
                         FUN IN THE SUN? 

                  Lee A. Blakely, Jr., 32, M.D. 
                     8301 Arlington Boulevard 
                     Fairfax, Virginia 22031 


LOOKING FORWARD TO those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer? 
Afternoons spent at the beach, in the garden, on the golf course, 
or by the pool? Is there anything quite as relaxing as basking in 
the warm summer sun? 

    Wait a minute! 

   Everyone should reconsider time spent basking in the sun, as 
well as sitting, playing, and working in the sun. Generations 
past didn't protect themselves because they weren't aware of the 
danger. Many people today don't want to accept the fact that 
suntanning damages the skin. Die-hard sun enthusiasts who spend 
hours outdoors may obtain an attractive, bronzed appearance now, 
but at what cost in the long run? 

   Although there is no denying some therapeutic and 
psychological benefits of sunlight, any exposure, not just long-
term, to the sun's ultra-violet or UV rays without adequate 
protection is dangerous. 

   What could possibly happen? 

   Recent studies show UV exposure is not only a major factor in 
prematurely aging and sagging skin, and an agent that increases 
the chance of developing skin cancer, but it also causes eye 
damage, less efficient functioning of the immune system and, in a 
few cases, even death. 

   The most common result of over-exposure to the sun is the 
development of premalignant lesions and the majority of skin 
cancers. Once these problems have appeared, a person should be 
even more conscious of any further exposure to the sun's rays 
without protection. 

   Is this just a scare tactic? 

   Well, yes. There is reason to be scared, but not to the point 
of never going outside! The American Academy of Dermatology 
contends that people who are aware of prevention techniques and 
take extra care when spending time outside can still enjoy the 
days of summer as much as before with little or no risk to their 
skin and health. 

   What can you do to avoid dangerous sunburns? 

   Here are some of the tips and precautions The Academy of 
Dermatology recommends when spending time in the sun. 

   One of the first things we should learn is our skin type. Skin 
types are classified into five groups ranging from Type V, who 
are not prone to sunburns, to Type I, who are extremely 
sensitive. Type I people, those with light-colored hair and fair 
complexions, should be especially careful. 

   We should also try to avoid midday sun. Chances of dangerous 
exposure are greatest between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM when 
the sun's rays are the strongest. This includes days which are 
overcast as well. Studies have shown up to 80 percent of UV rays 
penetrate the cloud cover. Furthermore, people living in or 
visiting regions located close to the equator should take extra 
precautions. Florida and Texas, for example, receive more than 
1.5 times the amount of sunlight that Maine receives. 

   If you do have to be out during those hours, cover up! Try to 
wear loose, light, long-sleeved shirts and pants instead of tank 
tops and shorts. Also, wearing a hat protects the sensitive skin 
around the face, ears, and neck. Alhough clothes reflect most of 
the UV rays, white cottony fabrics and clothing which has gotten 
wet and clinging, transmit a greater amount of the sun's rays. 

   Many people are also under the impression that an umbrella 
used on the beach or by the pool will keep them safe from UV 
rays. However, the rays bounce off sand, water, and shiny 
surfaces, such as cement or patio decks, so some other form of 
protection should also be taken. 

   When the skin absorbs the UV rays, our skin automatically 
produces melanin, a biological sunscreen, which, in turn, creates 
that "tan" appearance. Unfortunately, the production of melanin 
means the skin has already been damaged. Furthermore, not 
everyone manufactures enough melanin to protect his or her skin 
from further damage. 

   Today, there are many good sun-screens on the market which 
help the body's natural defenses protect the skin. Sunscreens 
come in many forms, from gels to ointments and creams, and they 
are rated according to how effectively they block the UV rays - 
the higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number, the greater 
the amount of protection. 

   People should choose a sunscreen based on their skin type, but 
sun-screens with higher numbers, such as SPF 29, ensure greater 
protection for a longer period of time. To use sun-screen most 
effectively, apply it to dry skin about 30 minutes before going 
out in the sun. 

   In general, our most damaging exposure occurs during 
childhood, although the effects don't show up until much later. 
Therefore, it is very important to prevent children from paying 
the price later in life by protecting them now. For children, who 
are often in and out of the water, sunscreen must be reapplied 
when they get out of the water and their skin has dried. There 
are also waterproof sunscreens which are effective for up to 80 
minutes, but if you towel dry or stay in the water longer, you 
must reapply. 

   Most importantly, examine your skin! No matter what your age 
or skin type, keeping an eye on the condition of your skin could 
save you a great deal of pain and expense down the road. If you 
notice anything unusual, such as deep creases, dark or rough 
spots, or any change in your skin's general appearance, consult 
with your doctor or dermatologist. 

   With common sense and a little know-how, everyone can have 
some safe fun in the sun. Just remember one thing - the best 
protection is prevention! 
 _____ 

Lee A. Blakely is a fellow of the American Academy of 
Dermatology, and practices dermatology in Fairfax, Virginia. He 
is a member of Springfield Lodge No. 217, Alexandria Scottish 
Rite Bodies, and the Kena Shrine Temple in Fairfax, Virginia. 

