Sun Damage, Protection and

Sunscreens
By
Kathleen A. Wilson RN, BSN, CGRN
Objectives:
Attendees will be able to describe the sunlight
spectrum and the difference between UVA and
UVB.
Attendees will be able to describe and
differentiate skin damage and long term effects
from the sun.
Attendees will be able to list three types of
protection from the sun.
Attendees will be able to name some common
photosensitizing medications and how to educate
patients on their use and protection.
Spectrum
Word was coined by Isaac Newton from the Latin word for phantom.

Uvc
Uva
Uvb
Visible
Infra red
UVC
Shortest wavelength
Most damaging
Does not penetrate the ozone layer
Used for germicidal
Air, water, and surface treatment
UVB

Burning ray of the sun
Low level of penetration
Causes superficial
damage.
5% of all UV light to
penetrate the
atmosphere
Shorter wavelength 290
to 320 nm

UVA
Tanning ray of sun
Less intense than UVB
Deeper penetration of skin
More damaging to DNA
95% of all UV light that reaches earth.
Penetrated clouds and glass
Longer wavelength 320-400 nanometers
UVA I, which measures 340-400 nanometers (nm, or
billionths of a meter
UVA II which extends from 320-340 nanometers

Benefits to Sun Exposure
UVB
Vitamin D synthesis
Enhancing mood
Melatonin regulation
Synchronizing biorhythms
Increased production of
melanin
Treatment of some
diseases
Risks of Sun Exposure
Photo-aging
Drying
Burning
Skin cancers
Skin Damage
Damage is Cumulative
Erythema
1
st
degree burn
Blistering
2
nd
degree burn
First Aid for Sunburn
Cold compresses
Nsaids if able
Moisturizers
Dressings
Do not to pick, peel or pop!
Long Term Damage

Photo Aging
Freckling
Wrinkling
Leathery appearance

Actinic Keratosis
Pre cancerous condition
Basically sun damage
Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma


Squamous Cell Carcinoma


Melanoma

Basal Cell
Cancer
Most often seen on face,
hands, neck and other areas
exposed to the sun
Disfiguring of not treated
Rarely spreads to other
parts of body to become life
threatening.
Result of intense and
occasional UV exposure
Easily treated by Mohs,
surgery, excision or ED&C
Squamous
Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell skin cancer
usually occurs on the face,
ears, neck, hands, or arm.
But can present in other
areas and spread to lymph
nodes or internal organs.
A skin biopsy must be
done to confirm squamous
cell skin cancer or other
skin cancers
Treatment depends on
the size and location of the
skin cancer.
Some squamous cell
cancers may return

Melanoma
A tumor arising from the
melanocyte system of the
skin.
Can take many forms, most
often a rapidly changing
discoloration of the skin
Incidence of melanoma is
rising faster than that of any
other cancer over all age
groups.
Genetic predisposition and
excessive sun exposure during
childhood and adolescence
have been identified as risk
factors.
Treatment depends on
severity and spread of the
tumor
Protection
Sun Avoidance
Hats Clothing
Spf clothing
Sunscreen
Spf

Sunscreen Facts
SPF facts
Broad Spectrum
Screen or Block
How Much?
How often?
Tanning Booths
All Tanning is dangerous
UV radiation is now considered a Carcinogen
No need to get Vit D from the sun or tanning
beds


Spray Tan
May be just as dangerous as sunbathing
Contains a chemical called dihydroxyacetone
(DHA)

Photosensitizing meds
Provider education
Patient education


If we keep the potential dangers and possible
end results in mind of any type of tanning, we
really should start the pendulum swinging
back toward the Elizabethan ideals of
unblemished, fair skin as the goal to strive for.
After watching this presentation
Thank You!