Sunburn means more than pain

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 28, 3 December 1985, Page 12

Sunburn means more than pain

Many people think soaking up the sun makes them healthy, but in general this is not so. An immediate result of over-exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays is severe sunburn, sometimes accompanied by painful blisters and fever. Another result of too much sun is prematurely aged skin because its elasticity is weakened. Dark patches and scaly, grey growths called keratoses, which are often precancerous, may also appear. Skin cancer is the worst result of constant overexposure to the sun. Visible early warnings of skin cancer include: •a sore that does not heal, •change in size or colour of a wart or mole, •development of any unusual pigmented area. If found early enough, skin cancer can be removed with little trouble. See your doctor if you notice any of these early signs.

People with fair skins are at greater risk from skin damage than darker-skinned people. Certain drugs, such as some antibiotics, antibacterial agents in medicated soaps and creams, barbituates and birth control pills, can make the skin more susceptible to burning. It is best to sunbathe before 10.00am and after 3.00pm, when ultraviolet

rays are weaker, or lie out for a maximum of 1 5 minutes during the dangerous hours. Develop your tan gradually in short spells. Many chemical sunscreens are available and should be psed constantly with frequent applications when you are exposed to the sun, or alternatively wear protective clothing, including a wide brimmed hat.

Remember that you are not fully protected in the shade, on a cloudy day, or under water, as the ultraviolet rays will be only partially deflected. You can also get burned when wearing wet clothing, because the water drops funnel at least half of the ultraviolet power to your skin.

Leigh

Berry

Public Health Nurse