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Sun and
Health
Too much
sunlight is harmful and can damage the skin. There are two main types of
damaging ultraviolet sunlight, UVA and UVB. UVA has an effect of ageing the skin
and causing wrinkles and other damage to deeper layers of skin. UVB causes sun
tanning but also burning. It can also cause other damage to the skin. In some
people, too much UVB may cause skin cancer. All people are at risk if exposed to
too much sun. People with fair skin, freckles, red or ginger hair are most at
risk. In general, the darker the skin, the less risk of developing skin cancer.
Preventing sun damage
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Stay out
of the sun as much as possible. In particular, do not sunbathe between 10am
and
2pm when the suns rays are strongest. |
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When out,
wear wide brimmed hats to protect the face and neck. These are the areas
most commonly affected by skin cancers due to too much sunlight. |
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Cover up
the body as much as possible. Wear long sleeve tops and baggy shorts. |
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Children's
skin is more sensitive than adults. They should keep their clothes on whilst
playing in the sun. All exposed areas of the body should have sunscreen
applied. Wide
brimmed hats with a neck protector are recommended. |
|
Sunscreens
should be applied to all exposed areas of skin. Renew it regularly.
Sunscreens are labelled with a sun protection factor (SPF). A factor of 15 or
more is
recommended for maximum protection. Most work by absorbing ultraviolet rays
but some
reflect the rays. Ones that protect against both UVA and UVB are the best.
Sunscreens
should be used to help protect against sunlight, not as a substitute for
avoiding exposure.
If swimming use a waterproof sunscreen and renew it after coming out of the
water. |
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Some sun
tanning lotions do not contain sunscreen and will provide no protection. |
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Beware of
reflected light. On sunny days, even in the shade, a hot sun can burn if
reflected from sand etc. Sunlight can also come through thin cloud and thin
clothes. |
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The suns
rays are more powerful at higher altitudes. Beware of this. It may be cooler
but
you will need more protection. |
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Wear
sunglasses as exposure to prolonged sunlight can also damage the eyes. |
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Remember -
SLIP, SLAP, SLOP. Slip on some clothes. Slap on a hat. Slop on sunscreen. |
Sunburn
and sunstroke
Short term
overexposure to sun can cause burning. The skin becomes red, hot and painful.
After a few days the burnt skin may peel. A cool shower or bath will help.
Soothing creams such as calamine lotion will help. Paracetamol will help with
pain. A mild steroid cream may be advised by a pharmacist or doctor to 'dampen
down' the inflamed skin if severe. If vomiting, fever and headaches occur this
may be due to sunstroke. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and take some
paracetamol. Consult your doctor if it does not quickly settle.
Sun
damage
Repeated
exposure to too much sun over a number of years can cause damage to skin. Apart
from early ageing and wrinkling, sun damaged skin can include the following.
Brown spots, roughened 'crusty' spots and skin cancers. It is not just people
who sunbathe who are at risk. Outdoor workers who do not cover their skin are
more prone to these problems. If you notice any area of skin that looks unusual,
or any lumps or moles that change shape, become irregular in shape, bleed,
change colour or become ulcerated (sore), then report this to your doctor.