Sun safety
Precautions in the sun
Take precautions reduce issues related to over exposure and the longer-term effects from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunburn can really spoil a holiday. UVA and UVB rays cause greatest sun damage, from sun burn to the long-term effects of skin damage and skin cancer.
Environment and temperature at destination - do your research and know what to expect and buy the correct strength of sun cream (Sun Protection Factor- SPF). In the UK there is a ‘star’ system to show the amount of UVA protection a cream gives you, 5 the highest and 0 the lowest.
Sun cream The SPF factor is in theory a multiplication of burn time. For example, if the burn time is 5 minutes and you have a sun cream with SPF 20 protection equals 5x 20 = 100 minutes. Factors affecting this time include sweating, swimming or ineffective application so cream should be regularly reapplied. There is nothing healthy about a tan - it is actually sun damaged skin.
Travellers at greater risk of sun damage Babies and young children, the immunosuppressed, people with certain conditions or on certain medication and those with fair skin. Doxycycline is an antibiotic that can cause a rash after exposure to sunlight.
Top tips for sun safety
Time of day Avoid being out 11am to 3pm
Sun cream apply 30 minutes before going in sun. Reapply every two hours if swimming, exercising or excessive sweating. Apply SPF 30 or above and UVA rating of 4/5 even on cloudy days. Make sure you cover tops of your ears , shoulders, nose and lips.
Avoid “once a day” sunscreens.
Clothing - Cover up. You can burn though thin or loose weave clothing. Wear a wide brim hat. Wear sunglasses, around snow or water to protect eyes and reduce risk problems like cataracts.
Babies (under 6 months) should avoid all direct sun exposure. Take special care with small children using protective clothing and high factor sun screens.
Environment - altitude, cloud cover, wind, time of day, reflection, and season can effect or mask UV strength.