Protect yourself: first seasonal sun exposure

Mayo Clinic News Network

The first seasonal exposure to the sun can be exciting. However, it also comes with risks.

Mayo Clinic dermatologist Dr. Dawn Marie Davis says there are both immediate and long-term effects to sun exposure that include skin damage, skin cancer and premature aging.

SUN FEVER

“You can get a fever from excessive sun exposure,” Davis says. “Stay cool, drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen and protective clothing and seek shade.” She adds, “Excess sun exposure triggers the immune system – similar to contracting an infection. This is why people feel feverish and chilled when sunburned.”

TANNING

For those who want a tan, Davis recommends sunless tanners.

“Any tan from the sun is unhealthy. The tan is a sign of skin damage. It causes you to be at risk for skin cancer. It also causes premature aging of the skin,” she says.

AVOID A SUNBURN

“Wear sunscreen and photo protective clothing - fabric that offers UV protection, Davis says.

And it doesn’t have to be sunny outside to get a sunburn: “Ultraviolet light passes through glass, and it reflects off of snow, water, and concrete. The UV light also passes through clouds. It is possible to get sunburned on cloudy days.”

Sunburn symptoms include:

Pinkness or redness

Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch

Pain, tenderness or itching

Swelling

Small fluid-filled blisters that may break

Headache, fever, chills and fatigue if the sunburn is severe

For sunburn relief, try using over-the-counter pain relievers and medications that control itching. They can reduce pain, swelling and discomfort; however, they will not heal the skin or prevent damage.

See your health care provider if you develop large blisters, high fever, headache, severe pain, dehydration, confusion, nausea or chills, or if the sunburn doesn’t respond to at-home treatments.