Sun and active patients: preventing acute and cumulative skin damage.

Damage from long-term, cumulative effects of sun exposure, while slow to develop, can become life-threatening. The cutaneous effects of ultraviolet light include sunburn, photosensitivity, immunosuppression, premature aging, and several types of skin cancer. Clinicians need to know the characteristic appearance of premalignant lesions, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Also, patients who are active outdoors need education about sun protection, including avoidance at peak hours, clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreens. Care for sunburn may involve cool compresses, corticosteroid cream, oral antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory drugs.