Having fair skin heightens susceptibility to sunburn, but even dark and black skin can burn and should be protected.

The sun's rays are strongest during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. standard time. The sun's rays are also stronger at higher altitudes and lower latitudes (closer to the tropics). Reflection off water, sand, or snow can intensify the sun's burning rays.

Both first and second degree burns can occur from sun exposure.

There is no such thing as a "healthy tan". Unprotected sun exposure will cause premature aging of the skin. Skin cancer usually appears in adulthood, but it is caused by sun exposure and sunburns that began in childhood.

Malignant melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. You can help prevent this by protecting your skin and your children's skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

Causes

• Over-exposure to the sun causes sunburn. The time it takes to sustain a sunburn varies widely depending on the age of the person, skin color, geographical location, altitude, time of day, time of year, and environmental factors.
• Sun lamps can cause severe sunburn.
• Some medications (such as the antibiotic doxycycline) can make a person more susceptible to sunburn.

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