The Dog Days of Summer

With school starting in many parts of the country, it’s easy to forget that summer marches on with hot august days and nights. Back to school gives many of us a sense that “fall is in the air”, but with temperatures still soaring, up to triple digits in some cases, it is important to remember we still need to take care of our skin! More than 1 out of every 3 Americans reports getting sunburned each year. Sunburn is a clear sign of being overexposed to UV (ultraviolet) rays, which is a major cause of skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the MOST commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with 5 MILLION people treated each year! Your Iron Road Wellness partner, SkinIO is on a mission to ensure that everyone has access to early detection for the most prevalent cancer in America. SkinIO uses total body photography to look specifically for moles and lesions on your skin which can then be used by a doctor to perform a remote skin screening.

UV rays are most intense from 10 am to 4 pm, a time when students are usually outside for recess, sports and walking to and from. Get them to wear a wide brimmed hat (if not, a baseball cap is better than nothing!) Make sunscreen part of the morning routine. Thirty minutes or more before the kids go outside parents should apply a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) SUNSCREEN with an SPF 30 or higher. Don’t forget to set the example by applying to yourself also!

In case you or the family do get a sunburn, here are a few ways to treat it:

• Take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve pain.
• Use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe.
• Consider taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help reduce swelling, redness and discomfort (Be sure to check package for appropriate dosage for children’s age and weight.)
• Drink extra water to prevent dehydration.
• If skin blisters, this is a second-degree burn, allow blisters to heal and cover skin with tightly woven fabric clothing to protect skin while it heals.

So, when making that “back to school” shopping list along with the pencils, notebooks, and the latest in popular themed backpacks, remember to add sunscreen to that list! Who knows? You may even get it at an “end of summer” clearance sale, helping your pocketbook at least not to burn!  

Check out what Skin IO can do for you by clicking on this link: https://skinio.com/