How can I protect my skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays?
Particular care is needed to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays to prevent skin burning, which can lead to skin cancer in the long term.
Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is an important part of preventing skin burns, which can lead to skin cancer in the long term.
What to consider
The sun's rays are most intense between noon and 4 pm and can also break through clouds. In summer, it is advisable to stay mainly in the shade during this time.
Bare areas of skin should be covered with a sunscreen that is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of at least 30. Apply 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of the body.
It is recommended to apply sunscreen for at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. The ears, nose, lips, back of the neck, hands, the area along the hairline, and hairless regions of the scalp should also be protected.
When outdoors in the sun, the sunscreen should be reapplied to the skin every two hours.
How to care for your child's skin
It is recommended to choose a sunscreen with SPF 50 protection for the child. Skin protectants for babies from 3 months of age are available from pharmacies.
The sunscreen should have as broad a spectrum of UVB and UVA as possible. It is recommended to renew the sunscreen every 2 hours.
It is best to apply sunscreen an hour before going out in the sun.
Children under one year of age are recommended to be in the shade only.
If it is the first time your child has been in the sun, sunbathing should be no longer than 5 minutes.
Older children can stay no longer than an hour and only when wearing sunscreen and a head covering.
The new generation of sunscreens has a blue pigment added to allow you to see where the cream has been applied and where it has not.
What to do if you get a sunburn
Sunburn usually manifests itself about 6 hours after sun exposure.
Important - if you have sunburnt skin, you should not use the popular method of applying an acidic cream to your skin.
The first aid for sunburnt skin is a cool compress or shower. Then apply a moisturizing lotion containing, for example, aloe vera, and dexpanthenol.
The blisters of fluid resulting from the burn should not be broken or squeezed out, as the damaged skin is left unprotected.
If the burned skin causes severe pain, an over-the-counter analgesic and anti-inflammatory can be taken. If the sensations are particularly unpleasant and allergic, you may need an over-the-counter anti-allergy medicine - an antihistamine.
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
For more information on prolonged exposure to high temperatures, please read: Measures to avoid damage to health in this hot season
