Ask a Health Professional M-F: 9a-6p l Sat: 9a-1p (715) 582-0898 960 Frontage Road | Peshtigo, WI Paul Farley, PharmD 1 O M ET o w N Pharmacist & Owner Question: What should I do to protect myself from too much sun exposure? f you've spent any time outside with a broad spectrum prod over the past few weeks, it's easy uct. Second, look for a product to see that summer has finally that has a sun protection factor arrived in northeast (SPF) of at least 15. SPF 15 sun Wisconsin. The sun screens block 93% of UVB rays, has been shining while SPF 30 blocks 97% and bright, so it is a good SPF 45 blocks 98%, SPF 30 is time to think about recommended for most people. ways to protect yourself and others from its potentially harm- ful rays When applying sunscreen, make sure to cover all areas of the body that will be exposed to Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Most sunscreen will sun exposure can cause damage last for approximately 2 hours, to the skin. The best and most so make sure to reapplyspend. obvious way to avoid these harm- ing more than 2 hours in the sun ful rays is to limit your sun expo Reapplication is also recom- sure. This means not spending mended after swimming, even if too much time in the sun, wear the sunscreen claims to be water ing clothing that blocks the sun, resistant. Finally, make sure to or using hats and umbre las check the expiration date on your sunscreen. If it is expired, it will when in direct sunlight not work as well as it should. While limiting exposure is important, it is still summer, and it's too late and you've already most of us want to be able to burned yourselt, there are a enjoy the warm weather while number of treatment options. we can. If you plan to spend Aloe vera gel is the most time outdoors while the sun is common treatment It helps shining, it is important to protect sooth the irritated skin. Other your skin with sunscreen. There topical treatments include cal are two primary factors to look amine ot hydrocortisone at when choosing a sunscreen. cream (for more severe cases) First, choose a sunscreen that or coconut oil. Over the counter otfers broad spectrum protec anti-nflammatory medications tion. Broad spectrum sunscreen like ibuprofen or naproxen can will protect you trom two types also be helpful in controlling the of UV rays. UVB rays are pri pain of sunburn. If you are look marily responsible for sunburns, ing for help with sun protection but both UVA and UVB rays or sunburn treatment, feel free to can be a factor in developing stop by Hometown Pharmacy in skin cancer You should protect Peshtigo. We would be happy to yourself against both of these help you out