Tag Archives: sunburn
SUNSHINE AND CERTAIN MEDICATIONS DON’T MIX!
We have mentioned UVA and UVB rays in several articles and the damage that they can do to your skin and eyes. Another consideration to factor in is what can happen if you are taking certain medications and are exposed to the sun. We all worry about skin cancer, but there are other sun illnesses that can occur. Because of some of the ingredients in certain medications, and depending on the sensitivity of a person, even a very brief exposure to the sun or using a tanning booth or sunlamp can cause a person to experience a burn.
According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, in a recent article in AARP Magazine, there are three types of sun illnesses: phototoxicity, photoallergy and sun-induced eczema. Also, Brian Adams, M.D., a University of Cincinnati dermatologist, reports that some of the most common causes of a phototoxic reaction (sunburn) related to medication ingestion are the tetracyclines, (antibiotics). This is frequently experienced, minutes to hours after UV exposure, causing pain and exacerbated sunburn. Photoallergy and sun-induced eczema are more rare, and occur either gradually, over time, or one to two days after UV exposure, and can occur to either sun-exposed skin or anywhere on skin. Their main symptoms are itching and redness, rash, and possibly blistering.
According to Dr. Oz, dermatologists think long-term, intense sun exposure may alter our skin in such a way that our immune system no longer recognizes it as our own. Sun-induced eczema occurs when your entire immune system goes haywire, causing itchy, red skin, or in some cases, blisters. This is more common in older men who have a history of working outdoors, or women who love to sunbathe.
This is a list of the types of medications that can irritate your skin if you are taking or using:
- NSAIDS;
- Antibiotics;
- Statins;
- Hypoglycemics;
- Diuretics;
- Sunscreens – containing para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), cinnamates, benzophenones, salicylates.
- Fragrances, such as musk ambrette, 6-methylcoumarin, sandalwood.
Fragrances, you wonder? A sun allergy, called a photoallergy, comes on more slowly but can be dangerous. This type of sensitivity usually happens when UV rays convert a chemical, such as a fragrance on your skin, into a substance that your immune system decides to attack, which results in an itchy, red rash that takes several days to go away.
Experts at the University of Cincinnati report that sunscreen is designed for use under normal circumstances, and certain medications can cause abnormal conditions. Because we have no preliminary test for knowing what type of reaction a person will have, experience can be hazardous. The experts say the best defense is to avoid the sun altogether when taking medications recognized as producing an adverse reaction. If you absolutely have to be out in the sun, take precautions with additional sunscreen and sunblock, paying attention to the face by using zinc oxide on sensitive areas such as the mouth, nose and ears. Wearing a hat and sun protective clothing is always recommended.
The American Skin Cancer’s website has a list of medications that can cause adverse reactions to sunlight. One other thing to remember, (for next winter): some of the worst cases occur in the winter, when skiers, who are on these medications, do not apply any sunscreen to exposed parts of their face because, in part, they think it is too cold to sunburn.
Source: AARP Magazine
University of Cincinnati
.
TOO MUCH SUN, TOO LITTLE SUNSCREEN?
It seems that the U.S. is behind Canada and Europe when it comes to labeling sunscreen products. In the past, manufacturers were not required to disclose how well their products protect against cancer-causing ultraviolet A, (UVA) rays. Only the amount of protection against ultraviolet B was required to be on the label. Both types of UV rays cause skin damage, including premature skin aging and skin cancer. UVB primarily causes sunburn while UVA light is more damaging because it penetrates the skin farther, causing wrinkles and other problems.
A beautiful tan is very attractive, but if the one who is working on that tan could only realize the results that might be caused later in life, they might forgo the tan and protect their skin. A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) doesn’t offer insights into UVA protection.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Each year, 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed and treated. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. While most skin cancers are curable, squamous cell carcenomas kill 2,500 Americans each year, and melanoma kills 8,700 Americans annually, according to the American Cancer Society.
It is important that we protect our youngsters now, because these cancers are developing while they are young. My best friend has had all three types of skin cancers, and she must consistently go for biopsies and treatment. She is very fair, and has blue eyes; her dermatologist told her that this all began when she was a child.
The labeling of sunscreen as sun block implies inaccurate information that makes claims the protection will offer more than 2 hours of protection, or is water-proof or sweat-proof -without indicating the length of time of full protection. Experts recommend using a sunscreen of at least 50 SPF. Studies show that some of the sunscreens that are most protective are not necessarily the most expensive ones.
Until the new labeling is available, it is recommended that you slather on a glob of sunscreen the size of a golf ball and do so very often. (You’ll go through a tube quickly, but it’s worth it!) Having to deal with skin cancer is not something you want to face, or for your children to have to go through. If you have to be outside, wear a hat, protective clothing, and even take along an umbrella. When swimming, apply that protective lotion religiously.
Safety sunglasses are manufactured that offer 99.9% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC rays. Our eyes must also be protected from the sun at all times; even small children need that protection. Thankfully, glasses have been designed to take care of the risks of exposure to UV rays. Maybe next year we will have full disclosure of the protection we can expect from sunscreens.
Source:ABC News
LET’S TALK ABOUT SAFETY AND SWIMMING!
New research shows that swimmers may live longer than runners and walkers! Researchers thought that swimmers and runners would have a lower risk of dying, but they were surprised that the swimmers had a statistically significant lower death rate than runners. This serves as an inspiration to hop right into that pool where you can get year-round, low-impact aerobic therapy, or just take a few laps, and hope to live longer! Low-impact exercise in pools doesn’t strain your lower joints as intensely as running and walking. This certainly doesn’t mean to give up your running or walking, but it gives you another reason to jump on into a new method of exercise. Some persons can’t walk or run because of arthritis, so this would be a way for them to get some healthy and fun exercise.
Swimming is such an important activity for young people, and it is very important that children learn to swim. Parents can teach them at a very young age to not be afraid of water, by accompanying them in the pool, and using floaties, tubes, etc. to keep them afloat. Swim lessons are vital to everyone to be able to enjoy boating, and other water activities. Swimming and other water-related activities are excellent ways to get the physical activity needed for a healthy life, and millions of people enjoy oceans, lakes, rivers, pools, and spas each year. Listed is information from the Centers for Disease Control regarding information about swimming and the risks involved, such as drowning, water-related diseases, and sunburn:
- There are 8.8 million residential and public-use swimming pools in the United States.
- Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of all unintentional injury deaths in children aged 1-14 years and the 7th leading cause of unintentional injury death for all ages.
- Among 0-4 year olds, 69% of drownings for which the location was known occurred in swimming pools. (Many home pools.)
- There are over 6.6 million hot tubs in operation in the United States.
- Sunburn is a risk factor for both basal cell carcinoma and melanoma (types of skin cancer). In 2003, a total of 45,625 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed in the United States, and 7,818 persons died from the disease . (Please use sunscreen!)
- Over 12 percent (13,532 of 111,487) of pool inspections conducted during 2008 resulted in an immediate closure, pending the correction of the violations.
- A total of 78 recreational water-associated outbreaks affecting 4,412 persons were reported to CDC for 2005-2006, the largest number of outbreaks ever reported in a 2-year period.
- Of 48 recreational-water associated outbreaks of gastroenteritis during 2005-2006, 64.6% were caused by one chlorine-resistant parasite: Cryptosporidium..
- Of 35 gastroenteritis outbreaks associated with treated (for example, chlorinated) recreational water venues, 82.8% were caused by Cryptosporidium .
- Because of its resistance to chlorine, Cryptosporidium (Crypto) has become the leading cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks associated with swimming pool venues. Reporting of cryptosporidiosis cases increased 208 percent from 2004 (3,411) to 2008 (10,500).
- In the United States in 2007, almost 32 million individuals participated in motor or power boat activities .
- In 2006, 3,474 persons were injured and 710 died while boating .
- The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2006 statistics stated that approximately 87 percent of boaters who drowned were not wearing life jackets.
Never leave a child unattended at a swimming pool. Always check that the swimming pool water has been tested for Crypto. Water activities are a lot of fun, but can be dangerous if not taken seriously.
THERE’S STILL LOTS OF TIME FOR SWIMMING!
Even though school bells are going to be ringing soon, there’s still plenty of time to take a dip before the swimming pools close. Persons who live in cities or communities with swimming pools are very fortunate, and may not realize what is involved in keeping them safe. Swimming pools are regulated by several federal and state agencies. OSHA has issued standards regarding pool employees’ exposure to chlorine and bloodborne pathogens. Employees’ training must be documented, and personal protective and safety equipment should be furnished. Swimming pools must also assure patrons that locker rooms and showers are safe from predators and ensure that the decks around the pool are safe, preventing slips and falls.
The following tips apply to swimmers at swimming pools, and also in and around rivers and lakes:
- Always swim with a buddy; never swim alone.
- Watch out for the “dangerous too’s” — too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
- Swimming and alcohol do not mix. Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body’s ability to stay warm.
- Protect your skin: Sunlight contains two kinds of UV rays — UVA increases the risk of skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin diseases. UVB causes sunburn and can lead to skin cancer. Limit the amount of direct sunlight you receive between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15.
- Drink plenty of water regularly and often even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true with beer, which dehydrates the body.
- Obey all rules and posted signs.
- Wear eye protection: Sunglasses are like sunscreen for your eyes and protect against damage that can occur from UV rays. Be sure to wear sunglasses with labels that indicate that they absorb at least 90 percent of UV sunlight.
- Wear foot protection: Keep in mind that your feet can get burned from the sand on a beach, or cut from glass in the sand, or pavement at the pool.
- Watch the weather: Stay tuned to local weather conditions and prepare for electrical storms. Watch local news programs. Get out of the water as soon as you see or hear a storm. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
If your children don’t know how to swim, be sure to see about getting swimming lessons for them. Many pools offer free lessons. You never know when someone is going to need help around the water, and it’s important for you to be able to rescue them. Even if you swim, it’s a good idea to take a refresher course. A panicked swimmer can pull down a seasoned swimmer trying to rescue him. If you know anyone who can’t swim, encourage him/her to learn. It might just save a life.
Source: American Red Cross