Want to enjoy the sun but worried about sunburn
By Effective Communication
I’ve spent a lot of time out in the sun over the years and although I’ve got a lot more careful recently, I’m still a bit concerned about the damage I may have already done and more importantly, what I can do to protect myself now. I got quite sunburned last weekend – despite having applied suncream – but the last thing I want to do is have to hide from the sun when we see so little of it!
What’s the best thing to do?
There’s no doubt that for most people the sight of the sort of sunshine we’ve been experiencing recently gives a real boost and helps to engender far more positive feelings than the grey, dull days we’re normally so used to.
Summer brings with it a natural feel good factor and the sun also provides one of the body’s main sources of essential vitamin D. This is the vitamin that controls the absorption of calcium into the body and is essential for blood clotting. Recent research has pointed to the fact that low levels of vitamin D have been seen to be linked to conditions including diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Most of us build up adequate reserves during the summer months to last through the winter so I’d be loathed to suggest that you locked yourself in a darkened room until the autumn!
That said, it’s great to see that you’re taking the danger of over exposure so seriously and rightly so as the risks are real and potentially life threatening.
You mention having been recently sunburnt and this is a sign that the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun has penetrated your skin, damaging the genetic material in its cells – your DNA.
Damaged DNA can lead to cells growing out of control and it is this that increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
The pain that you feel from sunburn is basically your body attempting to repair the damage that has been caused and getting a serious case of sunburn even just a couple of times a year can markedly increase the risk of melanoma – the most serious type of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is now one of the most common cancers in the UK and over 2000 lives a year are now being claimed by it.
If you have exposed yourself to the sun a lot in the past, you need to be even more mindful of tell tale signs such as new or changing moles for example. It’s often the first sign of a problem so look at any moles you have and get familiar with them so that you know if any changes – darkening, changing shape or becoming itchy for example – occur.
If a mole has a jagged outline or is a combination of colours, immediately seek medical advice.
Some people are more prone to sunburn than others – usually people with fair skin or those who aren’t used to being out in the sun for long periods of time. Melanin levels tend to be lower and it is melanin naturally protects us against sun damage. If you’re a redhead you’ll be particularly susceptible as the melanin in the skin is a different type and one that is automatically less efficient when it comes to the protection afforded.
The main thing is to be sensible about how much you expose yourself to the sun from now on.
Even wearing suncream – as you’ve found – does not necessarily guarantee you won’t burn or at least do some damage. Of course it is essential that you do apply suncream – regularly and a factor of 15 or above – but don’t get complacent. It’s so easy to stay out longer because you think your higher factor is all the protection you need, but still get burnt.
Also make sure you’re applying your cream between 15-30minutes before going out in the sun as it takes this long to start working on the skin. And make sure you’ve chosen a cream that protects against both UVA (accelerate ageing) and UVB – the rays responsible for skin cancer. Sun damage is one of the common causes of premature skin ageing. You will have seen keen sun-worshippers – often with a deep tan – having a ‘leathery’ look to their skin as they get older or ‘sun spots’ on the backs of their hands.
Try to avoid the sun at its hottest times – usually between around midday and 3 o’clock and cover up with a thin layer of clothing if you feel your skin getting hot. I also always remind people about wearing a hat or covering their head while sunbathing – just because you can’t see it, it doesn’t mean that your scalp can’t be equally as damaged as other parts of the body. Eyes are sensitive too so look for sunglasses that as well as looking cool, afford UV protection!
It is all quite straightforward when you think about it but so many people still get caught out. Recognising that you’re not doing yourself any long term favours – either in terms of your looks or health – is the best incentive you need to stay sun safe.
Tags: Dr Jo Longstaffe, skin damage, sun burn, The Independent General Practice
