Environ

Sun Exposure

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Sun Exposure, Ultraviolet Radiation, Ultraviolet A, Ultraviolet B

  • See Also
  1. Sunscreen
  2. Sunburn
  3. Phototoxic Reaction
  4. Sun Damaged Skin
  • Mechanism
  • Ultraviolet Light Spectrum
  1. Ultraviolet A
    1. UVA strikes earth 10-100 times more than UVB
    2. UVA I (Longer Wavelength): 340-400 nm
    3. UVA II (Shorter Wavelength): 320-340 nm
  2. Ultraviolet B
    1. More damaging to skin then UVA
    2. Wavelength: 290-320 nm
  • Adverse Effects
  • Ultraviolet Light - Skin Effects
  1. Photoaging (Wrinkles, discoloration): UVB and UVA
  2. Sunburn Causes: UVB and UVA II
  3. Skin Cancer: UVB more commonly causes Skin Cancer
  4. Photosensitivity Reaction: UVA
  • Prevention
  1. Use Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
    1. Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Mexoryl block UVA
    2. Other agents block UVA less or are less heat stable
  2. Avoid Sun Exposure 10 am to 3 pm
  3. Avoid Sun Exposure on high Ultraviolet Index days
    1. National Weather Service forecasts UV Index daily
  4. Wear a hat with 3 inch brim all around
    1. Baseball cap or visor does not adequately protect
  5. Wear Sunglasses with 99-100% UV protection
  6. Wear protective clothing
  7. Avoid artificial tanning
  8. Perform Self Skin Exam regularly
  • References
  1. Rheinstein (1996) Am Fam Physician 54(4):1385-8 [PubMed]