Bright ideas for keeping sunny days on your side

Here’s an example. Ten to 20 percent of us apparently have a condition called "polymorphous light eruption," an allergic reaction to the sun that results in an itchy rash. Yet another example of a sun-related problem comes if you’ve been in hot climates, unprotected, for long periods of time. You probably know (by looking in the mirror and seeing wrinkles) that the sun makes you age.

For sure, you know sun is a carcinogen. It causes 1 million new cases of skin cancer each year. Ironic in a way, because the same sun that produces skin cancer may also catalyze the chain reaction that leads to the production of vitamin D, which just might help in preventing cancers of all kinds.

A recent issue of The Harvard Health Letter contains a litany of reminders about the protections we should take against skin cancer. Not surprisingly, sunscreen is mentioned first. And the reality is, we need a lot. Reportedly, most of us skimp when we put it on. We need one full ounce (a quarter of a regular-sized bottle) on exposed areas. And we need to re-apply it every two to three hours, especially if there’s swimming or lots of sweating involved.

However, take note. Having a high SPF (sun protection factor) in your sunscreen may be a little overblown. In terms of protection, some experts believe there’s relatively little difference between the protection of SPF 15 and 30.

Advertisement

Clothing may be even more important that sunscreen, But the type of protective clothing is key and that includes weave, color and fabric. A typical white T-shirt has an SPF of 5 — less if it’s wet. Dark colors and heavier fabrics are better.

Last year, a National Geographic article on skin focused on an 87-year old gentleman. He’d had 532 skin cancers removed. There was a picture of him on a beach and he was full-stance in an old-fashioned suit, covered with colored dots, to depict the various locations of the cancers. It was a difficult photograph to look at, but an important one to remember.

Sun damage happens quickly. The National Geographic article indicates that sensitive, pale skin burns after only 14 minutes of noonday sun exposure. Resistant, dark skin burns, too, only it takes seven times longer.

So here’s the bottom line. Skin cancer is reportedly demonstrating higher incidence in the valley this year. Not really unexpected in light of the increasing aging populations, and cumulative years of sun exposure.

And what’s a girl to do (or a 56-year-old woman for that matter)? Stay in the shade. Avoid exposure to the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Buy several bottles of sunscreen and slather it on. Be especially careful of reflective rays on the beach or near water. (And remember, ultraviolet radiation increases by 4 percent for every 1,000 feet of altitude.)

Finally, wear a tightly woven hat with a very wide brim. Protection, with a little flair.

Sharon Johnson is an assistant professor in family and community development at OSU Extension and a member of the Senior Advisory Council. Reach her at s.johnson@orst.edu.