Have Fun in the Sun—Don't Get Burned! | AFC Urgent Care of East Tennessee

The team at AFC Urgent Care TN is just as excited as you that summer days are here. However, to keep your family happy and healthy this summer, it’s important to take precautions to keep safe in the sun.

Practice Sun Safety

Who doesn’t want to spend most days out in the sun during the summer months? However, you want to make sure you don’t get burned while having fun outdoors, as a serious burn can have dangerous consequences, both immediately and in the long-term. Therefore, protect yourself and your loved ones with these tips.

First, apply sunscreen. Even if the day is cloudy, don’t leave the house without applying sunscreen on all exposed skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and the sunscreen must be reapplied at least every two hours while you’re outdoors. However, if you’ve been swimming or sweating, reapply more frequently to ensure your skin is still protected. Don’t forget to use a lip balm with sunscreen in it to protect your lips!

Second, take other steps to protect your skin. If possible, choose clothing that has some type of UV protection in it. It’s also vital that you protect your head and eyes by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays.

Finally, try to limit your time outdoors when the sun is at its strongest, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you want to head to the pool or out on a bike ride, do so in the early morning or late in the evening.

*Did you have a little bit too much fun in the sun today? Stop by one of our AFC Urgent Care TN urgent care centers to be evaluated by a physician who can help make sure your burn is treated properly.*