Sun protection Do not save on creaming

When it comes to sun protection, play it safe

06/17/2013

Germany is expecting a sunny week. However, not only when sunbathing in the park, on the beach or in the pool threatens a sunburn. The Federal Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD) in Berlin therefore regularly refers to the special requirements for adequate sun protection at the beginning of the summer. Many a mistake leads „that the skin is not adequately protected“, warns the BVDD.

According to the information provided by the Professional Association of German Dermatologists, sun protection, for example, is often forgotten, „that even light, loosely woven textiles still penetrate UV rays“ or „Sunscreen preparations are applied too thinly and forget ears, neck or the insides of the arms.“ In addition, many people underestimate the UV radiation in cloudy skies or when a pleasant wind blows, the BVDD continues. In general, the motto applies to sun protection „Avoid - dress - cream!“, the enumeration also represents a ranking of the priorities. In addition, people should be aware that they are in the sun as soon as they go out, explained Dirk Meyer-Rogge of the Federal Association of German dermatologists.

Avoid midday sun, observe sun protection through clothing
According to BVDD, the most important sun protection measure is to confront the skin with as little UV radiation as possible. In general, therefore, the midday sun should be avoided. Furthermore, textile sunscreen goes in front of sunscreen. Ideally, a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and a sun hat should be provided here, each of dense but loosely fitting fabric. Guidelines that are often implemented in children, but which are considered by very few adults. However, you should at least cream the skin areas not protected by textiles with appropriate sunscreens. For children, a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is the minimum limit. In the case of holidays in sunny countries, a sun protection factor of 50 or more is even recommended for children according to the BVDD. The sunscreen should also contain no fragrances.

Apply sunscreen liberally and renew after swimming
In adults, the selection of the appropriate sunscreen depends largely on the skin type. For example, fair-skinned people with red hair must choose a significantly higher sun protection factor (SPF 50 recommended) than dark-skinned people with brown eyes. Generally, according to the BVDD, however, a sun protection factor of 25 should not be undercut. In addition, the sunscreen should be abundant before the stay outdoors and be renewed after splashing and swimming, in order to actually develop their protective effect. Furthermore, sunscreen should not be tempted to spend too long in the sun. A place in the shade is clearly preferable to the bath in the blazing suns.

Also observe sun protection in the shade
Even with cloudy skies, up to 80 percent of UV radiation reaches the ground, which is why, according to BVDD, sun protection must also be considered here. In addition, special features should be considered, such as that light sand and water reflect the light more intense, which leads to an increased risk of sunburn on the beach. Also, for example, in the mountains, the UV load is much stronger than in the lowlands. For parents and their children: Only in the morning or afternoon to stay outdoors, shady playgrounds prefer and above the paddling pool or the sandpit a parasol. However, even in the shade so much UV radiation is present that further sun protection measures are required.

In case of severe sunburn consult a doctor
A neglect of the sunscreen has the consequence that too much UV light reaches the skin, which damages the cell tissue in the upper skin layers, explained Professor Uwe Reinhold of the BVDD. This causes inflammatory processes that bring about redness and warming of the skin. The skin starts to burn painfully and blisters can form. Is the sunburn already occurred, according to Professor Reinhold „Cool, damp envelopes or even a cool shower“ In addition, sunburn gel or a corresponding lotion can bring relief. However, high-fat personal care products are not recommended, as they additionally accumulate the heat. Patients are generally recommended to increase fluid intake in case of sunburn. „For stronger burns or if chills and fever are added“, According to BVDD a doctor's visit is advised.

Bad sunscreen increases the risk of skin cancer
Although the skin regenerates gradually after a sunburn, but the overdose of UV light could lead to lasting damage in the genome of skin cells, which is why „with the frequency of sunburns, especially in childhood, the risk of later developing skin cancer “, increases, warned the BVDD expert Professor Reinhold. Adequate sun protection therefore also plays an essential role in the sense of skin cancer prevention. (Fp)