Sun Safety and Skin Protection in Dallas, TX

Protect Your Skin This Summer

Summer brings more opportunities to spend time outside, whether you are relaxing by the pool, attending a family barbecue, watching a sporting event, or working in the yard. Along with the warmer weather comes greater exposure to ultraviolet rays that can damage the skin.

Sunburn can develop more quickly than many people realize, especially during long periods outdoors or when sunlight reflects off water, sand, concrete, or other bright surfaces. Even on cloudy days, UV exposure can still affect the skin.

At Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Martin McElya encourages patients to think about sun protection before they head outside rather than after the skin begins to feel hot or irritated. A few consistent habits can make it easier to enjoy summer activities while reducing the likelihood of a painful burn.

How Can You Protect Your Skin From the Sun?

Sunscreen is an important part of sun protection, but it should not be the only step. The strongest approach combines sunscreen with shade, clothing, and thoughtful timing.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Apply it to exposed skin before going outside, including areas that are commonly missed, such as the ears, back of the neck, tops of the feet, hairline, and backs of the hands.

Sunscreen should be reapplied regularly, especially after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. A single application in the morning may not provide enough protection for a full day outdoors.

Other helpful sun habits include:

• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses
• Choosing lightweight clothing that covers more skin
• Taking breaks in the shade during long outdoor activities
• Planning activities outside the most intense sunlight hours
• Keeping sunscreen nearby so it can be reapplied

Children, older adults, and people taking certain medications may be more sensitive to sunlight. Some acne treatments, antibiotics, and other medications can make the skin more likely to burn. Patients who are unsure whether a medication affects sun sensitivity should ask their medical provider or pharmacist.

“I tell patients that sun protection works best when it becomes part of the routine,” Dr. McElya explains. “Put sunscreen by the door, keep another bottle in your bag, and reapply it before you notice your skin turning red.”

Sunglasses also play an important role in protecting the eyes and the delicate skin around them. Look for a pair that offers UV protection rather than choosing sunglasses based only on how dark the lenses appear.

Shade can reduce direct exposure, but it does not block every UV ray. Someone sitting under an umbrella may still be exposed to sunlight reflecting from nearby surfaces. Sunscreen and protective clothing remain important even when shade is available.

What Should You Do if You Develop a Sunburn?

A mild sunburn may cause redness, warmth, tenderness, or itching several hours after sun exposure. The discomfort can continue to build even after you have moved indoors because the skin reaction does not always appear immediately.

Move out of the sun as soon as you notice symptoms. Cool showers, cool damp cloths, and a gentle fragrance-free moisturizer may help calm the skin. Drink water regularly, since extended time in the heat can also contribute to dehydration.

Avoid applying ice directly to burned skin. Extremely cold temperatures may cause additional irritation or damage. You should also avoid breaking blisters because the skin underneath is vulnerable to infection.

While the skin is healing, wear loose clothing and keep the affected area protected from additional sunlight. Returning outdoors without protection may worsen the burn and slow recovery.

Medical attention may be appropriate when a sunburn is severe or covers a large portion of the body. Warning signs can include:

• Extensive blistering or significant swelling
• Severe or worsening pain
• Fever, chills, nausea, or dizziness
• Headache, weakness, or confusion
• Signs of infection around damaged skin

Symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, fainting, rapid breathing, or difficulty staying hydrated may also be related to heat illness and should not be ignored.

Repeated sunburns and ongoing UV exposure can contribute to premature skin aging and increase the risk of long-term skin damage. Protecting the skin is not limited to beach days or vacations. Daily exposure while driving, walking, exercising, gardening, or attending outdoor events can add up over time.

Make Sun Protection Part of Your Summer Routine

Healthy summer habits do not have to keep you indoors. Sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses, shade, hydration, and breaks from direct sunlight can help you stay active while caring for your skin.

Pay attention to redness, blistering, unusual skin changes, or symptoms of heat illness. Early care can help relieve discomfort and prevent a manageable problem from becoming more serious.

For help evaluating a painful sunburn, heat-related symptoms, or another summer health concern, visit Neighborhood Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead is recommended.

Published by Neighborhood Medical Center | Dr. Martin McElya | Serving Dallas and surrounding communities | 972-726-6464

Educational purposes only. Not medical advice.