Athletes and Spectators at Outdoor Olympic Events Need to Practice Sun Safety
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're a spectator at the
Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and think you have nothing in common with
the athletes in the Games, you are wrong. Athletes, spectators and anyone
outside during the winter, risk overexposure to the sun, because most people
assume the winter sun is weaker and less dangerous than the summer sun and
therefore do not wear proper sun protection. However, two recent studies show
that if you're at a higher altitude, for example, in Salt Lake City, and
especially watching the skiing events, your risk of developing a sunburn is
greater.
"People know that the sun's rays are dangerous, but that does not always
translate into recognizable protective actions," stated dermatologist Darrell
S. Rigel, MD, Clinical Professor, New York University Medical Center. "These
two studies are relevant for both athletes and spectators at the Olympics.
Even if you're just walking around the Olympic Village, it's important to
remember that snow reflects more than 80 percent of the sun's rays, even on
cloudy days. That's why everyone should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with
a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and reapply it every two hours."
The first research study used a hand-held meter to measure UV light energy
in three locations: Vail, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; and New York, New York.
The readings were taken at solar noon in direct sunlight on cloudless days.
It was found that direct ultraviolet-B (UV-B) levels at 8,500 feet in
Vail, Colorado, were approximately 60 percent higher than at sea level in New
York, and the direct UV-B levels in Vail were the same as those in Orlando, a
site nearly 775 miles closer to the equator.
Ultraviolet-B, and ultraviolet-A (UVA), the sun's other invisible,
damaging ray, can cause suntan, sunburn, and sun damage. This exposure to
ultraviolet light, especially UV-B, is one of the key factors in the
development of skin cancer. An estimated 1 million new cases of skin cancer
will occur in the United States this year, and, 9,600 people will die of the
disease.
These results suggest that a person with an average complexion, who is not
wearing any sun protection, would burn after only six minutes of sun exposure
on a clear day at noon in Vail at 11,000 feet above sea level. The same
person would develop sunburn after 25 minutes of noontime exposure in New York
or 14 minutes of unprotected noontime exposure in Orlando.
"It's important for individuals living or visiting high altitude regions
in the U.S. to recognize the increase in UV exposure and take extra
precautions to prevent sunburn," said Dr. Rigel.
Another study followed 105 skiers in Vail, Colorado over a one-week period
in January of 2001. Each participant was given an unmarked bottle of
sunscreen (either SPF 15 or 30) and instructed to maintain a log of the amount
of time they spent outdoors as well as the amount of sunscreen applied.
The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence how
effective sunscreens were in protecting from sunburn in an intense ultraviolet
environment. After analyzing factors associated with burning, the study
concluded sunscreen, when used correctly, was an effective defense from
sunburn when in an open aired, highly elevated, sun exposed and sun reflective
environment. The data further revealed that of those who re-applied sunscreen
every 2.5 hours or more frequently were five times less likely to sunburn
compared to those who applied sunscreen every two hours or more.
"Skiers and those watching any outdoor Olympic event, will receive more
than three times the UV exposure necessary for sunburn," said Dr. Rigel.
"The use of sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher with frequent re-applications
appears to be one of the most effective and effortless methods of sunburn
protection. Although this study surveyed those who enjoyed winter sports, the
findings should be applied to those participating in or watching any outdoor
sports."
Both studies reinforce the AAD's recommendations for effective sunscreen
use:
-- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of
at least 15.
-- Use sunscreens every day if you are going to be in the sun for more
than 20 minutes.
-- Apply sunscreens to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
-- When applying sunscreen, pay particular attention to the face, ears,
hands and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered by
clothing.
-- Reapply sunscreens every two hours or immediately after swimming or
strenuous activity.
In addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or
higher, a comprehensive sun protection program includes avoiding deliberate
tanning with indoor or outdoor light, seeking shade, wearing protective
clothing, and limiting exposure during peak hours.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It is
estimated that 87,900 people in the United States will be diagnosed with
invasive and non-invasive melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, in
2002. This is a 4 percent increase for invasive melanoma from 2001. In
addition, approximately 7,400 deaths will be attributed to melanoma in 2002.
The American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most
influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a
membership of over 14,000 dermatologists worldwide, the Academy is committed
to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of
the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice,
education, and research in dermatology; supporting and enhancing patient care
for a lifetime of healthier skin. For more information, contact the AAD at
1-888-462-DERM or http://www.aad.org .
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
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Related links:
http://www.aad.org
CONTACT:
Jennifer Gale, +1-847-240-1730, jgale@aad.org
, Julie Bremer, +1-847-240-1743, jbremer@aad.org , or Karen
Klickmann, +1-847-240-1735, kklickmann@aad.org , all of American
Academy of Dermatology
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