Sun Protection Tips | Ooltewah, TN

Spring and summer are great times to enjoy the outdoors in East Tennessee and the Ooltewah area is no exception!  From parks to playgrounds, ball fields to hiking trails, the warmer months are perfect for sun, fun and outdoor exercise!

With the warmer weather and outdoor activities, AFC Urgent Care of Ooltewah wants to remind you to take care of your skin!

Protect your skin with sunscreen

The best way to prevent skin irritation and sunburn as well as decreasing your risk of skin cancer, is to always wear sunscreen when you are enjoying outdoor activities.  Even on cloudy days, the sun’s UV rays can do serious damage to unprotected skin.

When choosing a sunscreen, it is recommended by most medical professionals that you pick a product with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or more.  Most sunscreen products should be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors and then reapplied approximately every two hours while outdoors.  If you are participating in activities such as swimming or physically demanding exercise, you may need to reapply more often.  Carefully read the information on your sunscreen product for exact usage instructions. The last thing you want is for your sunscreen to fully wear off before re-applying another coat.

In all of these products, you want to look for ones that indicate they provide protection against both ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B rays.

Are there precautions I can take besides sunscreen?

Absolutely! While sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is an essential place to start, it isn’t the only way you can protect your skin from a painful burn. In addition to sunscreen, always wear a protective hat and sunglasses when heading outdoors, especially if the UV rays are strong that day.

A hat can help to protect your face, ears and neck, while the sunglasses can help protect your eyes from a sunburn, too. Yes, that is right. Unprotected eyes can get sunburned too!

Also, while this isn’t always possible, try to stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is when the sun’s UV rays are strongest. If you can’t be indoors during those hours, at least seek shade when possible…and don’t forget that sunscreen!

Don’t believe everything you hear

There are many myths surrounding sun exposure.  Although you’ve heard some of these your entire life, science has proven many of these “wives’ tales” to be false.  For example, did you know that 80% of the sun’s UV rays still come through on a cloudy day?  Or how about the fact that UV damage is potentially a lifelong factor, not just something to worry about in a person’s younger years.  Did you know that it is a myth that UV rays cannot penetrate a window? Or how about the fact that all skin tones are susceptible to UV damage, and not just fair skinned people?

Before heading out to enjoy all our beautiful area has to offer, be sure to take proper precautions to ensure a great time for you and your family!

Have you suffered a bad sun burn or other injury? Visit AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah today to undergo medical treatment to help prevent further damage to your skin.