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The Facts About Getting Too Much Sun

Exposure to moderate amounts of sunlight can result in health benefits such as increased vitamin D, increased levels of melatonin (a hormone produced by the body which aids in sleep and may fight inflammation and infection) and increased serotonin levels (a "feel good" chemical in the brain). But too much exposure can lead to health problems.

  1. Facts

    • The human body produces melanin, a pigment in the skin to protect it from too much sun, or other ultraviolet light exposure. Sunburn occurs when the level of exposure exceeds your body's ability to protect itself.

    Symptoms

    • Overexposure to the sun, commonly referred to as "sunburn," can result in reddened skin which is warm to the touch; blisters; and sun poisoning, which results in chills, fever, rash and/or nausea and itchy, peeling skin.

    Dangers

    • Too much sun exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Experiencing even just one severe blistering sunburn may double the risk of developing skin cancer.

    Risk Factors

    • Risk factors for sunburn include fair skin; being young (infants and children are very sensitive to the sun's effects); exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. 4 p.m. (when the rays are strongest); use of sunlamps; and use of certain medications such as doxycycline, an antibiotic.

    Prevention

    • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater and apply it 30 minutes before going outdoors. Wear hats, sunglasses, clothing and swimwear with built-in SPF and apply lip balm that contains sunscreen.

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