Sun Smart Awareness Month

The days of unprotected sunning are gone!

Unfortunately there is no such thing as a safe tan, since tanning is a sign of skin damage. Contrary to what many people believe, an already tanned body or a dark complexion does not protect the skin from harm.  A freckled face may be cute, but it shows vulnerability to sun damage and is a sign you might already have had excessive exposure to the sun.

Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin that has been caused by over exposure to the harmful rays of the sun.  This in itself can create a number of complications such as heat rash, heatstroke and sunburn.

Special caution should be taken with children as evidence suggests that serious sunburn during childhood may be a more important factor in the development of adult malignant melanoma (skin cancer) than total lifetime exposure to the sun.  Because children have a larger proportion of skin to body mass than adults, severe sunburn can furthermore cause serious fluid and electrolyte imbalances.

Taking the sting out of the sun

* don't wait for a healthy red glow to appear before reaching for your hat or sun block.  In fact, most sunburns do not reach their peak colour until six to twenty-four hours after sun exposure!

* sunbathe sensibly by limiting sun exposure to approximately 30 minutes only at the beginning of summer.  Increase your exposure to the sun gradually;

* just like medicines, a sunscreen has a shelf-life which impacts on its effectiveness;

* avoid sunbathing between 12h00 and 14h00 when the sun is at its strongest;

* as you move inland, above sea level, the sun's rays become more intense;

* don't skip the sunscreen when it is slightly overcast, particularly not if you are on the beach, since ultraviolet light can penetrate light cloud cover;

* exposure to the sun whilst overdressed only adds to skin distress.  So do thick lotions and oils, such as petroleum jelly, which prevent moisture evaporation and therefore block pores resulting in heat rash;

* if possible, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun, since it takes that long to be absorbed into the skin;

* diet has some bearing on sun protection since recent studies seem to indicate that a diet high in beta-carotene (leafy greens, yellow vegetables and fruits) may ward off the ravages of the sun by reducing the detrimental effects of UVA rays;

* beware of the glare, particularly at the seaside, where you are unlikely to find natural shade.  Do not rely on a beach umbrella alone since it cannot protect the very young or elderly from the reflected glare of sun on sand.  Instead, pitch a small beach tent, which will provide adequate shelter;

* UVA rays pass through glass, and a person sitting near a window (unless it is tinted for sun screening) is also susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun.

For relief from sunburn

In the event of over exposure to the sun the application of cool tap-water compresses for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times per day, until the redness subsides, can provide immense relief.  The evaporating water will moisten and cool the skin.

A sunburn relief spray or moisturising cream will further ease discomfort.  Never use petroleum jelly on a burn, since it will seal out the air needed to ensure healing.  Unless prescribed by a doctor, antihistamines should not be used in this instance.  Painkillers are a better alternative to ease discomfort caused by sunburn.  Contrary to popular belief, aspirin will not prevent skin damage!

In the case of severe sunburn, blistering, pain, nausea, or chills, a doctor should be called immediately. Steroid ointments or creams may be prescribed, and large blisters might have to be drained and dressed.

Skin cancer

With skin cancer self-screening is the operative word!  Regularly examine all moles, warts and sunspots and see your doctor immediately should any change occur.