Understanding (and Preventing) a Sunburn

Tanning is a popular pastime, especially in Florida. However, spending prolonged time in the sun can have some uncomfortable – and even dangerous – repercussions.  A sunburn occurs when harmful ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays penetrate the skin and cause it to redden or “burn”. When this happens, individuals can experience several different symptoms, including red skin that is tender to the touch, general discomfort, such as headaches, nausea, and dry mouth, and peeling skin on sunburned areas. More serious symptoms of sunburn include precancerous skin lesions, which are coarse patches of skin that can progress into skin cancer, and eye damage, such as melanoma in the retina.

Typically, skin cells are permanently damaged by overexposure to UVA and UVB rays, but the good news is that there are numerous ways to help prevent sunburn, including:

• Using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more
• Avoiding the sun between the peak hours of 10 AM and 4 PM
• Limiting the hours spent in the sun
• Reapplying sunscreen as directed, including after swimming and sweating
• Wearing sun protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats

While too much sun can have dangerous consequences, many people enjoy spending time outside and getting a healthy dose of vitamin D. That’s why our apartments by The Villages, FL, have beautifully manicured outdoor areas, including a pool. Contact us today to learn about the benefits of living in our community. If you’d like to take a tour of our property, simply stop by our office.