UV rays Unconditional protection against sunburn

Dermatologist Thomas Stavermann: Right to protect against sunburn

05/16/2012

Show the first rays of sunshine at the beginning of summer, it sleeps even couch potatoes in the fresh air. Whether extended sunbathing or a walk in the countryside, those who do not protect themselves from the intense sunlight, quickly get sunburned and increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Experts advise to enjoy the sun only in moderation and to lubricate with sun creams.

Self-protection of the skin only lasts ten minutes of the sun
„Sunburn is really nothing but the burning of skin, "says dermatologist Dr. Thomas Stavermann. „The UV rays of the sun can heat up and damage the skin if exposed too long. "Dermatologist Joachim Christ adds that this leads to an overload of the skin, which then releases messengers such as histamine, which ultimately leads to an enlargement of the vessels, reddening of the skin and itching The most serious consequence of excessive UV radiation, however, is the risk of developing skin cancer: if the skin cells are overloaded by the radiation, it can degenerate, forming horny cells called keratoses, which look like wart-like bumps and white skin cancer Mutated pigment-forming cells can develop into a particularly dangerous black skin cancer.

Still, many sun worshipers underestimate the risk of sunburn. „The skin of us Europeans, however, has only a self-protection time of about ten minutes. "Conclusion: Anyone who goes into the sun, without first lubricating with sunscreen or wearing protective clothing, harms his skin after a few minutes. „I recommend avoiding any redness from the sun, "adds Christ," but there's nothing against moderate tanning. „But that has to be slow, and the skin needs to be protected accordingly. "

With a high SPF to prevent sunburn
Christ advises to avoid the intense midday heat, to protect arms, legs and head, to wear clothes and to use sun creams. „Everybody should get creamed with sunscreen at the beginning of a sunny season ", the dermatologist recommends: products with a high sun protection factor (SPF) like SPF 30 or lighter skin types SPF 40 are best. „This can become less in the course of the summer. "You have to smear yourself several times a day, and you will not be able to get enough later. „If you are out there, sweat or go into the water, you have to re-cream yourself“, explains Christ.

„Think about the sunscreen in good time: Just 20 to 30 minutes before the trip to the sun, you should generously apply a protection product with a high SPF, "advises beauty expert Elena Helfenbein Bear in mind that shadow is much healthier and more refreshing than the sun. „Even in the shade, you can still reach 40 percent of the UV radiation, "explains Helfenbein.

In case of sunburn drink plenty of fluid
If it nevertheless leads to sunburn, the symptoms can be alleviated with simple means. „You can cool the spots with moist compresses and generously apply soothing and cooling creams, lotions or after-sun sprays, "advises the expert.

The envelopes can be easily applied with dish towels. However, they should be sterile to avoid inflammation. Quark or yogurt are considered old home remedies for sunburn, but should not be used under any circumstances, as this may cause the skin to become inflamed. For lotions, care should be taken that the creams are natural products, as chemical substances and fragrances can cause further health complications. Concerned individuals should rest in a cool environment.

The beauty expert advises to take enough liquid due to the increased need to eat. „It is only allowed to return to the sun when symptoms such as skin redness and blistering have completely disappeared. And then only with a sunscreen with a very high SPF“, explains Helfenbein.

In case of worse burns, a doctor should always be consulted. „He can prescribe other medicines that also shorten the time of his or her suffering, "says Stavermann.When the symptoms get worse, or if more are added, people should also consult a doctor.If the skin turns red to dark red, it is advisable Blistering is also a symptom of mild to moderate burning of the skin and should never be opened, as there is an acute risk of infection, and other symptoms may include headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, chills, severe Pain and dizziness are a sign of a sunstroke, in which case the person should seek medical attention immediately, and babies and toddlers should be brought to the doctor in case of sunburn.

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Image: William Veder