"Wet skin can burn easily, so it is important to protect your skin even if you do not feel that you are getting sunburned."
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Scott VanderHill, M.D. is a Board Certified Family Practice Physician at Mecosta Health Services in Big Rapids.
He offers medical care to adults and children and will care for you both in the office and at the hospital.
Office hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment with Dr. VanderHill, please call MHS at (231) 796-3200.
[Research: WebMD: Skin Problems and Treatments Health Center.]
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Ways to Prevent Sunburn and Protect Your Skin
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Sun Exposure:
 Stay out of the midday sun (from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon), which is the strongest sunlight.
Find shade if you need to be outdoors.
You can also calculate how much ultraviolet (UV) exposure you are getting by using the shadow rule: A shadow that is longer than you are means UV exposure is low; a shadow that is shorter than you are means the UV exposure is high.
 Prevention for Kids:
Because children spend a lot of time outdoors playing, they get most of their lifetime sun exposure in their first 18 years.
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A |
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= Away. Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day (from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon).
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B |
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= Block. Use a sunscreen witha sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to protect babies' and children's very sensitive skin.
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C |
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= Cover up. Wear clothing that covers the skin, hats with wide brims, and sunglasses with UV protection. Even children 1 year old should wear sunglasses with UV protection.
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S |
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= Speak out. Teach others to protect theirn skin from sun damage.
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Sunscreen Protection:
Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going in the sun.
Apply sunscreen to all the skin that will be exposed to the sun, including the nose, ears, neck, scalp, and lips.
It usually takes about 1 fl. oz. to cover an adult's body.
Apply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours while in the sun and after swimming or sweating a lot.
Sunscreen effectiveness is also affected by the wind, humidity, and altitude.
Use lip balm or cream that has sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to protect your lips from getting sunburned or developing cold sores.
Wet skin can burn easily, so it is important to protect your skin even if you do not feel you are getting sunburned.
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If you are going to have high exposure to the sun, consider using a physical sunscreen (sun block), such as Baby Blanket or Dermatone which have zinc oxide, will stop all sunlight from reaching the skin.
If your skin is sensitive to skin products, use a sunscreen that is free of chemicals and alcohol.
How To Use Sunscreen:
 The following tips about sunscreen will help you use it more effectively:
Older adults should always use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect their very sensitive skin.
If you have dry skin, use a cream or lotion sunscreen.
If you have oily skin or you work in dusty or sandy conditions, use a gel, which dries on the skin without leaving a film.
If you need to use sunscreen and insect repellent with DEET, do not use a product that combines the two. You can apply sunscreen first and then apply the insect repellent with DEET, but the sunscreen needs to be reapplied every 2 hours.
Apply sunscreen more often if you are in water.
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