Sunburn: Prevention & Expectations

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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Injuries and Wounds > Sunburn: Prevention & Expectations
Category : Health Centers > Skin Conditions

Sunburn

Sunburn | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

What can be done to prevent the injury?

The best prevention is to avoid sun exposure during the peak hours between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. For those who want to tan their skin, particularly fair-skinned people, sun exposure should be limited to 15 minutes on the first day, then increased gradually. Measures to avoid sunburn include the following:

avoiding sunbathing, including indoor tanning facilities

applying and reapplying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, as directed on the package. Fair-skinned people should use sunscreen with a higher SPF.

wearing proper clothing, including long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid clothing that is light, of loose-knit cotton, or wet.

wearing sunglasses, or ski goggles for winter sports

applying lip balm that contains sunscreen

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Author: James Broomfield, MD
Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed: 07/27/01

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