Health risk due to first spring sun

Even before the spring sun, the skin should be protected

26.03.2012

The spring sun also requires sun protection. Given the sunny weather of recent days, experts warn of the possible effects of the spring sun for the skin.

Even the sun in the spring can lead to sunburns and an increased risk of skin cancer, explained Dirk Meyer-Rogge from the Professional Association of German Dermatologists in Berlin and Prof. Jörg Reichrath from the Department of Dermatology in Homburg told the news agency „dpa“. Arms, face, neck, back of the hand and décolletage should therefore already be protected with sunscreen when staying outdoors, the experts say.

Spring sunshine can cause sunburn and increased skin cancer risk
The sunny weather, the blue sky and the mild temperatures are a great way to spend some time outdoors and sunbathe. But even the first rays of the spring sunshine can cause sunburn and significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, said the dermatologists. Although many are convinced that the spring sun is not a problem for the skin, but this is a mistake, according to Meyer-Rogge. Because even the first rays of the sun in spring could burn the skin. As a rule of thumb, according to Dirk Meyer-Rogge, the uncovered skin should be protected with sunscreen when staying outdoors from late March to late September. The expert recommends the same sun protection factor as in the summer, because it is a mistake to believe that in spring a lower sun protection factor is sufficient. Sun advises Meyer-Rogge already in the spring to sunscreen with the SPF 50. In order to ensure the sunscreen even when sweating, the cream should also be waterproof, according to the expert.

Sunbathing at lunchtime with increased health risk
If a suitable sun protection is taken into account, the spring sun is not a problem even when staying outdoors all day long (for example, on a hike or bike ride). But those affected should not forget about the after-cream, said Meyer-Rogge. So the sunscreen should be applied once in the morning and again in the early afternoon. Since the midday sun is the strongest force, it is also not a good idea to take a sunbath over lunchtime. Here Meyer-Rogge advises using a parasol or staying in the shade of a tree. Although the (midday) sun is not as intense during spring as it is in midsummer, it should by no means be underestimated. After all, the skin has hardly any pigments after the winter and is clearly pale, which significantly increases the risk of sunburn. Thus, the risk of sunburn due to the lack of pigmentation in spring is much higher than in autumn, the experts said.

Sunbeams required to build up vitamin D.
If the skin is not sufficiently protected and suffers from a sunburn, this is not only unpleasant in the short term, but also brings with it a considerable health risk in the long term. For sunburn is considered the main risk factor for the dangerous black skin cancer (malignant melanoma), explained Prof. Jörg Reichrath of the University Department of Dermatology in Homburg. Sufficient sun protection is therefore also important in spring to prevent the skin cancer-causing UV rays. In addition, risk of white skin cancer is largely due to the long-term effect of UV radiation, which is why a corresponding sun protection also offers significant benefits here. Instead of sunscreen, according to the experts, textiles can contribute to the protection from the sun, but a sunbathing with full clothing should not come to mind. In addition, the sun should not be shunned too much, as sunlight plays a vital role in the production of vitamin D, explained Prof. Jörg Reichrath. In the living conditions in this country, vitamin D must be built up to 90 percent in the skin, with the sun's rays take on an important function for the organism. The expert recommends carefully leaving the spring sun on your own skin and gradually increasing the dose. (Fp)

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