Beware of sunburn
Take precautions against sunburn, which could be dangerous to your health.
Beware of sunburn this upcoming holiday. Frolicking or lazing in the sun could be dangerous to your health because of the risk of skin cancer, warn experts.
Xander Loubser, spokesperson for Best Care Ambulance services, shared a few tips on how to prevent sunburn:
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) in it – 15 or higher before going outside. Use both UVA and UVB protection. (You can ask your pharmacist which is the best on the market) “Sunscreen wears off, thus apply it in an hourly interval. Apply especially when swimming or sweating.”
Loubser said people should always check the expiration date of the sunscreen, and also store it at manufactured guided temperatures to prevent it from becoming ineffective.
Clothing: Wear clothing that can protect exposed skin. Darker clothes offer more protection than lighter clothes. Wear hats that can cover your whole face and if possible your neck and ears as well. Sunglasses with UV protection is preferable.
Shade: Look for a spot with a lot of shade when relaxing, especially during the midday.
Loubser said another concern was dehydration in hot conditions.
“This is more especially if you are actively involved in playing games and running around. Thus, ensure that you have proper hydration (water) packed for your day outdoors.”
Loubser said decreased blood sugar levels were also a risk when actively playing games and running around. Ensure that you have enough energy bars and sugar packed for your day in the sun.
Turning to the treatment of sunburn, he said first-degree burns were characterised by severe pain, redness and warm skin. Second- degree burns manifested the same symptoms, but also featured blisters.
“It is recommended that this patient be transported to hospital for fluid management. As ambulance personnel we already initiate the fluid management on arrival of the scene.”
Loubser said sunburn would not be discovered immediately, but only in the evening, during the night or the next day.
He had the following advice:
– Do not open blisters.
– Do not apply foreign material on the burns.
– If a person collapsed, turn the individual on the side and perform CPR if necessary.
– Call for emergency services for help.
