Stay sun-safe these holidays

As we head into the holiday period, South Africans are reminded that the harsh radiation of the sun’s rays can potentially cause irreversible damage to the skin and eyes.

Peter Vincent of Netcare Travel Clinics cautions, “South Africa has high levels of year-round ambient radiation from the sun, and we should therefore remain vigilant about taking measures to protect our skin, even during the cooler months.”

He explained that South Africans are at higher risk for chronic exposure to harmful UV radiation, which is the leading cause of skin cancer. An estimated 30 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in this country is a type of skin cancer.

Over-exposure to the sun’s rays may also cause sunburn, premature skin ageing and damage to the eyes, increasing the risk of developing cataracts in later life. Being sun safe is therefore not only a critical aspect of skin cancer prevention but also of protecting other aspects of our health.

How to protect yourself from the sun:

• Stay out of the direct rays of the sun where possible, especially between 9am and 4pm, when ultraviolet rays are strongest.
• Always apply sunscreen or sunblock to protect your skin. Apply sunscreen of at least factor 30 (more if you have fair skin or other risk factors) approximately 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. Keep sunscreen handy and reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating excessively.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim that extends all the way around and shades your face and the back of your neck. Where possible wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, preferably made with fabric offering complete UV protection.
• Solar radiation is reduced in shaded areas so seek out the shade of a tree or use an umbrella on hot days. Make sure that your umbrella offers 100 per cent UV protection.
• Place emphasis on protecting children with sunscreen and clothing, as they have more delicate skin and most sun-related skin damage occurs before the age of 18. Children under the age of one should not be exposed to the direct rays of the sun at all.
• Wear good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Avoid tanning and do not tan under artificial sunlamps and sunbeds, which have been strongly associated with skin damage.
• Regularly inspect your body for new growths and size, shape and colour changes to moles. Also be sure to check for moles that may have developed under the nails, the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet. If you have any concerns about any moles, changes to the skin, or sores that don’t heal, don’t delay in having these investigated by your doctor.