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, experts warn.
Xander Loubser, spokesperson for Best Care ambulance services, shared a few tips on how to prevent sunburn:
Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 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, so apply it at an hourly interval. Apply especially when swimming or sweating.”
Loubser said people should always check the expiration date of the sunscreen, and 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 are preferable.
Shade
Look for a spot with a lot of shade when relaxing, especially at midday.
Loubser said another concern was dehydration in hot conditions.
“This is especially true if you are actively involved in playing games and running around. Thus, ensure you have water packed for your day outdoors.”
Loubser said decreased blood sugar levels were also a risk. Ensure you have enough energy bars 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 a patient with second degree burns 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.
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