As a truck driver, you may not think about the constant exposure that your skin has to the sun's rays on a day-to-day basis. But skin damage is harmful to you and your well-being.

Exposure to the sun's rays does not only happen when it's sunny or warm out. It can happen any time, no matter the season, region, and how many clouds are in the sky. This is because the sun's ultraviolet rays, known as UVA or UVB, are not filtered out in cold or cloudy weather. They're ever-present and risky to you.

In the United States, doctors diagnose an average of five million new cases of skin cancer every year. The good news is that sun damage is preventable. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and it is a perfect time to learn more about the risk of sun damage, why drivers are at higher risk, ways to protect yourself, and what to do if you suspect you have skin damage.

What is the risk of sun damage?

Increased exposure to UV rays can lead to skin damage, which can result in skin cancer. For skin damage, your left side may be pronounced because that is the side that's most directly exposed by way of the driver's window. Damage may mean the appearance of sunspots, sores, spider veins, wrinkles, and/or premature aging - a condition called unilateral dermatoheliosis. You can see an example of what that can look like with this truck driver who accumulated 28 years on the road.

In addition, the sun can damage a driver's eyes and cause cataracts. It can also stifle your immune system making it difficult to fight off illness.

Why are drivers at risk of sun damage?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, staying out of the sun is the best way to prevent skin damage from UV rays. Of course, for you as a truck driver, that is not an option. You spend the majority of your days sitting inside your cab, surrounded by glass. Some truck windshields are composed of layers that prevent UV rays from entering the cab. But side windows tend to be a single layer and don't offer protection from the sun’s damaging rays. That causes your left side to most frequently be in direct exposure to the sun's rays.In addition, you are often out of the truck and in the open to focus on pre-trip inspections, routine checking of the tires, and opening or closing trailer doors as part of the job.

How can you protect yourself from sun damage?

There are several things you can do to protect yourself and prevent sun damage. 

Apply Sunscreen

The number one way to protect yourself is by applying sunscreen when you begin your day and repeating applications as the day wears on. All daylight hours require sun protection. Be diligent about using sunscreen each and every day. Make it part of your routine and apply it often, preferably at least every two hours, especially during peak hours of sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm. Don't forget your hands and around your eyes, also ears, lips, and face. To ensure safety, use a quality sunscreen with 30 to 50 SPF (sun protection factor).

Wear Protective Clothing and Accessories

Wearing protective clothing like long sleeve shirts and long pants will minimize the parts of your body that are directly exposed to the sun's rays and therefore minimize your risk of damage. In addition, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the top of your head and parts of your face. Lastly, wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Consider wrap-around sunglasses for maximum protection of both your eyes and your skin surrounding them.

Consider Installing UV Blocking Film

Consider installing UV blocking film on your windows. Some brands say they block up to 99% of UV rays and reduce heat in the cab. That will provide immense protection just like your windshield.

Seek Shade when Possible 

When it's possible, stay in the shade. Stop or park in the shade whenever you can. If you can, avoid the exposure of the midday peak sun hours. This will minimize any extra time that you are in the sun, saving it only for when you absolutely need to be (aka when you're driving).

Stay on Top of Health Screenings

While it's not always easy to find or commit the resources, schedule an appointment for a full body screen as a preventative measure. It is incredibly important to detect sun damage as early as possible and it's always better to be safe than sorry. You and your life are worth this investment.

What to do if you suspect skin damage?

Early signs of skin cancer often go unnoticed because they are usually slow-growing and without obvious warning signs. They often appear as a mole, spot, or freckle and look different from the skin around them.

According to the Mayo Clinic, check yourself often for any of the following conditions:

• A flat flesh-colored or scar-like lesion.
• A pearly or waxy bump on your skin.
• A bleeding and scabbing sore that heals and returns.
• A firm red nodule.
• A flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.
• A mole that changes color, size, or feel, or bleeds.
• A small lesion with irregular border and portions that appear red, pink, white, blue, or blue-black.
• A painful lesion that itches or burns.
• Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips, or toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina, or anus.

The Mayo Clinic recommends you see your doctor if you become aware of any changes to your skin that concern you. Just take Ingrid Brown's survival story as inspiration to never ignore your own health and well-being, especially as it relates to protecting yourself from sun damage.

Other relevant articles:

Wellness in Trucking: An Overview

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