Warm spring weather and sunny condiions are a great excuse to spend the day outside.

Unfortunately, after spending most of the wintermonths indoors the sun is not always a person’s best friend.

Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause a painful sunburn for those who don’t take the proper precautions.

According to the Mayo Clinic, sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin’s exposure to UV radiation, the invisible rays that are part of sunlight.

Ultraviolet rays can also cause invisible damage to the skin. Excessive and multiple sunburns cause premature aging of the skin and lead to skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US and exposure to the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer.

Children often spend a good part of their day playing outdoors in the sun, especially during the summer. Children who have fair skin, moles, or freckles, or who have a family history of skin cancer, are more likely to develop skin cancer in later years.

Exposure to the sun during daily activities and play causes the most sun damage. Overexposure to sunlight before age 18 is most damaging to the skin.

UV rays are strongest during months when the sun is directly overhead, normally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Sunburns can be prevented before they start if the proper precautions are taken. The clinic offers these steps to keeping skin safe during long periods outdoors:

Stay away from the sun in the middle of the day. This is when the sun’s rays are the most damaging.

Block the sun’s rays using a SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. Apply the lotion 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it often during the day. Sunscreens should not be used on infants under 6 months of age.

Cover up using protective clothing, such as a long sleeve shirt and hat when in the sun. Use clothing with a tight weave to keep out as much sunlight as possible.

Keep babies less than 6 months old out of direct sunlight at all times. Hats with brims are important.

Sometimes,even with precautions, sunburns occur. To treat a sunburn, keep it cool. Apply cold compresses — such as a towel dampened with cool water — to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath.

Keep it moist. Apply aloe or moisturizing cream to the affected skin.

Avoid products containing alcohol, which can further dry out skin. Beware of sunburn treatment products containing anesthetics, such as benzocaine.

There’s little evidence that these products are effective. In some cases, they may even irritate the skin.

Leave blisters intact. If blisters form, don’t break them. You’ll only slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. If needed, lightly cover blisters with gauze.

Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If needed, take anti-inflammatory medication — such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) — according to the label instructions until redness and soreness subside. Don’t give children or teenagers aspirin. It may cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.

Treat peeling skin gently. Within a few days, the affected area may begin to peel. This is simply your body’s way of getting rid of the top layer of damaged skin. While your skin is peeling, continue to use moisturizing cream.