Although sunlight in small doses (15 to 20 minutes per day) is vital to a person's health, damage caused by spending too much time in the sun can be dangerous, as well as irreversible and can result in a medical emergency. Overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, even for short periods, can damage skin and eyes. Long-term effects of the sun's damage include wrinkles, leathery skin, cataracts, moles, "age spots" and skin cancer.

Take precautions before venturing into the sun:

• Wear sunscreen with the maximum level of sun protection when outside (usually SPF 15, or SPF 30 if in a tropical environment or when engaging in prolonged outdoor activities such as sports).
• Check the label to make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use sunscreen even on cloudy, cool or overcast days, because UV rays are not filtered by clouds or pollution. In fact, a cloudy day may be more dangerous than a sunny day, because it is cooler and people may spend more time outdoors.
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. Use it liberally and reapply every two hours, after swimming or perspiring heavily. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label. Do not use sunscreen on babies younger than six months - they should be kept out of the sun as much as possible.
• Avoid activities between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the summer (in the Northern Hemisphere), when the sun is at its highest, and, therefore, strongest level.
• Keep in mind that harmful UV rays are more intense in the summer and at higher altitudes but also can be damaging in the winter, especially where there is snow, which reflects sunlight.
• Protect yourself further by wearing a hat and loose fitting, light-colored clothing.
• If you become overheated or uncomfortable, go indoors or sit in the shade.
• Check with your doctor before going out into the sun if you take any prescription drugs. Some medicines can increase your risk of sunburn or interact with the sun to cause rashes or other side effects. Remember, once skin is sunburned it is more sensitive to further exposure.
• Persons with fair skin, moles or a family history of skin cancer are especially at risk of sunburns, damaged skin and skin cancer and should avoid overexposure.
• Even darker-skinned people need protection from the sun's damaging rays.
• For symptoms of sunburn:
  • Take a cool (not cold) bath, or apply cool, wet compresses.
  • Apply topical moisturizing creams to soothe discomfort and rehydrate the skin. Avoid petroleum-based products because they prevent heat and sweat from escaping.
  • Take a pain reliever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to product label directions, if needed.
  • Resist the urge to scratch and peel loose skin.
  • Stay in the shade until the sunburn heals and limit sun exposure in the future, keeping in mind that previously sunburned skin burns much easier.
• Seek immediate medical care for:
  • A severe sunburn with blisters.
  • Fever or chills.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Confusion.