Laurel Kelly | (TNS) Mayo Clinic News Network

August is Summer Sun Safety Month, which makes this a good time to learn more about protecting yourself and your family from the harmful effects of ultraviolet, or UV, radiation from sunlight.

Summertime is here, and for many, that means family vacations and spending time outdoors. Exercising and enjoying time outdoors are important for good health, and activities such as biking, hiking, swimming and boating can be a lot of fun. But these activities also require precautions to stay safe, healthy and protected from the sun.

Exposure to UV radiation from the sun damages your skin, and increases your risk of developing skin cancer, wrinkles and age spots. Children are especially vulnerable because they tend to spend more time outdoors and can burn easily.

Skin cancer, which develops primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs, is the most common type of cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. This slideshow includes images of several conditions caused by sun damage — some of which can progress to skin cancer.

Connect with others talking about sun safety in the Skin Health Support Group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online patient community moderated by Mayo Clinic.

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