Summary for HealthiNation’s Skin Safety videos, including How To Apply Sunscreen and How To Apply Bug Spray

How To Apply Sunscreen

Hosted by Bobby Buka, Dermatology

Overview
Exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer, premature aging and wrinkles. The majority of damaging skin effects comes from unintentional sun exposure (i.e., not sun bathing), so it’s important for routinely use a sunscreen everyday.

Five important things about protecting your skin from the sun:

1. Apply sunscreen to dry skin about 30 minutes before you go outside. Usually 1-oz of sunscreen can cover your entire body. Cover your face, ears, and hands. Use a lip balm as well.
2. Understand what “SPF” means. These letters stand for ‘Sun Protection Factor.’ You should use at least SPF 30 every day.
3. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Both UV-A and UV-B radiation from the sun can cause damage. UV-A rays penetrate deep in the skin causing wrinkles and signs of aging. UV-B rays are the ones that cause sunburn and skin cancers.
4. Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours. If you plan to participate in water or sports activities, use water-resistant or water proof sunscreens. Keep in mind that SPF levels last for only 40 minutes with water-resistant products and 80 minutes with water proof products.
5. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, or wear long sleeves and protective clothing. Try to stay out of direct exposure between 11 AM and 1 PM, which are its strongest hours.

Information For Parents
Good skin protection habits start when you’re young. Here are some important steps to keep their skin healthy:

• Use a product on your kids with an SPF of 30 every day. Use with a sunscreen product that contains zinc oxide.
• Keep kids out of the sun as much as possible or have them wear protective clothing. Re-apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
• Avoid products that contain unnecessary colors or fragrances since kids’ skin is more sensitive than that of adults.

Treating A Sunburn
If you are suffering from a sunburn, the best thing to do is take an anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen, to decrease the skin damage and get rid of some of the redness. You can also try a soothing topical gel with aloe.

HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.

How To Apply Bug Spray

Hosted by Dr. Bobby Buka, Dermatology

Overview
Insect bites are completely preventable when bug spray, or insect repellant, is used properly.

The most effective way to prevent bug bites is to use repellants that contain a substance called DEET. Concentrations of DEET range from 5% to 100%. Usually concentrations of 30% or higher are most effective because the higher the percentage, the more hours of protection it will provide.

Use the repellant to lightly cover exposed skin. You can also spray the outside of your clothing. When it comes to applying it to your face, put some of the product in your hands and then rub it on your face. Avoid spraying repellant on open wounds or irritated skin.

Insects tend to hang out in areas of low water, so try to stay away from small ponds or stagnant pools where insects like to live. Also, wearing long sleeves or pants can prevent insect bites, as well.

• Information For Parents
  DEET products work for kids, too. Here are some tips when using them on children:
  Apply the repellant on your child, rather than having them do it themselves.
• Avoid their eyes, mouth, ears and hands, since children tend to put their hands in their mouths.
• Don’t use repellant under clothes.
• Wash the clothes that have been sprayed with repellant on the outside after each use. When you spray repellant, avoid ingesting it and make sure you’re away from any food.

Treating An Insect Bite
If you do get a simple insect bite, and we all do at some point, using a hydrocortisone cream can help relieve the itching and irritation.

HealthiNation offers health information for educational purposes only; this information is not meant as medical advice. Always consult your doctor about your specific health condition.