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Updated 07/13/2012 03:30 PM

Medical Experts Remind People to be Sun Safe

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Gyllian Bell from Irondequoit, her kids, and a little boy she babysits love the splash park at Durand Eastman Park. That's where they were Friday morning enjoying the warm weather. She said they never leave the house without first putting on some sunscreen.

"Lather them up, and when they're in the water, re-apply every four hours because it washes off after time."

That's the same thing Anne Walters said she makes sure her grandkids do. She admits she sometimes isn't as careful for herself.

“I use SPF 35 on my face... and none on my arms and legs,” said Walters; a fact that she says upsets her doctors.

Doctors are saying with these record-breaking temperatures, they're seeing more and more people coming into the office with sunburns and sun damage. They said there's been a huge increase in the cases of melanoma, especially in young adults. And it's estimated there will be 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer in the U.S. this year alone.

Nurse practitioner Jill Purpura at Helendale Dermatology and Medical Spa reminds us that sunblock cannot do it alone, especially with children.

"People think that when you put sun block on, you're done. That's not true. Sunblock is just a filter,” Purpura said. "Sunblocks say they're waterproof, sweat proof. They're really not fool proof on that. You have to keep re-applying."

Experts say there are ways you can protect yourself.

  • First, wear a hat.
  • Also stay out of the sun during peak hours, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
  • Wear protective clothing.
  • Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Experts say if you also get a really bad sunburn, one that comes with fever, chills, nausea or severe fatigue, seek medical attention. And check your skin. Show your doctor any new moles or changes to existing ones.

"I don't want them to not enjoy the weather but they have to be conscious of their skin,” said Purpura.