reduce your risk of sunburn by following these tips

Sunburn is the skin damage

Sunburn is the skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. It usually causes the skin to become red, inflamed, warm and painful, and sometimes itchy you for about a week.

- The skin will usually start to crumble and peel after a few days and will usually heal within seven days.

- As sunburn is often short-term and moderate, it is important to try to avoid it, as it can increase your chances of having serious health problems, such as skin cancer later in life.

- It is easy to underestimate exposure to the sun when you are out, as the redness usually only appears after several hours, and the breezes and wetness (such as going out of the sea) can cool your skin, so you may not realize you have been burned.

- You should always be aware of the risk of sunburn if you are out exposed to a strong sun, and be aware that your skin is exposed to heat.

What to do if exposed to sunburn?

If you or your child are exposed to sunburn, you should stay away from the sun as soon as possible - turn inside or into a shady area.

You can usually treat light sunburn at home, although there are some cases where you should seek medical advice (see below).

The following tips may help relieve your symptoms until your skin heals:-

- Cool the skin by placing cool water compresses or by using a cold bath or shower - applying cold pressure, such as a cold cloth, to the affected area may also help.

- Drink plenty of fluids to cool and prevent dehydration.

- Place water-based or mineral-based emollients (such as Vaseline) to keep your skin cool and moist.

- Taking painkillers to relieve pain - Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16.

- Try to avoid sunlight, including through windows, by covering areas affected by the skin until your skin is fully healed.

When to seek medical advice:

You should contact your doctor if you feel ill or have any concerns about your sunburn, especially if you have been burned to a large area or have had any of the more severe symptoms listed below.

You should also check with your doctor if a young child or baby is exposed to sunburn, since their skin is fragile.

Signs of severe sunburn can include:

- Blisters or blisters on the skin.

- Shudder.

- High temperature.

- Dizziness, headache and feeling sick.

Severe sunburn may require special creams and burns from your doctor or nurse at a doctor's office. Hospital treatment may be needed at times.

Who are at risk of sunburn?

Anyone exposed to ultraviolet radiation is at risk of sunburn, although some people are more susceptible to infection than others.

You may be more likely to have sunburn if:

- Your skin was pale, white or light brown.

- You had freckles or red or blond hair.

- Exposure to intense sunshine sometimes - on holiday, for example.

- If you are in a hot country where the sun is particularly severe.

Prevention of sunburn

There is also a risk of sunburn in other weather conditions. For example, reflected light on snow can also cause sunburn. Be aware that cloudy skies and cold breezes can make you feel cold and reduce the amount of sunlight you have experienced, but may still be exposed to harmful levels of sunlight.

You can reduce your risk of sunburn by following these tips:

- Avoid exposure to the sun when the sun is strong - stay in the shade as much as possible, protect yourself with loose clothing and a hat and use a solar condom.

- Place a generous amount of sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out into the sun and put it back at least every two hours until the water resistant sunscreen must be re-placed after getting out of the water.

- When you buy a solar condenser, choose a type that has a high protection factor (SPF) - the protective sun visor offers the best protection.

- You should also wear sunglasses when going out in the sun to reduce the risk of harmful UV rays to your eyes.

- Remember the extra care for young children, as their skin is sensitive and more easily damaged by the sun.