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 Everybody
seems to like sunny weather. Sunlight is a source
of natural light and energy. It is good for
our general health, has healing properties and
produces a feel good factor.
Many
people travel abroad from the UK specifically
in search of a sunnier climate. This is hardly
surprising when you consider the sort of weather
we often experience in a typical British summer.
Although
sunbathing may be enjoyable it must always be
remembered that excessive exposure to the sun's
rays is a health hazard due to the harmful effects
of ultraviolet radiation on the skin.
The
sun emits two kinds of ultraviolet rays:
- UVA
- which penetrate deeply into the skin and can
trigger allergies and cause premature ageing
and wrinkling.
- UVB
- these affect the upper layers of the skin
and trigger the production of melanin which
causes tanning. Too much causes burning, freckling
and thickening of the skin. They can also cause
skin cancers.
 They
are both present when the sun shines and can
both penetrate through cloud. Sun damage can
also occur when sunlight is 'reflected' from
water, sand or snow.
Sunburn
often affects skiers, climbers and trekkers at
high altitude where the intensity of the light
increases by stealth. The higher the altitude,the
more concentrated the sun's UV rays. Each 300
metre gain in altitude adds 4% to the sun's intensity.
The
sun's rays can also penetrate through water and
are effectively magnified. In shallow water the
rays can reflect off a sandy bottom. Being underwater
can therefore be deceptive due to the cooling
effect of the water.
Snorkelers
should always wear a tee shirt or similar to prevent
the sun burning their backs. Scuba divers are
not normally at risk due to their protective clothing
and they are often too deep for harmful UV penetration.
Sunburn
when it occurs is a major cause of distress to
travellers and can have long-term effects including
skin cancer and premature skin ageing. Over exposure
to the sun can also dehydrate the skin.
Remember:-
Sunburn is always preventable.
 Vulnerable
Groups include:-
- Fair
skinned people who very often have red or white
hair and blue eyes.
- Those
persons with certain medical conditions such
as albinism, lots of moles or a previous skin
cancer.
- Those
on certain medications such as tetracyclines
or diuretics.
- People
with certain skin conditions such as psoriasis,
eczema and vitiligo need to take special care
when they are in the sun.
- The
elderly, babies and young children are particularly
sensitive.
General
Precautions
Everyone
should avoid the midday sun, usually from
noon until 2pm
(3pm in the tropics).
Adults
should wear a broad brimmed hat, long sleeved
shirts and sunglasses. Children should wear long
sleeved shirts, hats and high-factor waterproof
sunscreen. Babies under 9 months should be kept
out of direct sunlight.
 Never
lie in the sun
to dry off after swimming, the skin will burn
in a matter of minutes.
High
altitude climbers etc. should wear a hat with
a neck cover and sunglasses with nose shields
and blinker side pieces.
Wear
cotton fabrics next to the skin, they are
cooler. Avoid loose weave fabrics that allow penetration
of the sun's rays.
 Sun
Factor Preparations
Sun factor preparations work by
reducing or blocking the effects of sunlight allowing
a person to stay in the sun longer. Everyone who
intends exposing themselves to direct sunlight
should consider using a preparation with an appropriate
Sun Protection Factor.
These
absorb ultraviolet B (UVB) and to a lesser extent
ultraviolet A (UVA).
The
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) refers to the protection
against UVB and will be marked on the outside
of the container. Factors range from 2 to as high
as 50.
 With
no protection, most people's skin will start
to burn after 10 minutes exposure to the sun.
The sun protection factor allows you sunbathe
longer in safety without burning e.g. An SPF
8 allows approximately 8 times longer sun exposure,
an SPF 15 allows 15 times longer etc.
There
is now a star system denoting UVA protection where
more stars indicates greater protection.(1 star
lowest, 4 stars highest).
Always
re-apply preparations after swimming, even if
they are waterproof. The effectiveness of the
protection will always decrease after immersion
in water.
N.B.
The re-application of a given factor does NOT
mean that the protection time is doubled.
Sun
Block Preparations
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To
find out which
Sun Protection Factor you need:-
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These
preparations are based on zinc oxide or titanium
dioxide and are applied thickly to particularly
sensitive areas like the lips and nose. They block
out the sun's harmful rays by forming a reflective
barrier.
They
are particularly useful for persons going to high
altitude where the rays are more intense, and
are also popular with certain sports people such
as cricketers who spend long periods in the sun.
Treatment
of sunburn 
- Get
the person out of the sun.
- Cool
the skin where possible with cold running water,
a cold shower or immersion in a cool to luke
warm bath.
- Avoid
direct pressure to the burnt area.
- Give
pain killers.
- Apply
calamine lotion, witch hazel or a proprietary
after sun lotion. After sun is very effective
at cooling, calming and moisturising the skin,
it will also help to prevent peeling.
Hyperthermia
This
condition occurs when the body is unable to cool
its core temperature sufficiently and overheats.
It is manifest in two distinct ways:-
Heat
Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
These are both the result of hot weather or working
in hot conditions. Heat stroke can be fatal and
is often the result of heat exhaustion.
Heat
exhaustion is characterised by:
- Headache
dizziness and nausea
- Cramps
in the limbs and/or abdomen
- Profuse
sweating with pale, clammy skin
- Rapid,
weak breathing and pulse
 When
someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, try
to cool them down by removing them from direct
sunlight into the shade. Lie them down and apply
lukewarm (not cold) water with a sponge or similar.
They should be encouraged to drink as much rehydration
solution as they can take. Allow them to rest
until they fully recover, monitoring closely
for any signs of deterioration.
Heat
stroke is a serious condition caused by failure
of the body's natural thermostat resulting in
an inability to cool itself down by normal means.
It usually occurs as a result of exposure to very
hot surroundings. The onset can be sudden, resulting
in unconsciousness in a matter of minutes. Medical
assistance should be sought as soon as possible.
 The
main signs of heat stroke are:
- Headache,
dizziness, confusion & restlessness
- Hot,
flushed, dry skin due to failure of sweating
mechanism
- Full,
bounding pulse
- Body
temperature above 40C
- Rapid
deterioration in the level of response
When
heat stroke occurs the main priority is to cool
the patient down as quickly as possible but never
use ice or very cold water to avoid thermal shock
which could kill them.
Remove
the patient from any heat source and wrap them
in a cool, wet sheet and keep them well ventilated.
Make sure the sheet remains wet. Monitor closely
for signs of cardio-respiratory failure and be
prepared to resuscitate if necessary. When the
temperature drops below 38C the wet sheet can
be removed but if their temperature begins to
rise again, replace it and continue as before.
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