Medical professionals are aware that cancers of the skin are the most common type of cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society notes that approximately 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers are diagnosed annually, with about 8 out of 10 cases being basal cell cancers. Meanwhile, the annual mortality rate for basal and squamous cell skin cancers ranges from 2,000 to about 8,000 people.
The report also notes that the prevalence of skin cancers has been increasing for many years, with people getting more sun exposure as one of the contributing factors. This means that although recent medical research shows that the development of melanoma cancer cells can be prevented or limited through the inhibition of an enzyme called GCDH, individuals must still take preventative measures through sun protection.
It is in this light that nurses and other medical professionals must share the following sun safety tips with their patients, especially during summer when they spend the most time outdoors.
Apply sunscreen with adequate SPF
Sun protection always starts with applying sunscreen on the skin, especially on typically exposed areas like the face, neck, arms, and legs. Remind patients to prioritize sun protection factor (SPF) when choosing their sunscreen, ensuring that the product has an SPF of at least 30 to minimize skin damage. With various types and formulations of sunscreen available in the market, patients must also be guided through selecting products with FDA-approved ingredients and avoiding potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate.
Medical advice on sun safety must also include instructions on how to properly apply sunscreen, such as using enough to cover two fingers on the face and an ounce on the entire body. The need to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, especially when swimming and doing outdoor activities, must also be emphasized.
Wear sunglasses with UV protection
While sun safety is commonly associated with minimizing the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, ultraviolet radiation can also contribute to eye problems like retinal damage, eye strain, and dry eye disease. So, it helps to advise patients to always wear sunglasses with UV-protective lenses to protect their eyes and the surrounding skin from sun damage.
Additionally, healthcare professionals must consider how some patients may wear eyeglasses to correct vision impairments like myopia. In this case, they can be recommended to wear prescription sunglasses to meet both needs for sun safety and clear vision. Optical retailers offer prescription options from various eyewear brands, along with protective frame styles like oversized and wraparounds to maximize coverage.
Opt for clothes with UPF
Lastly, patient reminders must also take into account the role of clothing in sun safety and protection. As such, remember to tell patients to wear dark or bright colors and prioritize coverage through long-sleeved tops to minimize the percentage of UV rays that can penetrate fabrics.
Besides the color and style of clothing, it’s also essential to teach patients about UV-protective clothing, which incorporates chemical UV absorbers or filters to shield the sun’s damaging rays. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) in clothes usually depends on the label and the type of fabric composition used.
On top of highlighting sunscreen, sunglasses, and UPF clothing as sun protection essentials, remind patients to limit their time outdoors and to stay hydrated to reduce the other adverse health effects of sunlight exposure, such as sunburn, heat stroke, and dehydration.
