BOUNTIFUL -- Lakeview officials will see a handful of second degree burns through sunburn this season and numerous heat illnesses. Sunburns are not life threatening issues. However, prolonged exposure to the sun causes skin cancer which usually manifest itself later in life. "Accumulative damage of the sun is the problem," said said Trent Thorne, Lakeview emergency department physician. "The longer and more intense the exposure the greater the danger. It's a matter of time." Skin cancer can manifest itself in a variety of forms. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In its advanced state, it can cause serious illness and even death. Melanoma can be detected through the ABCDE's of moles. Health officials encourage patients to check the Asymmetry, Border, Color and Diameter of their moles, E is to check if the moles are Evolving.

Another way cancer may manifest itself is through a wound that doesn't hurt as much as it looks like or doesn't heal, said Thorne.

The Lakeview physician advises persons spending time in the sun to use at least an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15.

"SPF 30 or higher doesn't add that much more protection against the sun," said Thorne. "Apply a 30 or higher to ears and nose but keeping with 15 is just as efficient."

Thorne advises people to pay attention to how long the SPF lasts and to read labels. to know when to reapply the SPF.

If the sunscreen is not reapplied it is not as effective because water can wash it off.

"Sweating is the same as water it cause you to need to reapply," he said. "Apply the SPF before leaving the home and use lotion after applying SPF."

Cloudy days may also be a problem.

"When it is cloudy people use less sunscreen and there are more sunburns," said Thorne.

However, nothing blocks the sun 100 percent. Thorne said it is most important to cover up children. Cover their body with clothes, give them a sun hat and apply sun screen.

Sunburns should be treated with ibuprofen or Tylenol, and kept clean, said Thorne.

If the sunburn blisters, there is a risk of infection.

"Let the blisters pop on their own," said Thorne. "Because it protects the body against infection."

Heat illnesses tend to have more immediate dangers than sunburns.

Heat illnesses span from heat stroke to heat exhaustion to heat cramps and muscle spasms.

"Generally, heat exhaustion is not a severe illness, unless there is a severe loss of salt in the blood, but that is rare."

One of the signs of heat exhaustion is nausea, vomiting, a headache and or confusion. Persons with heat exhaustion lose their ability to regulate temperature. Heat stroke, which generally comes after heat exhaustion can be life threatening.

To avoid heat illnesses avoid over heating, and exercising in the heat of the day. Thorne also advise patients to watch for warning signs.

"Be aware of general fatigue or nausea," said Thorne. "If there is a problem stop the active you are doing and move to the shade." Thorne says to keep well hydrated and advises elderly to stay out of the sun.

sclarke@davisclipper.com