Sunburn
Make sure you never burn
The two types of UV (Ultra-Violet) rays that can damage our skin are UVA and UVB.
UVA penetrates deeply into our skin and causes it to age, wrinkle and sag. Scientists now believe UVA rays can also cause skin cancer.
Exposure to UVB is more dangerous and is likely to be the major cause of all types of skin cancer. UVB has most effect on the cells just below the surface of the skin. In as little as 15 minutes, UVB rays can make the skin red, inflamed and painful. This is sunburn.
Sunburn can double your risk of skin cancer
Experts believe that having sunburn during childhood can significantly increase your risk of malignant melanoma. Some also say that your chances of developing this type of skin cancer are doubled by just one blistering sunburn before the age of 20.
It's easy to burn when you least expect it
Many cases of sunburn happen when people are not deliberately 'sunbathing' - you may be out of doors watching sport, doing the gardening or just sitting in the park.
We often forget how strong the sun can be. The sun does not need to feel hot to damage our skin. The heat in the sun comes from infra-red rays, not UV rays - so you can still burn on cool days.
What factors affect the intensity of UV radiation?
- Time of year
The highest risk months in the UK are usually May to September. Near the equator UV radiation remains high all year round, - Time of day
UV radiation is most intense when the sun is high in the sky, around midday. - Reflection
UV radiation can be reflected back from surfaces such as snow, sand, light paint, tiles, cement and water. These reflected rays could reach your face even under a hat. - Cloud cover
You can still burn on a day when there is thin cloud, but heavy cloud does offer some protection. - Altitude
UV radiation is greater at higher altitudes.
What to do if you do burn
If you do burn, it's very likely your skin will peel. This is the body's way of getting rid of damaged skin cells that could develop cancer.
Applying lots of moisturising cream can help relieve the dryness, but cannot undo the damage already done.
Drink plenty of water to reduce dehydration. And stay out of the sun completely until all the redness has gone.
Contacts
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Based on information kindly supplied by Cancer Research UK - www.sunsmart.org.uk
