SUNBURN

What is it ?

Sitting out in the sun can make your skin tan to a darker colour but this depends on skin type. However sitting out for too long without adequate protection will make the skin become red, burn and even blister. Overexposure can also cause sunstroke leading to headaches, dizziness, fever and vomiting.

Who gets it?

The people most at risk of getting sunburn are children and those with fair or freckly skin and ginger hair. However anyone can get burnt. Some medicines can also make you more sensitive to the sun, such as certain antibiotics, tranquillisers, antifungal agents, the contraceptive Pill and diuretics. If you think your medicine might be making you more sensitive to the sun ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

How to prevent sunburn

Apply a good sun protection cream before going out - not forgetting to protect lips, hands, ears and the back of the neck. Even if it is overcast or you plan to stay in the shade all day you will need sun protection cream (harmful rays can penetrate clouds). If you are going to swim use a waterproof sun cream and always remember to re-apply it afterwards. When you are not sunbathing or swimming wear protective clothing. A wide-brimmed hat and loose cotton clothing with long sleeves help protect the skin. Children especially should wear plenty of high sun factor cream and cover up. The closer the weave of your clothing, the better protection it will provide. There are special sun-protective outfits available for children, which include Legionaire's-style hats to protect the back of your childs neck. The sun is at its hottest between 1 Oam and 2pm so take extra care between these times. Better still try and stay indoors. If you must get a tan do so very gradually. Start with about 15 minutes exposure and then increase it by a few minutes each time you sunbathe.

How to treat sunburn

Apply a soothing compress dipped in cold water, cold skimmed milk or witch hazel. Cold plain yoghurt is also cooling and soothing. Apply to all sunburn areas then rinse off in a cool shower. A cool bath can also help ease the pain. Afterwards, pat the skin dry with a clean towel but do not rub the skin as you will make it worse. Soapy water or a bubble bath can irritate burnt skin. Moisturise your skin (for example with aqueous cream or E45) after a soak or compress as your skin will probably be quite dry after being sunburnt. Research has shown that aloe vera extract applied to a burn helps soothe the area and may help the skin to recover more quickly. lcepacks can also help if the burn is mild. An ideal icepack is a bag of frozen peas in a damp cloth held on the area for 15 minutes at a time while tea bags soaked in cool water and applied to eyelids will help reduce swelling and pain. Aspirin (300mg) or ibuprofen (200mg) can also help relieve the pain, itching, and swelling of sunburn. Take two tablets every four to six hours. Drink plenty of fluids - especially water - to counteract the drying effects of the sunburn.

When should I go to my GP?

Go to see a doctor if you are suffering from nausea, chills, fever, dizziness, lots of blistering, general weakness or severe itching. If the burn seems to be spreading or becomes more painful and red you may have an infection. See a doctor.

Other sources of information

Your GP's practice nurse will be able to give you useful advice about protecting yourself against sunburn. Your local chemist can also help you choose the best sun protection cream for you and your children.