Now that summer is in full swing and a heatwave is affecting parts of the UK, healthcare professionals from Epsom and St Helier hospitals are urging local residents to take care in the sunshine.
Dr James Marsh, Joint Medical Director, said: “Everybody loves the summer, but it’s important for us to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays and stay healthy in hot weather.
“Over the coming days, I would advise people to stay out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoid sunburn and keep hydrated with plenty of cool drinks. Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it’s important to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible.”
Dr Marsh also has advice for people who are planning to get out into the sunshine or gearing up for their summer holidays. He said: “Too much sunlight can damage your skin. Some of this damage is temporary, such as sunburn, but allowing your skin to burn can lead to future problems, such as skin cancer due to long-term skin damage.
“According to Cancer Research UK, over the last thirty years rates of malignant melanoma (a common form of skin cancer) in the UK have risen faster than any of the current ten most common cancers. It’s therefore vital that you take some simple steps to protect your skin when you’re enjoying the sunshine.
“Whether you have fair hair and pale skin or the complete opposite complexion, anybody at any age can burn; especially children as they have very delicate skin.
“Using at least a SPF (sun protection factor) 15 is vital in protecting your skin; the higher the factor, the better. I would suggest when protecting children’s skin, to use a sunscreen formulated specifically for children to be absolutely sure their skin will not be irritated by the cream.
“In addition, it’s important to note that sunscreen has a use-by date. Normally, sunscreens have a shelf life of two – three years but only last 12-18 months after the bottle has been opened. This is sometimes how whole families end up coming back from a day at the beach burnt to a crisp. Be sure to check your sunscreens before spending time in the sun!”
Top advice for being sun safe:
• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm;
• apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection;
• wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes;
• wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, a hat and light scarf;
• drink lots of cool drinks;
• look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses;
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.