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Don't let the sun scald your skin

File photo (2007)

Sunscreen is a beach necessity, but also be sure to bring a hat, cover-up, and a cooler full of water.

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By KIM FRANKE-FOLSTAD

kfrankefolstad@tampatrib.com

Published: July 1, 2009

You're gonna do it. That's all there is to it.

You're going to go outside.

Not for the blazing summer sun, but in spite of it.

You're not out there to bake, to bag some rays, to "tan," but you do love the beach, the pool, the boat, the bike path, the park ... the OUTDOORS. And you're not prepared to give them up.

We understand. We love them, too.

So we're not here to waggle a finger in your face, or to tell you - again - that you're courting trouble out there.

We just want to give you a fighting chance.

Here are a few tips to help get you through the day ... and maybe the summer ... without too much damage to your dermis.

BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT

Gather your sun-fighting tools! The trendiest item on the beach these days isn't a water toy or a sexy new swimsuit, it's an umbrella, canopy or cabana. You'll also want a hat, a cover-up, your sunscreen (of course!), and a cooler full of water or some kind of sports drink.

Fake yourself out. Make no mistake: Using a sunless tanner won't make you less vulnerable to a burn if you bake. BUT ... if you're already a beautiful (albeit artificial) bronze, you might not be tempted to bag a summer's worth of color in one long day at the pool.

Read the small print on your prescriptions. Some pills and ointments - including some birth control pills, antibiotics and acne medications - aren't compatible with sunlight. If you have concerns, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Check the UV index in your area. It'll help you determine what day is best for hanging outside, how long you should stay in the sun and how often you should reapply your sunscreen. Missed the weather forecast? Use the UV index calculator at www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html.

Drink a couple of glasses of water before you head out the door. Stay away from caffeinated sodas, beer or other alcoholic beverages, which can promote dehydration.

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. It's easier to slather on that first coat when you're cool, dry and don't have any sand - or children - sticking to you. Don't skimp! Remember to cover your ears, even your hairline. And choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's at least SPF 15.

DURING THE DAY

Pick your spot. Concrete reflects the sun. So does sand. And water. Think about how much sun is bouncing off the surfaces around you. Plant your umbrella and stay in the shade. If you're on a boat, try to stay under the bimini, or make sure you wear a cap.

Do the math when reapplying sunscreen. There's the UV index and your SPF factor to consider ... at the very least. Not a numbers person? Err on the side of early. Sweating, swimming, toweling off, clingy kids - all can rub off even the most tenacious sunscreen. Don't worry about an app overlap.

Keep swigging. Water, that is. Or sports drinks. If you're out when the sun's rays are strongest (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), think about taking a lunch or snack break away from your chaise; find a spot under a tree or in a beachside restaurant. A salty pretzel makes a great snack. So does juicy fruit.

Kiss it and make it better. Don't forget the lip balm.

Stop at pink - don't wait for red. If you see strap marks, it means you're already overcooked. Pull on a cover-up or head home.

AFTER YOU GET HOME

Holy hydration! Keep drinking water, even after you're out of the sun, and eat lots of fruits and veggies.

Go gentle into that first goodnight. If you overdo it, bypass the bathtub and stick to a quick cool shower; use only the mildest soap or body wash. Towel dry carefully. Moisturize even if you didn't bake (stick your moisturizer or aloe in the fridge for a treat). Avoid bath salts, oils and perfumes that could produce a reaction on sensitive skin. Sprinkle some cooling talcum powder on your sheets.

If things keep heating up, take some aspirin. If you did burn, try cool compresses of equal parts milk and water. If your legs are hurting and your feet are swollen, elevate your legs above heart level. If the burn is severe, call your doctor.

Keep burned skin exposed when you're inside, and cover up when you're outside. If you blistered and/or peeled, the new skin will be super-sensitive to the sun. (Calling it your "base"? Bah humbug!)

Don't try to "clean up" bad tan lines with yet another day in the sun. Use sunless tanner to fill in the gaps.

Think safety first before kids hit water

Florida kids aren't born with fins. Just like kids everywhere, they could probably use a little safety refresher before they head into the water — whether it's the Gulf or the neighborhood pool.

We asked Maureen Boucher, owner of the Tampa Bay-based Maureen's Swim Academy, to give us some basic tips for keeping kids safe. Here's her advice:

Refresher courses are invaluable. Children forget. That is normal. In just one or two days, a teacher can get them back to where they left off after last year's lessons, and then further their skills.

Accidents happen. Never leave your child or children unattended in the pool — or even the bathtub. Do not walk away for a second.

Stay vigilant. Think three times before ever letting someone else watch your children in, on or around any body of water. Do not allow your children to attend a pool party without a lifeguard hired to watch the pool.

All pools are not created equal. Teach your children about all of the different shapes of pools and wall heights that exist. Some pools are deepest in the middle; others are deep at one or both ends. Wall heights are extremely dangerous because a lot of children's arms are not long enough to reach up and grab onto the wall when necessary.

Be debris free. Don't leave any floating rafts or any toys at all in the pool area, especially while someone is swimming. Children will hold their breath up until the last minute under water; if the wind or just the motion of the water moves the raft over the child's head, he or she may not be strong enough to push it away.

Check for suction safety. Some pools have a hole where a vacuum gets attached. have a cap on the hole. A child swimming by could get hair or loose clothing caught in the suction, and there would be no way he or she would be able to escape or get a breath. Similarly, pool drains should never be a place to play around. There are too many different makes and models. Some are just not safe.

Look before you leap. Educate your children about diving in all bodies of water, not just pools.

Maureen Boucher has been teaching swimming and water safety for more than 16 years. Reach her at info@maureenswim.com.

Sources: www.princeton.edu; www.aloha.com; www.fitnessmagazine.com

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