(WYMT) -As temperatures climb, experts say a little preparation goes a long way in preventing a trip to the clinic.
Dermatology nurse practitioner Lori Howard said summer is the season of preventable skin damage.
“Wearing sunscreen is important year-round. Of course, during the summer, we tend to be out in the sun more,” Howard said. “It does need to be reapplied every two hours. If you get in the water, when you get out, pack dry and put some more on.”
Howard said it is not just the beach where people are at risk. Those rays can find you on the way to run errands, too.
“That sun is coming through the windshield and coming through the driver’s side glasses. So you want to make sure you have sunscreen on even then because you can get those rays through that way too,” Howard said.
Beyond the burn, the heat itself is a threat. Staying hydrated and taking breaks is key to avoiding heat stroke.
“The hours from like 10 to four are going to be the hottest times. And that’s going to be the most getting sunburned and having those issues of heat stroke and those kinds of things,” Howard said.
Howard said for those kids playing outside to pack plenty of sunscreen, water and snacks.
She said the habits kids start now will protect them for decades to come because skin damage is cumulative.
“The sunburns and being out in the sun in our teenage and 20s will actually come back with sun damage, not then, but 10 to 40 years later. Prevention is the key and early detection is the key,” Howard said.
Howard also recommends getting a yearly skin check with a dermatologist to establish a baseline, regardless of whether you see any spots or changes right now.