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It's hot! And Sunny! Check out our tips to stay safe and healthy under the sun!

It's hot! And Sunny! Check out our tips to stay safe and healthy under the sun!

It's hot! And Sunny! Check out our tips to stay safe and healthy under the sun!

KTVB.COM

Posted on June 18, 2010 at 9:13 AM

Updated Thursday, Jun 24 at 7:22 AM

KTVB & PacificSource Health Plans teamed up for another health focus web chat - this time centered on the sun and your skin! Here's an archive of the event. Join us in September as we talk about back to school health topics!

 
 
[Comment From Kathy : ] 
Can I use the sunscreen I bought last summer? Or do I need to purchase a new bottle each year?
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
The bottle of sunscreen may have an expiration date on it and I would look for this first. If it doesn't, sunscreen is usually good for three years, but you must keep in mind that if it has been kept in a hot car or at the beech, it may have lost effectiveness.
 
[Comment From Terri : ] 
How much vitamin D do you really need?
Mike Wherry: 
That's a great question. Your body does not recognize the difference between Vitamin D supplements or Vitamin D received from sunlight. Experts recommend 2000 IUs of Vitamin D or 20 minutes of sun exposure WEEKLY is all that your body needs.
 
[Comment From Jona : ] 
What does SPF mean? How is it determined?
Joanne Graff: 
SPF or Sun Protection Factor - is a measure of sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. The SPF number on the packaging can range from as low as 2 to greater than 50. The sunscreenn SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needded to produce a sunburn on sunscreen protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. Another way to look at it is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 blocks approximtely 93% of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97%; and SPF 50 blocks 99%.
 
[Comment From Rick : ] 
What is the difference between UVA and UVB?
Dia Byrne: 
UVA is not absorbed by the ozone layer and is present with relative intensity throughout daylight hours and can penetrate clouds and glass. UVA does not cause sunburn, does cause tanning and research suggests its role in melanoma. UVB is partially absorbed by the ozone. UVB rays cause sunburn, tanning and are associated with squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.
 
[Comment From Sandy : ] 
Do certain medications make you more sensitive to the sun? What signs should I look for if I think this is happening?
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
Great question on which medications can make one photosensitive and more likely to suffer a sunburn. These include: tetracyclines (medications that teens often use for acne treatment); diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories), quinolones, psoralens, amiodarone and phenothiazines..
 
[Comment From Guest : ] 
Should I let my children out in the sun for 10 to 15 min before I apply sunscreen?
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
It is really a good idea to apply suncreen at least 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure and to reapply every 2-3 hours. There is some recent data that suggest reapplication at 20 minutes will even offer more protection. Children should have appropriate clothing, hats and sunglasses. There is a huge risk of developing melanoma later in life for young people with 5-6 serious sunburns before becoming an adult.
 
[Comment From Steve : ] 
I've heard a lot of people don't apply enough sunscreen. Is that true? And how should I know if I have applied enough to protect myself?
Joanne Graff: 
You are right that most people don't apply enough sunscreen. For an average size adult wearing a swimsuit, you should use an ounce, or a plam full, to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Be sure to reapply every two hours or sooner if you've been swimming or sweating heavily!
 
[Comment From Kathryn : ] 
There has been talk lately about "good" and "bad" sunscreen. Is a sunscreen that is at least 50spf and covers UVA and UVB really "bad" for you? Will it damage my skin? Or is it just not as good as something else out there?
Mike Wherry: 
Sunscreens that you should be looking at purchasing need to be broad-spectrum -- in other words, blocking both UVB and UVA rays. The sunscreen also needs to be very water-resistant and needs to have active ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone plus oxybenzone (also know as Helioplex) or Mexoryl SX. You should also be looking for SPF 30 or higher. SPF 50 means that you can stay outside 50 times longer than you normally would be able to before burning. From your description, it sounds like your sunscreen will work for you.
 
[Comment From Mary : ] 
I think my daughter may be allergic to the sun - she gets blisters. How do I know if it is an allergy? What can I do?
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
There are several conditions in the differential diagnosis for sunburn and includ: polymorphous light eruption and solar urticaria among those more common. Solar urticaria is characterized by transient wheals or redness alone, and occurs after only minutes of sun exposure. The PLE (polymorphous light eruption) is characterized by red paples, vesicles (blisters) and plaques, which are itchy and recur. If you are not sure have her evaluated by your family physician.
 
[Comment From Andrea F : ] 
Is there really a safe way to tan?
Dia Byrne: 
Great question. One alternative to tanning from UV rays is the use of sunless tanning products (lotions, sprays). Be aware that many of these do not contain sunscreens or sunblocks, so you need to apply sunscreen. Often we see tanning beds promoted as "safe". This is untrue. Tanning beds provide as much as 12 times the amount of UVA of the sun. People who use tanning beds before the age of 30 are 75% more likely to develop melanoma.
 
[Comment From Julie : ] 
Should I let my children go in the sun for 20 min. before putting on sunscreen?
Mike Wherry: 
In a word, no. Sunscreen is to be applied to cool, dry skin 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are two proper ways to apply sunscreen. Apply one layer 30 minutes before going out first thing in the morning, and reapplying the second layer at noon to cool, dry skin. Or you could apply two layers first thing in the morning with 30 minutes between applications and 30 minutes before going outside. You'll need to reapply every two hours if you've been sweating or if you've been in the water.
 
[Comment From Sonny : ] 
How often should I do a self-exam for skin cancer? Where do I start?
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
It is a good idea to do a self check monthly on the skin of your whole body. Have someone else check your back and the back of your legs. Any spot that is irregular, especially the dark ones, grows, changes, itches, bleeds or that are worrisome should be evaluated by healthcare personnel. At your annual exam, make sure your doctor includes a skin evaluation.
 
[Comment From alexis mann : ] 
whats the best way to treat a sunburn and with after sun does aloe make a difrence
Joanne Graff: 
Sunburn can be painful as well as dangerous. There are several types of burns and burn treatments. The two most common sunurns are first-degree burns and second-degree burns. First-degree sunburns cause redness and will heal, with some peeling, within a few days. These can be painful and are best treated with cool baths and moisturizers or over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams. Avoide the use of "caine" products (like benzocaine), which may cause sensitivity. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may essen the pain and discomfort associated with sunburn. Second-degree sunburns, if they cover a large area of the body, may need medical attention. Do not break the blisters, as they are a natureal protective mehanism to heal the affected area and rupturing them delays the healing process and invites infection. A layer of gauze may be used the cover the area until healed. Be sure to protect your skin from the sun as it is healing.
 
[Comment From Stacey : ] 
I tan really well and rarely burn - I don't wear sunscreen. I have no family history of skin cancer. Am I still at risk for skin cancer?
Mike Wherry: 
Tan skin is a sign of damaged skin. There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Nobody is exempt from skin cancer, and the signs of sun damage may come years after exposure -- those signs include fine lines and wrinkles, freckles or pigmentation problems, or the possibility of skin cancer. Look for sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
 
[Comment From Ron : ] 
I'm under 30 - why should I worry about skin cancer or my skin aging?
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
Yes, yes, yes. Melanoma rates are alarming increasing and it is due to sun exposure for the most part. It is a common cause of cancer and the most common fatal malignancy in young adults. Squamous cell and basal cell cancers increase with age and are associated with chronic sun exposure. The chronic exposure will age your skin as well by thickening the skin layers. Whether or not you are bothered by appearing "aged" is personal, but the health risks are very real.
 
[Comment From Ann : ] 
Are there sunless tanning risks, or is it totally safe?
Joanne Graff: 
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunless tanning loctions and sprays are safe. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning lotions is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. This ingredient is derived from sugar, is 100% natural, and reacts with the outer layer of the skin to produce a golden brown tan color. Think of how an apple turns brown when cut and exposed to the air. In fact, it's the DHA in the apple that causes this reaction.
 
[Comment From Mike : ] 
Will using sunscreen limit the amount of vitamin D I get?
Dia Byrne: 
Yes it will. Sunscreens protect against UVB rays and this does block the formation of Vitamin D. However, you can receive the necessary amount of Vitamin D from 20 minutes of sun exposure per week or 2000 IU of dietary supplementation of Vitamin D.
 
[Comment From Pam : ] 
Can certain foods make my skin more resistant to sun damage?
Mike Wherry: 
Good question. I'm not certain which foods could help make you more resistant to ultraviolet light, but the following oral supplements help lessen the effects of UV exposure: Vitamin C (500 mg/daily), Vitamin E (200 IU daily), green tea (200-300 mg daily), quercetin (250-750 mg daily), melatonin (0.5-4 mg nightly -- this one will help you sleep), ferulic acid (30-60 mg daily) and heliacare (also know as golden fern -- 1-3 tablets daily).
KTVB: 
Thanks for all the great questions! We'll keep going until 1pm
 
[Comment From Cher : ] 
Are tanning pills safe? It seems like a strange way to get that glow.
Joanne Graff: 
Swallowing a pill to give you a golden glow is just too good to be true. Tanning pils are unsafe and none are approved by the FDA. Some tanning pills containing a color additive canthaxanthin. If large amounts are ingested, the substance can turn the skin a range of colors from orange to brown. They can also cause a serious condition called urticaria,; and an eye disorder in which yellow deposits form in the retinas. The bottom line is, tanning pills are not safe to use.
 
[Comment From alexis : ] 
melanoma, how can you develop this
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
90% of melanoma are related to sun exposure: 5-6 sunburns as child/adolescent double the risk of developing melanoma. The risk is currently 1 out of 50 and used to be 1 per 300 in the past. 10% of melanomas are familial or genetic in broad terms. So the risk factors are environmental and genetic but include being caucasian, having many nevi (freckles and moles), especially those that are atypical in appearance, living closer to the equator or having family members with melanoma. Also your risk is much higher if you have ever personally had a melanoma.
 
[Comment From crinkleface : ] 
How do I prevent wrinkles?
Mike Wherry: 
At least 80 percent of the sun damage that occurs later on in life is due to the amount of sun exposure (without sun protection) you received before the age of 18. You can prevent wrinkles by staying out of the sun during peak hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. You should also wear sunscreen year-round. If you currently have wrinkles, you could consider having treatments administered by your dermatologist or medical esthetician to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It's never to late to play a preventative role by applying sunscreen.
 
[Comment From Elena : ] 
I don't tan very much and have generally pale skin. Should I be more or less worried about sun exposure?
Dia Byrne: 
You've identified at least one risk factor for skin cancer which is pale skin. Other risk factors include light hair, light eye color, a family history of cancer, a personal history of skin cancer, severe blistering sunburns early in childhood, the presence of atypical or numerous moles (more than 50), and freckles. Freckles indicate sun sensitivity and possible sun damage. Practicing sun safety behaviors (avoiding exposure, protective clothing, preventing sunburns, use of sunscreen) and performing/receiving skin examinations will reduce your risk!
 
[Comment From Chad : ] 
We use sunscreen regularly with my 22-month old daughter when she is outdoors. Are there are any other precautions we should take now that we're seeing 80+ degree weather?
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
Honestly, the best prevention for children is to limit exposure. This can be done by not being exposed during peak hours (10am - 4pm); covering with clothing (pants, hats that cover the face, ears and neck) and sunglasses with UVB/UVA protection. In addition, applying sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to face, back of hands, ears, parts exposed, etc). The higher that SPF does not translate into more time being outside though! Also water, sand and other materials deflect UV radiation and you can get more exposure than you think. Also CLOUDY days are notorious for getting folks burnt.
 
[Comment From Becky : ] 
I'm concerned about one of my moles. Should I see a dermatologist or a regular doctor? What should I look for?
Mike Wherry: 
I recommend that you see a dermatologist. You should look for a mole that's abnormal from other moles: itching, tender, bleeding, irregular borders. A trip to your dermatologist could give you peace of mind and nip any damage in the bud.
 
[Comment From Stephanie W : ] 
I have a 9 month old son and we rarely go outside, should I be putting sunscreen on him everyday, or just the times I know we will be going outside?
Joanne Graff: 
If your child will be indoors, there is no need to apply sunscreen. If you are going to be outside more than a few minutes, always use sunscreen. Put sunscreen on your child 15 - 30 minutes before going outside. Don't reseerve the use of sunscreen only for sunny summer days. Even on a cloudy day, 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds. If your child attends daycare, make sure to tell the provider to apply sunscreen before any outdoor activities.
 
[Comment From Desiree : ] 
Does SPF 30 have twice as much protection as SPF 15?
Dia Byrne: 
Good question as this can be confusing! SPF 30 does not provide twice the protection of SPF 15. SPF 15 provides protection from approximately 97% of the sun's rays, while SPF 30 increases the protection level to about 99%. That's why we recommend an SPF of at least 30.
 
[Comment From alley : ] 
What are the characteristics of problem moles?
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
Worrisome nevi or moles are easy to spot when they truely look "wierd". this can mean black, multiple colors (red, brown, black), blurred edges, bleeding, growing fast or changing. We say to look for the ABCD's: asymmetry, borders, color (variation) and diameter (size). If in doubt, have it checked out!! Melanomas can even disappear only to recur after already spreading to vital organs.
 
[Comment From Karen : ] 
So if you choose to get your vitamin D from 20 minutes sun exposure per week ,Is there a best time of the day?
Dia Byrne: 
Avoid midday sun exposure from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. whenever possible.
Kelsey_KTVB: 
Erica asks: My son is allergic to most sunscreens, I'm not sure exactly which ingredient but I know he can have Neutrogene baby and Sensitive skin, Do you know of any others that have just the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in them?
   
Mike Wherry: 
Some brands to consider would be Neutrogena 100, Total Solar (can be found at dermatologists' offices or online), or Epionce UltraShield 50 (also in dermatologists' offices or online). The Neutrogena and Epionce brands are the only two on the market that are anti-inflammatory.
 
[Comment From Don : ] 
Why do I sometimes burn faster than other times?
Dr. Vicki Wooll: 
You will likely burn more quickly in cloudy conditions as the harmful UV radiation still penetrates the atmosphere but gives people a false sense of security. You can also burn faster between the peak times of 10am to 4pm and if you are closer to things that reflect light, like a body of water (lake, swimming pool), white sand (Bruneau Sand Dunes).
 
[Comment From Hailey : ] 
Is there a difference between sunblock and sunscreen?
Dia Byrne: 
The terms sunscreen and sunblock are not regulated, but generally if the term sunblock is used it means it provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. You may also see the term "broad-spectrum". Always check the ingredients and look for products that contain zinc oxide, avobenzone, and ecamsule which provide protection form UVA rays.
 
[Comment From Hannah : ] 
I've heard I should use at least 15 SPF on my face daily - even in the winter. Why is that?
Mike Wherry: 
You should use an SPF 30 or higher daily, year-round. Ultraviolet rays can continue to damage the skin even in the wintertime, although the sun doesn't seem to be as intense. Wear sunscreen on cloudy days as well as sunny days. Ultraviolet rays will bounce off of asphalt, concrete, grass, water, sand and snow, so sunscreen is necessary all year.
Kelsey_KTVB: 
One more question is on the way...
 
[Comment From Karen : ] 
I am concerned with ingredients that can be harmful to you,because I have recently learned that I don't put on the proper amount , .What ingresiants can I look for to know it is safe ?
Joanne Graff: 
There are many types of sunscreens and choosing the right one can be very confusing. Ideally, sunscreens should be water-resistant, should have an SPF of 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum coverage aginst both UVA and UVB light. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Ingredients to look for on the sunscreen label to ensure broad-spectrum UV coverage include: Avobenzone, Cinoxate, Ecamsule, Menthyl anthranilate, Octyl methoxycinnamate, Octyl salicylate, Oxybenzone, Sulisobenzone, Titanium dioxide, or Zinc oxide.
Kelsey_KTVB: 
That concludes our live web chat today! Log onto KTVB.COM later today for a full Q & A of today's questions.
KTVB: 
We'll have another event coming up in September with PacificSource and KTVB.COM!
Kelsey_KTVB: 
Thank you all for participating, and thank you to our experts for helping to answer all of these great questions!
 

Here is our linup of panelists:

Vicki Wooll, MD MPH
Eagle Creek Family Medicine

Dr. Wooll, proprietor of Eagle Creek Family Medicine, received her Bachelor’s of Science in biochemistry and Master’s of Public Health degrees from the University of California in Los Angeles. She obtained her medical doctorate from the Central University of Venezuela in 1996 and trained at Corpus Christi Family Practice residency program from 1997-2000. Completing residency, she was awarded the Harry F. Harren MD Award of Excellence in Family Practice and obtained national certification from the American Board of Family Medicine.

Joanne Graff
Central District Health Dept.

An Idaho native, Joanne Graff graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences. She accepted a Health Education position at Central District Health Department and in a career spanning over 30 years, has worked in a variety of Health District programs. She facilitates the Central Idaho Cancer Awareness, Screening, and Prevention Alliance, a network of individuals, organizations and agencies dedicated to increase awareness and knowledge relating to the prevention and early detection of cancer.

Mike Wherry, L.E., M.A.
Licensed esthetician

Mike Wherry is a licensed esthetician and medical assistant at CT Derm, the office of dermatologist Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, and has worked in the health care industry since 2005. He also serves as the director of The MEDspa by CT Derm. He has been trained in all aspects of skin health, and especially enjoys educating patients about the holistic approach to obtaining proper skin health. Wherry believes that making the skin healthier and stronger leads to improved appearance and better quality of life.

Dia Byrne
St. Luke's Health System

Dia Byrne hasworked for St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute for 11 years as an oncology nurse.  She is currently pursuing a Masters of Nursing degree.  She is in involved with MSTI's Fun for Life committee which provides targeted community cancer education for school-aged children.  The program consists of three parts - diet & excercise for grades 1 through 5, tobacco use for grades 4 and 5 and sun protection junior high and high school students.

 

 

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