Sunburn Facts

  Contributed by: Wendi Wiseman, Pharm.D. Candidate

                        UMKC School of Pharmacy
Text Box: According to the American Cancer Society more than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Of those, 10,000 people lost their lives because of it. However, we can help prevent skin cancer by taking appropriate steps to protect our skin. What are the risk factors for skin cancer? · Unprotected and excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation · Fair complexion · Exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds or radium · Family history · Multiple or atypical (irregular boarders) moles · Severe sunburn as a child What is the difference between sunscreen versus sunblock? Sunscreen creates an invisible barrier between your skin and the sun. This type acts more as a barrier to allow a certain range of UV to be absorbed. Sunscreen will not stop you from tanning but rather help you from burning. Sunblock is an opaque barrier between your skin and the sun. This type acts to reflect and scatter the light rather than absorb it. Most of these products contain zinc oxide as an ingredient. Text Box: How do I choose the proper sunscreen? Based on your skin type and history of sunburn is how likely you are to burn. The way you pick is based on SPF (Sun Protection Factor). The higher the number the more protection you will receive. However, the FDA recommends a SPF of 30 or better for all skin types. The reasoning behind this is based on the fact that a SPF of 15 blocks 93%. An SPF of 30 blocks 96.7%. As you increase above a SPF of 30 you don’t receive a great benefit. For example a SPF of 40 blocks only 0.8% more than an SPF of 30. Below is a table to see how you rate based on skin type. Can certain medications cause me to burn easier? Yes, certain medications can cause you to burn easier. Below is a list of common medications that cause sun sensitivity. · Acne medications · Antibiotics, such as Tetracyclines · Antihistamines · Oral contraceptives · Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, such as Naproxen · Sulfa Drugs, such as Bactrim, · Tri-cyclic Depressants · Thiazide Diuretics, such as HCTZ · Sulfonylurea anti-diabetic class, such Text Box: as Glipizide What can you do to decrease the risk of sunburn? · Try to avoid exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the sunrays are the most damaging. · Make sure sunscreen protects from both UVA and UVB rays. If possible make sure the product is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic so it doesn’t cause a rash or clog the pores. · Be aware that on cloudy days UV rays can still penetrate and cause sunburn. · Wear protective clothing and appropriate UV sunglass protection. · Snow and water can reflect UV so it is important to have sunglasses that are UV protective and to protect the skin. · Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours or after swimming or sweating. For more information talk with your pharmacist or physician or visit www.cdc.gov. Text Box: Next Page Text Box: Previous Page

 Table. Skin Type Rating

 Skin Type

 Tanning and Sunburn History

 Example

 SPF Level

 I

 Always burns, never tans

 Red-headed, freckles

20 - 30

 II

 Burns easily, tans minimally

 Fair-skinned, fair-headed, Caucasian

12-20

 III

 Burns moderately, tans gradually

 Average skin

8-12

 IV

 Burns minimally, always tans well

 Mediterranean type, caucasian

4-8

 V

 Rarely burns, tans profusely

 Middle Eastern, some Hispanics,

 some African-Americans

2-4

 VI

 Never burns, deeply pigmented

 African Americans

0-2