Slip, slap, slop. Taking the sting out of the sun

With the holiday season upon us, don't ruin your long awaited break by getting badly burnt in the sun or putting yourself at risk of getting sunstroke.

The days of unprotected sunning are gone.  This summer don't be caught in the sun without some form of protection!  Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen.

As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members - and future members - on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with some advice and tips if you are going to spend some time relaxing in the sun this holiday period and the impact of sunburn on your health!

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 do 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.

What exactly is sunburn? 
Sunburn is an inflammation of the skin, which has been caused by over exposure to the harmful rays of the sun.  This in itself can create a number of complications.  For example, when temperatures soar, protection is needed against heat rash, heat stroke and sunburn.

Can sunburn cause skin cancer?
Everyone needs protection from both the sun's ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) rays which cause sunburn, skin cancer and ageing.  It is particularly important that special caution be taken with children.  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.  Children should always wear hats and specially designed swimwear, which will cover their tender skins.

Is it important to wear sunscreen?
A sunscreen or total sunblock is an important accessory when heading outdoors.  If possible, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun, since it takes that long to be absorbed into the skin.  The SPF (sun protection factor) in a sunscreen provides an indication of the amount of protection being offered.  For example, a tested SPF of 23 implies that the user can remain in the sun twenty-three times longer than without protection, before burning. 

Before applying sunscreen, check the expiry date on the bottle and replace it if necessary.  Remember to shake the bottle before applying, and reapply lotion after sunbathing, towel drying, or after sweating heavily.

What happens if I am sunburnt?
In the event of over exposure to the sun apply cool tap-water compressed for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times per day, until the redness subsides.  This can provide immense relief since the evaporating water will moisten and cool the skin.

A sunburn relief spray or moisturising cream will further ease discomfort but be careful of using 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.

Before embarking on your ‘sun worshipping schedule' this holiday, please take a look at some of our cautionary advice:

• Don't wait for a healthy red glow to appear before reaching for your hat or sunblock. In fact, most sunburns do not reach their peak colour until six to twenty-four hours after sun exposure
• Always wear protective clothing, hats and shirts before going out into the sun
• The experts say that even 30 minutes in the sun is too long!
• As you move inland, above sea level, the sun's rays become more intense
• Avoid being out in the sun between 11h00 and 15h00 when the sun is at its strongest
• 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
• 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

An important point to remember as well is that UVA rays pass through glass. A person sitting near a window (unless tinted for sun screening) is also susceptible to the damaging rays of the sun.

If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs or questions, you can phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or send a SMS to 083 450 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your health and well-being.