Stay Safe in the Sun
The sun is an important part of our lives. Sunny days have a positive impact on our mood, increase our level of physical activity, make many social events and gatherings possible and even benefit our health by providing our bodies with essential vitamin D. Unfortunately, sun exposure also presents risk factors that can lead to skin and eye damage as well as skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancer types. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Fortunately, there are actions you can take to protect yourself and ways you can watch for possible signs of skin cancer. Prevention and early detection are the best ways to ensure your skin’s health.
Be SunSmart in the summer sun
Find out more about protecting your skin and reducing your risk of skin cancer. Enjoy the sun safely, following the SunSmart guidelines:
|
S pend time in the shade between 11.00am and 3.00pm; M ake sure you never burn; A im to cover up with a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses; R emember to take extra care with younger children you may be looking after; T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen or higher. |
 |
How sun safe are you? Take our fun quiz to find out...
Know the risks
People most at risk of skin cancer tend to have:
- fair skin that burns in strong sun;
- red or fair hair;
- lots of moles or freckles;
- a personal or family history of skin cancer;
- experience of sunburn, especially when young.
The strength of UV rays outdoors varies from day to day and according to the time of year. Find out how strong the sun is by looking at the UV Index. Your burn risk depends on the strength of UV rays and your skin type.
- Remember to stay safe both at work and on holiday;
- Don't use sunbeds;
- The sun is not the only source of dangerous UV rays. Sunbeds are an artificial source of UV rays and can also damage your skin;
- Read more about why you should not use them in our sunbed section;
- Be aware of any changes.
The advice in this section will help you avoid sun damage and skin cancer. But it is also important to look for any unusual changes that may be the early warning signs of cancer. You should always let someone know such as your parent/carer, doctor or school nurse of any mole changes or unusual skin growths you have noticed as soon as possible.
Six Steps for Sunburnt Skin- Stay out of the sun
- If you have to go outside make sure all sunburnt areas are covered until they have healed.
- Apply cool (not cold) compresses to the burnt areas and take a cool shower or bath.
- Make sure you have plenty of drinks (ideally water) and stay hydrated.
- Pure aloe vera gel, camomile or after sun can be used to relieve the pain and help the damaged skin heal.
- If the sunburn is severe and blisters develop contact your doctor. (blisters should not be popped they are there for a reason - to protect your skin from infections)
|
For more information please visit www.cancerresearchuk.org or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
How sun safe are you? Take our fun quiz to find out...
Return to top
| 
