Avoid sun only in moderation and sunburn

Enjoy sun only in moderation and avoid sunburn

23/05/2012

The midsummer temperatures of the last few days even lure couch potato into the fresh air. It is particularly important to protect the skin from sunburn. Whether when cycling, sunbathing on the beach or on the lawn, the intense sunshine can easily lead to burns of the skin. In addition, sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer
The dermatologist dr. Thomas Stavermann told the news agency "dpa" that a sunburn is nothing but burnt skin. "The UV rays of the sun can heat up and damage the skin if exposed too long," says the expert. Dermatologist Joachim Christ sees here a great danger in the overload of the skin, which has the release of messengers such as histamine result. This is also responsible for the fact that it comes to an expansion of the vessels, redness and itching. However, the most serious effect of sunburn can be skin cancer. Due to the intense sunlight, the risk of developing this type of cancer is significantly increased, according to the experts. If the skin cells are overloaded by the sun, this can result in degeneration of skin cells. Horn cells develop so-called keratoses, which are optically similar to warts and can degenerate into white skin cancer. The particularly dangerous black skin cancer can arise from mutated pigment-forming cells.

Despite the high risk, the risk of sunburn is often underestimated. "The skin of us Europeans, however, has only a self-protection time of about ten minutes," reports Stavermann. Therefore, it should be clear to anyone who goes without sunscreen in the sun, that he harms his skin after a few minutes massive damage. "I recommend avoiding any redness from the sun," explains Joachim Christ. There was nothing wrong with moderate tanning. "But that must be slow, and the skin must be protected accordingly."

Use sun creams and protective clothing to prevent sunburn
The dermatologist recommends not exposing yourself to the intense midday sun. Arms, legs and head should be protected by clothing. Sunscreens are also indispensable. "Everyone should be creamed with sunscreen at the beginning of a sunny season," Christ advises. Products with a high sun protection factor (SPF) such as SPF 30 or for lighter skin types SPF 40 are particularly suitable. "This can become less during the summer," the expert continues. Repeated lubrication during the day is absolutely necessary "Anyone who is out there, sweats or goes into the water, has to re-cream," explained Christ.

"Think about the sunscreen in good time: Just 20 to 30 minutes before you go out into the sun, you should be generously lotioned with a protection product with a high sun protection factor," reports Elena Helfenbein, expert of the VKE cosmetics association. Only then will the sunscreen show its UV effect. Shade is much healthier and more refreshing than the sun anyway. "Even in the shade, you can still reach 40 percent of UV radiation," says the beauty expert.

For sunburn, cool envelopes and plenty of fluids
If the sunburn is there, sufferers can relieve their symptoms with simple home remedies and creams. "You can cool the spots with moist compresses and generously apply soothing and cooling creams, lotions or after-sun sprays," reports Helfenbein.

The envelopes, for example, in the form of tea towels are easy to use. It is important that the tissues are sterile to prevent inflammation. Quark or yoghurt are often called old home remedies for sunburn, but should not be used under any circumstances, as this inflammation of the skin can be provoked. For lotions, it is best to use only natural products, as chemical substances and artificial fragrances can cause further health complications. Those who suffer from a sunburn should rest in a cool environment. Helfenbein also recommends drinking plenty of fluids. "You can not go back to the sun until the symptoms such as skin redness and blistering have completely disappeared. And then only with a sunscreen with a very high SPF ", so the expert's warning.

For worse burns, a doctor should be consulted. "He can prescribe other medications that also shorten the time of suffering," explained Stavermann. According to the dermatologist, medical attention should also be sought if symptoms aggravate or progressively increase. Even with strongly red to dark red colored skin a doctor's visit is advisable. Blisters on the skin are a sign of mild to moderate burning. Due to acute risk of infection, the bubbles should not be opened by themselves. If you suffer from symptoms such as fever, nausea and vomiting, chills, severe pain, dizziness and headache, you may have a sunstroke. Patients should seek medical help immediately. (Ag)

Also read about the topic sun:
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In case of white spot disease avoid stress and sun
First aid with sunburn