Sunburn in a patient
(1) Wear proper clothing
Clothing can be an excellent sun protection tool. It can shade your skin from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Clothing is a physical sunscreen that doesn't wash or wear off. Its protection can last all day. But not all clothing is sun protective. Many fabrics block the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UV), but not all fabrics block enough UV to be classified as sun protective. The three primary factors that affect the sun protective quality of clothing are style, weave and chemical enhancement. Long-sleeved shirts with collars, long pants, and shoes and socks provide more protection and fabrics with a tight weave block more sunlight than loosely woven fabrics. Clothing may be treated with chemical absorbers to increase their UV protectiveness. Some common laundry detergents contain optical brighteners that can improve UV absorption and make garments more sun safe.
(2) Use proper suncreens
Sunscreen, when used correctly, is an effective means of sun protection. It is estimated that consistent use of sunscreen in childhood and adolescence could reduce skin cancer incidence by 78%. However, sunscreen should not be your first or only defense against UV. There are many type of sunscreen available on the Irish market, either as lotions, sprays, lip balms or towelettes. Spray-on sunscreens are becoming increasingly popular.as they allow you to get to all those awkward-to-reach areas!. Ideally sunscreen should be used in addition to shade and protective clothing. It should be used to protect against normal sun exposure, not to prolong it. All sunscreens block UVB--the burning rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens block UVB and some UVA--the aging rays that penetrate more deeply into the skin. Sunscreens ability to prevent sunburn are measured by a level called the SPF.
(3) Use proper SPF level
A product's SPF (sun protection factor) indicates how long it will protect you against burning. If you can usually sit in the sun for 10 minutes without burning, regularly applying an SPF of 15 will theoretically allow you to stay in the sun 15 times longer. SPF is a measure of UVB protection only. Currently, no standard exists to label UVA protection from a sunscreen. Choose sunscreen with an SPF 15 or more. Higher SPFs will provide more protection for a longer amount of time. The SPF is calculated by each manufacturer for their own particular product so it is important to remember that SPF may differ between brands of sunscreen. All sun protection factors are based on how long it takes for unprotected skin to burn (average length of time = 10 minutes). For example, if you use SPF 15+ the protection offered would last approximately 2-3 hours i.e. (10 minutes X 15 =150 minutes). The SPF is a rough guide only, therefore care and attention should be given to skin type, the strength of the rays or sunshine, time of day, season and latitude from the equator. Many products including Antherpos or Uvistat Lip screen offer lip protection especially in people who are prone to recurrent herpes labialitis. The protection you need depends on your skin type, the amount of sunlight to which you're exposed..
(4) How do sunscreens work?
Sunscreen ingredients are classified as either chemical or physical. Chemical sunscreen ingredients are absorbed into the skin and work by absorbing UV radiation. Most chemical sunscreen ingredients absorb UVB rays only. Two chemical sunscreen ingredients absorb some UVA. Physical sunscreen ingredients lie on top of the skin and work by reflecting or scattering UV radiation. Two physical sunscreen ingredients block UVB and most UVA. Many sunscreen products contain a combination of chemical and physical sunscreen ingredients to make them more effective and less allergenic. See some active ingredients below: Always reapply sunscreens after water sports, games or exercise. Children play outdoors during the hottest part of the day whilst at school, therefore it is wise to apply an SPF 15+ to your children before they go to school. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside to give the chemicals time to work. Sunscreens have a shelf life of about 2 years after which time the chemicals separate from the solution. If your sunscreen feels gritty, the chemicals have likely separated and it should be thrown away.
(5) Always use proper suglasses
We should remember that over-exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UV) can also cause cataracts and macular degeneration, both leading causes of blindness later in life. Sunglasses can reduce the amount of UV to the eye by 80%. Large lens that wrap around to the temples offer greater protection by shielding the eyes from the side. All sunglasses should block some UV, but not all sunglasses block 100% of UV. It is also a fallacy that polycarbonate, polarized and blue-blocking lenses necessarily offer greater UV protection, although this makes good nocturnal telemarketing viewing. There is no SPF or UPF rating for the UV protection of sunglasses. If you have lived in Australia or New Zealand you may be familiar with the Eye Protection Factor (EPF), a measure used on labels in to show the UV protection provided by a pair of sunglasses or goggles. EPF measures the ability of the lens to block UV from passing through it and reaching the eye. Australia and New Zealand use an EPF rating system from 1 to 10.
(6) Remember to protect your baby
Many dermatologists estimate that consistent use of sunscreen in childhood could help prevent 80% of all skin cancers in later life. Emulsions such as Anthelios XL contain aluminium hydroxide and can be used with infants and with highly intolerant skin. During sunny periods liberal sunscreen application should become a daily routine each morning before dressing or 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Heatwaves in Ireland are not uncommon, therefore sunscreens are useful in handbags and first-aid boxes. It is important to apply sunscreens as recommended by the manufacturer. Most sunscreens identify a sun protection factor (SPF) which can range from SPF - SPF60+. There is a wide range of sunscreens available in Boots such as Ambre Solaire Kids Spray SPF 30 This formula offers 30 times the skin's natural protection against sunburn, with natural extracts and Vitamin E. It has been developed especially for children, this formula contains a highly effective patented filtration system which effectively protects your child's skin against UVA and UVB rays which cause sunburn and can lead to serious long term damage. It is highly sand and water resistant. Piz Buin Mountain Sun Cream SPF 50+ gives protection for extreme outdoor conditions. It also protects against cold and wind and gives photostable UVA/UVB protection. Simple Baby & Toddler Block SPF 50 is specially formulated for young sensitive skin and helps prevent sun induced skin allergies. Remember, babies should always be protected from the sun. .
(7) Stay away from sunbeds and solariums
Ultraviolet radiation (UVA rays) emitted from sunbeds and solariums is now known to have harmful effects on skin. Suncreams and Lotions such as Uvistat contain chemical agents and titanium dioxide and are UVA protectants. Excessive use of sunbeds can cause rapid ageing of the skin, long term damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. There is no such thing as a safe tan. Many people today use sunbeds to develop or maintain a tan. Some people believe that a suntan from a sunbed is a safe tan. Skin specialists say a tan is a sign of skin damage and advise everyone to avoid the use of sunbeds and solariums. This is especially important for the very fair skinned and persons under the age of sixteen. Likewise, persons with skin cancer or those with a family history of skin cancer should never use sunbeds or solariums.
Dr. Patrick Treacy has a H.Dip. Dermatology and is Medical Director of the Ailesbury Clinic. He has a special interest in skin ageing, photorejuvenation and cutaneous cancers.
