As a firefighter, you often spend long hours outdoors, exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful rays. Sunburn not only causes discomfort, but can also lead to serious skin damage over time. Sunburn also increases your risk of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer according to the American Academy of Dermatology. To help you stay protected and manage sunburn effectively, we consulted board-certified dermatologists for their top tips on sunburn prevention and treatment.
Tips to prevent sunburn while on-duty
In 2023, more than one-third (36%) of Americans sustained a sunburn.
“No matter your skin tone, you can get a sunburn if you are outside without proper protection,” Veena Vanchinathan, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist, said.
Prevention is the best way to avoid a painful, uncomfortable and distracting sunburn. Here are five tips to prevent sunburn.
1. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin before your shift. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or wiping your face.
“Application of sunscreen has been shown to reduce actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma, two common types of skin cancer. It can also reduce photoaging, premature aging of skin from sun exposure, a process that can lead to cancer,” Dr. Stephanie Lareau, associate professor of emergency medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, said.
2. Wear protective clothing
When working outdoors, opt for long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats made from tightly woven fabrics. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label for added protection. Of course, you need to select clothing and hats that meet department uniform guidelines.
“Wearing the right combinations of clothes, hats and sunglasses is also very effective for preventing sunburn,” Lareau said.
3. Seek shade
Whenever possible, take breaks in shaded areas. This is especially important during peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4. Use sunglasses
Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them from sun damage.
5. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout your shift. Hydrated skin is more resilient and less prone to sun damage.
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Tips on treating sunburn
Treat a sunburn in the same way you treat a thermal burn. A superficial or first-degree sunburn is less serious and will heal quicker than a partial-thickness or second-degree sunburn. Here are five sunburn treatment tips:
1. Cool the burn
If you get a sunburn while on duty, cool the affected area as soon as you can with cold compresses or a cool bath. Continue to apply a cool, damp cloth whenever you feel discomfort from the sunburn.
2. Apply a moisturizer
Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to soothe your sunburnt skin. Dermatologists also recommend applying calamine lotion; placing a cool, damp washcloth on the affected area; or taking a colloidal oatmeal bath.
Avoid products with alcohol, as they can dry out and irritate the skin further.
3. Stay hydrated
Drink extra fluids to help your body recover from the dehydration caused by sunburn. Adequate hydration supports the healing process.
4. Use over-the-counter pain relief
Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage instructions.
5. Protect the burned area
As you heal, cover the sunburned skin with loose, soft clothing to prevent further irritation. Avoid sun exposure until the skin has fully healed.
If blisters form, protect them from irritation and popping by applying petroleum jelly. Allowing the blisters to heal can help prevent infection.
Sunburn prevention is skin cancer prevention
As a firefighter, you already know you have a higher risk of cancer from occupational exposure and stress/exertion than the general population. Prolonged sun exposure significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
“While a sunburn is often treatable at home, symptoms occasionally require additional attention by a board-certified dermatologist,” Dr. Vanchinathan said. “Not only are we able to help make you more comfortable, it’s also a great time for your dermatologist to check you for signs of skin cancer.”
For firefighters who spend extended periods outdoors, taking protective measures against sun exposure is crucial not only to prevent sunburn but also to reduce the long-term risk of skin cancer. Consistently using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, staying hydrated and seeking shade can make a substantial difference in safeguarding your health.
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