Sunscreen UV index shows sunburn risk

Note the UV index: Apply in the spring sun

04/12/2015

Finally spring has arrived in Germany. The warm temperatures drive many people outside. But be careful: the spring sun is often underestimated. The UV index can help assess your own sunburn risk and protect yourself accordingly.

Spring sunshine is often underestimated
Finally spring has arrived correctly. The warm temperatures attract many people to the outdoors. Sunbathers should be careful though. Especially on the first beautiful days, the power of the sun is easily underestimated, it threatens a sunburn. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has pointed this out, according to a message from the news agency dpa. The UV index, which indicates the level of ultraviolet radiation that can cause sunburn, can help assess and protect your own sunburn risk. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays the BfS publishes a three-day prognosis of the UVI. In addition, you can order the forecast for the weekend as a newsletter.

Sunburn risk
The UVI is currently almost in Germany at four. The internet portal „Haut.de“, Working together with the Aesthetic Dermatology and Cosmetology working group, it indicates that people with skin type II will get sunburned in the sun after about 30 minutes with unbound skin at such a level. With lighter types the time is even shorter. According to the portal, sunburn is possible with UVI values ​​between five and seven for the same skin type as early as 20 minutes. And with values ​​over it can already come in less than 20 minutes to a sunburn.

Observe the rule of thumb for SPF
The BfS is advised to protect itself from a UVI of three from the sun. For example, you should spend the midday hours in the shade better and cream for your stay in the sun. According to a rule of thumb, the sun protection factor (SPF) should be at least double the UVI - in these days at least SPF eight to ten. Also important is a headgear and appropriate clothing. According to dermatologists, textiles are more important for sunburn protection than sunscreens. Prevention is also so important because every sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer. Even if the chances of recovery are very good, this should not lead to carelessness.

App calculates individual sunburn risk
Further help in assessing your own sunburn risk can be provided by an app. The UV-Check was developed by the Professional Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD) together with the German Aerospace Center. The user must enable the location service of his mobile phone and enter, among other things, whether it is cloudy, at what altitude above sea level, and what kind of skin he has. Then the app calculates the so-called UV self-protection time of the user.

Well-tried home remedies for sunburn
But should it ever come to an emergency, the affected skin should first be well cooled. Home remedies such as moist envelopes can help here. Quark, yogurt, aloe vera or healing clay are other well-tried home remedies for sunburn. If it comes to more severe symptoms, the doctor is sometimes prescribed cortisone ointments for relief. Be sure to call the doctor if blisters appear on the skin, the skin is dark red, and symptoms of nausea and vomiting, fever, chills, headache and dizziness occur. These symptoms are signs of sunstroke and should be urgently treated by a doctor. Currently threatens this danger in this country but not yet. (Ad)