Summertime is one of the best seasons in the Arden area, that’s for sure! School is out, the weather is warm and the sun shines brightly. More people tend to be out and about during this time of year, which means that the chance of experiencing a sunburn is high starting now and throughout the summer.

While the redness and pain from a sunburn will eventually fade, the damage will have already been done to your skin. Over time, each sunburn you receive increases your risk of experiencing skin cancer.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Arden team explains the correlation between the sun and skin cancer below.

Why Does the Sun Cause Our Skin to Burn?

Even though the sun feels great on our skin, it exposing our skin to UV, or ultraviolet, light. This light is harmful to our skin and actually can permanently damage your skin cells’ DNA. The reaction that you get after overexposure to this type of light causes your skin to turn red, inflamed and can be painful to the touch.

Like other minor skin burns, it will eventually heal and the redness will go away. However, the cell damage never goes away and can compound over time to lead to premature wrinkles, sun spots and even skin cancer.

Signs of a Potential Skin Cancer Diagnosis

• A new change to your skin, like a growth or sore
• A changing mole
• Skin itchiness
• The appearance of a lump under the skin

How Can I Take Care of My Skin?

The best thing you can do is limit exposure to the sun whenever possible. Try to seek the shade when you are outside and avoid direct exposure during the time of day when the sun is strongest. That is typically between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you can’t avoid the sun, be sure to apply sunscreen to all areas of your exposed skin and reapply every two hours.

In addition, wear a hat to protect the sensitive skin around your ears, face and neck. Promptly investigate any changes to your skin, like new or changing moles or a lump under your skin. Skin cancer can spread quickly once it develops, so the faster you catch the issue, the better chance you have of a full recovery.

Treating a Sunburn

• Apply a cool, wet cloth to the skin.
• Apply aloe gel or a moisturizing lotion.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Stay out of the sun while the burn heals.

Sun safety is crucial throughout your life. If you notice a change to your skin, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Arden.