With summer temperatures reaching record heights in Baton Rouge, students are at a risk for sun-related skin injuries.
Jay Grymes, WAFB meteorologist, said UV index numbers reach the top of the scale most days in Baton Rouge.
The only time UV index numbers don’t peak is on overcast and rainy days. High UV indexes lead to a greater risk of harm caused by sun exposure.
Sun-related injuries from UV rays can range from premature aging of the skin to melanoma. Cataracts and tissue growth around eyes are also common with sun damage.
UV rays are stronger during the summer. Combining strong rays and unprotected skin is a consequential combination.
Robin Comeaux, outpatient coordinator at Baton Rouge General Burn Center, said the risk of sun burning or poisoning varies with individual situations.
“It really depends on how long you are out in the sun and heat, ” Comeaux said.
Some students are making efforts to reduce sun injuries.
Morgan Vienne, mass communication sophomore, said she wears a combination of SPF 50 and SPF 15 sunscreens, especially when she is around water.
“I’ve never had any hospital treatment [for burns], but one summer I burned so badly that it changed the texture of my skin for three years,” Vienne said.
Businesses including Baton Rouge CVS/pharmacy locations are affected by the sun’s rays and high temperatures.
Chillena Simon, CVS/pharmacy supervisor, said sunblock and sunscreen sales have increased.
“We normally sell many sun products especially during summer months,” Simon said. “We have over 100 products solely used for sun purposes.”
Though summers are hotter, some outpatient and emergency clinics do not see many sun-related injuries.
“Occasionally we see a few second degree sunburns on children, but the emergency rooms see most of the sunburns and sun poisoning,” Comeaux said.
Jim Ruckman, registered nurse at the Baton Rouge General Emergency Room, said the hospital treats few sun injuries.
“We occasionally get a patient who has a second degree burn. But patients in the summer usually come in with heat exhaustion,” Ruckman said.
Most physicians recommend applying sunscreen of at least SPF 15 every 30 minutes.
Physicians and nurses also recommend wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and applying sunscreen to commonly missed places like the scalp, ears and lips.
 
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Contact Kaitlin Torke at [email protected]