23 Sun Exposure & Skin Diseases

Farmers and ranchers spend long hours outdoors, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Without proper protection, prolonged UV exposure can lead to serious long-term health effects. Below you will find the hazards with excess sun exposure as well as common skin conditions with pictures.

Common Hazards:

• Sunburn & Skin Damage – Repeated sun exposure causes painful burns, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
• Heat-Related Illnesses – Excessive sun exposure can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
• UV Eye Damage – Prolonged exposure can contribute to cataracts, vision loss, and corneal burns.
• Sweat & Dirt Interference – Sunscreen effectiveness decreases with sweat and dust buildup.
• Delayed Medical Attention – Many farmers ignore early signs of skin cancer, leading to late-stage diagnoses.

Addressing Hazards:

• Wear Sunscreen Daily – Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen before heading outdoors and reapply every two hours or after sweating.
• Dress for Sun Protection – Wear long-sleeved, UV-blocking shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to shield skin and eyes.
• Take Breaks in the Shade – Reduce prolonged exposure by scheduling tasks during cooler hours or under covered areas.
• Hydrate Frequently – Drink plenty of water to prevent heat-related illnesses.
• Monitor Skin for Changes – Check for new moles, unusual spots, or changes in existing marks and see a doctor if needed.

Common Skin Conditions:

Contact Dermatitis: Inflammation occurs when irritating substances make contact with the skin. Symptoms may include redness, blistering, scaling, or cracking of the skin (dermatitis). The exposure can be either short-term or long-term. An irritating rash may appear within hours of exposure or develop more slowly with prolonged contact with irritants.

Sun Damage: Sun damage is caused by prolonged exposure to solar radiation and is especially problematic for fair-skinned farmers. It results from both sunburn and the cumulative effects of sunlight over time. The primary culprit is ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB), with UV levels influenced bythe sun’s position in the sky, the hemisphere, and environmental conditions like cloud cover and pollution. Farmers face higher risks due to long periods of sun exposure, wearing minimal clothing, and having fair skin, light eyes, and light hair. Continued exposure leads to premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles and changes in pigmentation, as well as increased risks of precancerous conditions like actinic keratoses and actinic cheilitis.

Skin Cancer: Farmers’ and ranchers’ work raises the risk of skin cancer, primarily due to prolonged sun exposure. Certain chemicals, like arsenic, which are commonly used in agriculture, are also linked to the development of skin cancer. Skin cancer has a long latency period, meaning it can take many years between exposure and the onset of the disease. The most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

DermNet NZ. (2025). Skin problems in farmers. DermNet NZ. Retrieved March 3, 2025, from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-problems-in-farmers