by Dan Williams

Created on: August 12, 2009

Our closest star is appreciated, reveled, loved and has caused many aches and pains. When we are tanning, swimming and usually involved in water sports, frequently we give the rays due diligence and coat ourselves with UV protection. When we are involved in an activity such as sports, it is not uncommon to forget about the dangers of the sun's rays. All too often, baseball, soccer, and many field sports is where individuals suffer the consequences. Mountain biking is no different.

Application of UV protection is very important to avoid sunburn. The sun emits ultraviolet light, also known as ultraviolet radiation. There are three types of UV radiation. UV-C, UV-B and UV-A. UV-A is the most dangerous, and the one that penetrates the skin the deepest and is a major contributor of cataracts.

For mountain bikers it is very important to note that for every one thousand feet in altitude, the UV intensity increases by ten percent. Many variables play a role in not only getting sun burned but also your chances of obtaining skin cancer. A few of these are: type of skin, length of exposure, geographic location, and family history of skin cancer. Some general guidelines to consider are:

1. After twelve minutes of exposure, perceptible sunburn may be observed.

2. After thirty minutes, vivid sunburn is present.

3. After sixty minutes, painful sunburn can become apparent.

4. After two hours, blistering sunburn is common.

Please be aware this is a crude guideline and has been measured without using UV protection.

Mountain bikers should be aware of the new clothing that has surfaced over the last ten years. There are great innovations that help decrease the penetration of UV rays. They are a little pricey however if you have a family history of skin cancer or severe allergic reactions to the lotions this is a great alternative.

So what is (SPF), Sun Protection Factor? It is the ratio of energy that is required to produce minimal redness of the skin penetrating the sunscreen, compared to the amount of energy required to produce the same reaction with the absence of sunscreen. For example, applying a SPF 15 would provide you with around one hundred and fifty minutes of protection before burning. It is also important to mention, that the mountain biker is burning calories and perspiring, washing off the sunscreen. It is extremely important for reapplication every hour or two.

When mountain biking, it is not uncommon for individuals to take medication for aches, pains and environmental allergies. Please be advised certain medication as well as certain vitamins can increase your chances of burning. Ibuprofen, antihistamines, certain antibiotics and many others, all are culprits in increasing your burn chances.

Common sense, a good SPF sunscreen or sun protective clothing would be a great safe guard in mountain biking. Please consider the elevation, your family history of skin cancer before hitting the trails.

www.surviveoutdoors.com

Wilderness Medicne by: Auerbach

Learn more about this author, Dan Williams.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.