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Surf, Sand, and Safety

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated: February 14, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

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Basking in the Sun

Sunbathing on the beach

Sunbathing can have deadly consequences.

© Banu
For those who don't want to drink heavily and fight - at least not until dark - there's always the sun. If you're going to the beach for the rays, you're in the right place. Trouble is, it's easy to get too much sun while you're there.

Even if you're using sunscreen, chances are you're making mistakes. Learn to avoid these common sunscreen mistakes.

If you do get too much sun, you'll need to know what to do to treat the sunburn. Don't think it can't be serious, sunburns can be deep enough to cause scarring, infections, and even death.

The sun doesn't just tan or burn, though. There are other dangers of baking out in the hot sun all day, especially if you've been drinking alcohol as well. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are two of the most common.

No matter what your favorite beach activity is, make sure you have all the tools necessary to keep your trip to the beach safe and injury-free.

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