DON'T SIZZLE

Medical professionals advise taking some precautions to save your hide before going outdoors to celebrate the Fourth of July.

While this message won't be the hottest on the block, sun protection could save your life.

It has long been known that exposure to ultraviolet rays causes premature aging and skin cancer.

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, has been linked to spending lots of time in the sun during the first 10 to 18 years of life. Nearly 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths are from melanoma.

Regular use of sunscreen is one of the best ways to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors, said Dr. Paul Spiller, a new physician with Grassy Pond Family Medicine in Gaffney.

"The most important thing you can do is wear sunscreen. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most preventable cause of skin cancer," Spiller said. "We need to make sure we are adequately covered with sunscreen when we are outdoors. Sprays work better in a lot of cases because you can get more coverage on the skin than with a suntan lotion."

Ledger photo / SARAJANE BURROUGHS Anna Hulsey applies sunscreen to her arms. While some people might consider it an inconvenience, the time it takes to use the protective ointment can pay big dividends in the long run. Once a sunburn occurs, treatments can ease the pain but can't undo the damage to the skin. Spiller recommends applying sunscreen to all exposed skin, using one with at least a SPF rating of 15 that provides protection against UV rays. Re-apply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved cotton shirt, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses where possible.

Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Drink lots of fluids to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Parents should spend a few extra moments protecting their children by applying sunscreen, Spiller said.

"It can be difficult when you are outdoors getting ready to have fun, to have the patience and spend an extra five minutes to make sure everyone in your family is adequately covered with sunscreen," Spiller said. "If you stay out in the sun for prolonged periods, it may be decades before you see the impact of overexposure. It's an addictive affect."

A number of studies have confirmed that repeated sunburns substantially increase the risk for developing skin cancer such as melanoma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Five or more sunburns double your risk of developing skin cancer.

There is no safe way to tan. Even with sunbathing and artificial tanning, Spiller said there is still exposure to ultraviolet rays that pose short and long-term risk to a person's skin.

"Skin cancer is very common, and a lot of people don't even realize they have it," Spiller said.

"Aloe and other skin moisturizers can soothe sunburned skin, but can't reverse the long-term damage that has already been done. The best way to prevent skin cancer is by limiting your exposure to the sun and wearing sunscreen to protect your skin."