Spring weather brings first sunburn danger

Spring is coming - and with it the sunburn danger

07/03/2015

Finally the temperatures are rising. The spring weather is driving many people out this weekend. But sun worshipers should be careful. Due to the increased UV radiation there is an increased risk of sunburn. Experts advise sufficient sun protection.

Protect skin from sunburn
The spring-like temperatures drive many people outdoors. But fresh air fans should be careful. Who wants to use the spring weather for the first sunbath of the year, should protect his skin. The spokesman for the Lower Saxony Medical Association, Jörg Blume, advises in a report by the dpa news agency. „Now in March, UV radiation is already rising significantly“, so flower. „Anyone who stays in the sun for a longer period of time should therefore think of adequate sun protection already at this time of the year.“ This is especially true for sensitive skin types, especially in the mountains and over snow. Basically, an individual consultation with the dermatologist is important for skin problems.

Textiles more important than sunscreens
The chairman of the professional association of German dermatologists in Lower Saxony, Wolfgang Lensing, recommends a simple test for the UV permeability of garments. „Whether a headgear offers enough protection, for example, can be quickly found out by holding it against a headlight. If no light shines through, that's a good sign“, explains the expert. In addition, he adds that textiles for sunburn protection are more important than sunscreens. The dermatologist points out two things to consider when using sun creams: „You should always test a sunscreen first for its own skin compatibility, before you use it over a large area. And if you use them over a large area, it is important to rub very extensively with the creams to increase their effectiveness.“

Home remedy for sunburn
But then when the emergency occurs, you should be the first aid in case of sunburn cool the affected skin. But home remedies such as moist envelopes usually help quite well. Other home remedies for sunburn are cottage cheese, yogurt, aloe vera or healing earth. In case of severe symptoms, cortisone-containing ointments are sometimes prescribed by the doctor for relief. A doctor should definitely be consulted if blisters develop on the skin, the skin is dark red and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, fever, chills, headache and dizziness occur. Because these symptoms are signs of a sunstroke and should be urgently treated by a doctor. However, this danger in our latitudes usually does not threaten in the spring.

Sunburn increases skin cancer risk
Much better than the treatment of sunburn, however, is the prevention. Especially as sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer. Although the chances of recovery are very good, this should not lead to carelessness. Dermatologists warn that sufferers who once had a tumor, have to check again and again by the doctor, as the skin cells can degenerate again. According to Lensing, UV exposure in Germany has risen significantly over the past 30 years. „This is especially true for spring and fall“, explains the expert. The reason for this is that the UV permeability of the atmosphere protection of the earth has changed. (Ad)