Sun Safety: All dressed up, but are you ready to go?

Most people wear sunscreen in the summer, but with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), you need to remember sunscreen all year long.

The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays that are harmful to your skin. These UV rays can cause your skin to burn and make your rash worse. Even in the winter or on days that aren’t sunny, the UV rays can get to your skin.

Sunscreen protects your skin from these UV rays. So do clothes. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and tightly-woven clothes. There are clothes made with sun protection right in the fabric. And don’t forget to throw on a hat to cover your face and neck and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Even when staying inside, the overhead lights can be harmful, so it’s important to remember to protect your skin all the time.

How can you remember?

  • Make it a part of your morning routine.
  • Carry sunscreen with you in your backpack, purse, or other bag.
  • Choose a sunscreen that you like-one that smells good or has glitter.

There are lots of ways to protect your skin, so always be careful in the sun.