Be sun smart

Tips to be safe in the sun from the Cancer Association of South Africa:

• Stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm – stay under the shade of trees or an umbrella as much as possible.
• Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and re-apply at least every two to three hours.
• Wear sunglasses with a UV protection rating of UV400.
• Wear protective clothing and swimsuits and thickly-woven fabric hats with wide brims – avoid caps where the neck are ears are exposed.

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays produces red, tender, swollen skin that may develop water blisters. Severe cases of sunburn and heat exposure can result in more serious consequences requiring emergency care.

A cold shower or application of cool, damp towels to the skin give the quickest relief from the pain and heat of sunburn. Mild cases of sunburn with no blistering can be relieved by the use of some commercial preparations. Severe cases with blistering may require medical care. Fever, nausea, headache and even delirium may occur in extreme cases.

Treatment:

• Cool damp towels may provide some relief.
• Encourage the person to drink fluids, especially water.
• Aspirin may help to reduce pain and fever.
• Do not attempt to break the blisters – infection can set in easily.