Sun Protection for Farmers
Madeline June MSN, APRN-CNP
Growing up in a family full of farmers, I know first-hand how difficult it can be to get them to use proper sun protection. Unfortunately, staying out of the sun during peak sun hours is not an option. Here are a few tips and tricks to encourage sun protection for your farmer patients!
1. UPF Clothing
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing is a great option for sun protection. An item needs to have 30 UPF or higher to obtain the skin cancer foundation’s seal of recommendation. The finish used on UPF clothing slightly diminishes after each wash, so it is important to check the label to determine the maximum number of washes before the UPF rating is invalid. Seek shirts that are long-sleeved and vented. There are many online and in-store locations to obtain UPF clothing. My farmer dad has used Costco and Amazon.
2. Sun Protective Clothing: Wide-Brimmed Hat, Gloves, Sunglasses
Trade in that ball cap for a wide-brimmed hat! Wide-brimmed hats keep the sun off the face, ears, and neck. Gloves are another great way to keep the sun off the hands. You can use work gloves, or UPF gloves can be purchased. Most farmers probably already wear sunglasses, but if not, they should be encouraged. This helps prevent hard-to-treat skin cancers involving the eyelid margins and periorbital region.
3. Sun Shade for Tractor
Adding a Sun Shade to one’s tractor is a great way to avoid direct sunlight while out in the fields, especially during those peak sun hours. These can be purchased at your local tractor dealers, parts’ stores, or even Amazon!
4. Sunscreen in Tractor Toolbox
If you notice, almost every tractor or lawn mower has a toolbox attached. This is a perfect place to stash a bottle of sunscreen so it makes it easier to reapply every two hours. Check expiration dates on the sunscreen bottles!
Madeline June MSN, APRN-CNP is a dermatology nurse practitioner at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Madeline sees patients 5 years and older and treats a variety of different dermatology disorders. Madeline grew up on a farm in Michigan and is passionate about skin cancer prevention, especially within the farming community.