Sun Care

UV Index

Get your local UV index.

UV Index for Change

Today:

Next 3 days

The UV Index*, developed by the National Weather Service and EPA, indicates the strength of solar UV radiation on a scale from 1 (low) to 11+ (extremely high). You can use the UV Index to take appropriate sun-protective behaviors and avoid overexposure to UV radiation.

*Source: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

0-2Low

You can safely enjoy being outside. Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen SPF 15+. In winter, reflections off snow can nearly double UV strength.

3-5Moderate

Take precautions if you will be outside, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen SPF 15+. Reduce your exposure to the sun's most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.

6-7High

Protection against sun damage is needed. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use sunscreen SPF 15+ and wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when practical. Reduce your exposure to the sun's most intense UV radiation by seeking shade during midday hours.

8-10Very High

Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade.

Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

11+Extreme

Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade.

Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and can double UV exposure.

Source: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Do Not Burn
Sunburns significantly increase one’s lifetime risk of developing serious skin damage, especially for children.
Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds
UV light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin damage and wrinkling.
Generously Apply Sunscreen
Generously apply sunscreen: about one ounce to cover all exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and provide protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible.
Seek Shade
Seek shade when possible and remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand
Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Check the UV Index
The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent sun overexposure. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National Weather Service and EPA. Visit www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html.
Get Vitamin D Safely
Get Vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with Vitamin D. Don’t seek the sun.

Source: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Indication

Carac® is indicated for the topical treatment of multiple actinic or solar keratoses of the face and anterior scalp.

For more information, please see Full Prescribing Information for Carac®.

Important Treatment Considerations for Carac®

  • Carac® is for external use only.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, nostrils, and mouth.
  • Cleanse affected area and wait 10 minutes before applying Carac®.
  • Wash hands immediately after applying Carac®.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet irradiation during treatment, as the intensity of the reaction may be increased.
  • Most patients using Carac® get skin reactions where the medicine is used. These reactions include redness, dryness, burning, pain, erosion (loss of the upper layer of skin), and swelling. Irritation at the application site may persist for two or more weeks after therapy is discontinued. Treated areas may be unsightly during and after therapy.
  • If you develop abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or chills while on Carac® therapy, stop the medication and contact your physician and/or pharmacist.
  • Report any side effects to the physician and/or pharmacist.

Important Safety Information for Carac®

Carac® should not be used by women who are pregnant, considering becoming pregnant, or nursing. Carac® should not be used by people with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme deficiency or in people allergic to any of the ingredients in the product. If you develop abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or chills while using Carac®, stop the medication immediately and contact your doctor.

Carac® is for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, nostrils, and mouth. Wash hands immediately after applying Carac®. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or other forms of UV light.

Most patients using Carac® get skin reactions where the medicine is used, and the treatment areas may become unsightly during and after therapy. The most common skin reactions include redness, dryness, burning, pain, erosion (loss of upper layer of skin), swelling and eye irritation. These skin reactions can last for two or more weeks after therapy is discontinued.

Healthcare Professionals

This information is intended for U.S. Healthcare Professionals only.

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