Sunburns and skin cancer don’t have an exclusive partnership with hot months at the beach. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are still present, even when the temperatures cool down.

November is National Healthy Skin Month, a time to raise awareness about skin health and promoting healthy skin care habits.  

Karen Boyd, an oncology nurse navigator with OSF HealthCare, says sunscreen is an important part of skin safety 365 days a year.

“There are SPF {sun protection factor} sunscreens, we recommend 30 or above that you need to apply to your face, your neck and your ears if they are exposed,” Boyd says. “Don’t forget about your lips; lip balm is so important.”

You’ve probably been told that the sun reflects off the sand or water and can increase your chances of sunburn when you’re at the lake or beach. Boyd says it’s the same idea with snow.

“Even if there’s snow on the ground, you have that glare. Your eyes can feel the effect from the sun,” Boyd says.

And that’s why Boyd recommends UV protective sunglasses.

“UV rays damage eye surface tissue, the cornea, the lens, and can even affect you later, as far as cataracts, acute macular degeneration and even cancers of the eye,” Boyd says while quoting an American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) excerpt. “We don’t think about cancers of the eye often.”

Photokeratitis, also known as an “eye sunburn,” can be very painful. Boyd says an important way to keep your skin healthy, in general, is by hydrating.

“Oral hydration is the key, and water is always the best thing. So, hydrate yourself in the summer and in the winter. It will help protect your body and your skin,” Boyd says.

After a cold and windy day of shoveling snow outside, you may head inside for a mug of hot cocoa and notice your face is extra red. People usually chalk this up to wind burn or just the cold; Boyd says this isn’t always the case.

“How do we know for a fact that that’s not the UV rays?” Boyd asks. “It may be from the reflection off the snow, and it could be sunburn as well.”

The ABCDEs of melanoma skin cancer are important things to keep in mind when it comes to your skin health.

·         A: Asymmetry. “Is it unevenly shaped or notched. Does it look different?” she asks.

·         B: Border irregularity. “The edges of the mole; has it changed? Is it not clearly defined? Is it not a perfect circle?” she asks.

·         C: Color. “Was it a light brown pigmentation but now it’s turning darker? If it looks crusty and it peels off, that’s another key point,” she says.

·         D: Diameter. “Has it changed in size or grown?” Boyd asks.

·         E: Evolution. “Has it evolved or changed? Does it look different?” Boyd asks.

Boyd says, if you’re concerned, you know your body. Mention it to your doctor and they can refer you to a dermatologist.

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But don't let lake life wash away your safety habits or good judgment. 

In 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard counted over 3,800 recreational boating accidents, resulting in 564 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports drowning deaths are on the rise for the first time in decades, with over 4,500 people drowning each year from 2020 to 2022. 

Jon Gehlbach, MD, is the medical director for the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at the OSF Children's Hospital of Illinois. He says there are many unknown factors in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers that make them more dangerous than pools.

“They tend to be darker, so it’s harder to see what’s going on below the surface. They could have hidden obstacles," Dr. Gehlbach says.  "Currents play a factor as well. Kids might be great swimmers in the pool, but currents make it a lot more challenging to swim safely.”

Another harmful thing to keep in mind is the spread of waterborne pathogens and bacteria like E. Coli. 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) says to not transport water, animals, fish or plants from one body of water to another. 

Also, wash yourself, your boats and equipment with hot water as soon as possible once you're out of the water.

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“You’re never going to be stronger than the ocean.”

A wave of caution from Jon Gehlbach, MD, the medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports around 30,000 swimmers have to be saved from rip currents by lifeguards each year, while about 100 people drown after encountering them.

What is a rip current?

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water. Many summer vacationers travel to the East, West and Gulf Coasts in the summer, where rip currents are prevalent. But some may not know that rip currents are also known to occur on the shores of the Great Lakes. Rip currents are when the waves hit the beach in a certain way, creating a current that flows away from the beach, according to NOAA.

Dr. Gehlbach says whatever you do, don’t try to swim against the rip current.

“Familiarize yourself with where the rip currents are. They’re usually well-marked (with signs on the beach),” Dr. Gehlbach says. “You don’t have to worry about currents or underwater debris in pools, but in oceans, most drownings are related to rip currents. It’s an invisible current pulling people away from the shore. The urge is to swim against it, but if you find yourself in that situation, try to swim parallel to the shore and get out of that rip current as safely as you can.”

“Break the grip of the rip”

“Wave, yell, swim parallel” is another slogan NOAA has. Make sure to continue to breathe, keep your head above water and don’t spend your energy fighting against the current. While rip currents typically flow at one to two feet per second, they can reach up to eight feet per second, or five miles per hour.

While waves or storms can change the shape of the ocean bottom, NOAA reports rip currents are actually the strongest at low tide.

Maybe the beach isn’t your thing, but the lake is. Similar messaging applies. Dr. Gehlbach says there are many unknown factors in natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers that make them more dangerous.

“They tend to be darker, so it’s harder to see what’s going on below the surface. They could have hidden obstacles,” Dr. Gehlbach says. “Currents play a factor as well. Kids might be great swimmers in the pool, but currents make it a lot more challenging to swim safely.”

Rip currents aren’t the same as undertow

Rip currents are much more dangerous, NOAA says. They flow on the surface of water, are usually very strong and can go far out from the shore. Undertow happens when water sinks downhill into the sea after a wave carried it uphill, which is mostly the case at beaches with steep inclines.

When in doubt, don’t go out!

NOAA has the following tips to remain safe on your beach vacations this summer.

-          Swim with a buddy

-          Swim near a lifeguard

-          Learn how to spot a rip current

-          Be prepared

Keep an eye on the local National Weather Service (NWS) Surf Zone Forecasts and Rip Current Statements online and on social media. This can give you a good gauge of what the water’s like before heading to the beach.

Swimsuit color safety

While some parents spend more time than others picking out their kids’ swim outfits, Dr. Gehlbach says the color of their swimsuit could be extremely important in dangerous situations.

“With those blue hues or lighter colors, you might be able to see them well on the surface of the water, but they don’t contrast well with the color of the water, especially pool water, once they go below the surface. Look for things that are brightly colored. Your pinks, reds, oranges, and even black can contrast well against the water,” Dr. Gehlbach says.

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