Martha Jefferson Monday: How to Prevent Sunburn - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

July is U-V Safety Month. Whether you're vacationing at the beach, exercising, or burning off energy outside, it's important to keep your skin safe from the sun.

"There are a lot of things you can do to prevent a sunburn," said Dr. Michael Sty of Spring Creek Family Medicine. "The first thing to do is a avoid sun exposure during the peak hours, so somewhere between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. would be good times to stay indoors."

Sty also says protective clothing is imperative. He suggests a wide-brim hat, sunglasses that provide both U-V-A and U-V-B protection, as well as longer, loose fitting clothes.

Sty also says that sunscreen is critical.

"You're going to want to find something that has at least an SPF 30 and has water resistant properties to it."  

You also want to make sure your sunscreen has broad spectrum protection.

If you do happen to get a burn, keep your skin cool to help it heal.

"You can use cool compresses, or take a cool shower or bath," Sty suggested.

If it's a bad burn, it may blister too.

"Blistering can sometimes develop and what you're going to want to do is not break that blister open.  It acts as a nice biologic bandage and instead you're going to want to just keep that loosely covered," said Sty.

If you would like to find out more information on this topic, call Health Connection at (434) 654-7009.

 If you have a question you'd like to submit, email us at Healthquestions@nbc29.com and keep watching every Monday Morning at sunrise for the answers.