care should be taken to protect ears, noses, and feet from the sun.

“Watch those noses,” said Doherty. “Those burn easily.”

In this northern climate, people sometimes worry about not getting enough vitamin D, a vitamin linked with the sun. Doherty said that’s a valid concern.

“We’re finding vitamin D deficiency linked with disease,” she said. “But we haven’t changed our recommendations on using sunscreen.”

People should treat vitamin D deficiency by taking a supplement and continuing to wear sunscreen when outside, said Doherty. When applying sunscreen people should be using sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15 and sunscreen should be applied every couple hours or after swimming or sweating.

“There is the question of sunscreen expiration,” she said. “Don’t use sunscreen you’ve had longer than three years.”

In recent years, sun protection clothing begun to pop up on retail shelves. This clothing has a tight weave and has been infused with chemicals that offer UV protection. While Doherty said she’s sure this clothing offers benefits, but she also said people shouldn’t forget that they can protect themselves from the sun simply by covering up with any sort of shirt.

When covering up, Doherty said you shouldn’t forget to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that offer UV protection.

“The sun can damage your eyes as well,” she said. “Excessive sun exposure can lead to cataracts.”

If you do suffer sunburn this summer, Doherty said most people find relief from aloe vera gel. Skin cancer can appear as anything from pearly or waxy bump to a black flesh-like lesion, said Doherty. Any abnormal lesions or moles should be reported to your physician.