HEALTH Protect your skin this summer

SUNSMART SENSE?Taking care in the sun prevents over-exposure, which can cause sunburn, heatstroke and skin cancer.

Protect your skin this summer


Ask the pharmacist
Karen Jordan

Being SunSmart should be a priority wherever you are, whether you’re soaking up the sun at home or you have a sun holiday booked abroad.
Sun exposure plays a key role in making vitamin D in our bodies, necessary for healthy bones, teeth and general health. But a little sun goes a long way. Just five to 15 minutes of sun exposure to hands, face and arms two to three times a week during the summer months is enough to reach our quota.
Over-exposure can cause sunburn, heatstroke and even skin cancer. In Ireland, 10,000 new cases of skin cancer were diagnosed in 2011, and that figure is estimated to double by 2040. By following the SunSmart code developed by the Irish Cancer Society, this shocking prediction might not become a reality.
The damaging effects of the sun are due to ultraviolet (UV) rays. UVA rays (A for ageing) are responsible for ageing of the skin. UVB rays (B for burning) can cause tanning but also burning. The daily UV index (a scale of the level of UV rays and hence the risk of sun damage on any given day) is available from the Irish Cancer Society or Met Éireann websites, with a score of 3 or higher warranting sun protection.

Staying safe
To stay safe in the sun, seek shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest. Choose loose-fitting clothing to cover up and wear a bucket or legionnaire-style hat (for the not-so fashion savvy out there, this is one with a flap to cover the back of the neck and ears!) – especially important for infants and children. The sun’s rays can penetrate clouds too, so take care even on hazy days. Wearing sunglasses is also important. Go for wrap-around style with guaranteed UV protection. Look out for tags with CE mark or European Standard EN1836.
Wearing the correct sunscreen is vital. If applied correctly, the higher the sun protection factor (SPF), the greater the protection. Since both UVA and UVB are harmful, we need protection from both. For extended outdoor activity, use a broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. For adults, 35mls of sunscreen will cover the whole body. Apply 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every two hours and after swimming. This also applies to products claiming to be ‘waterproof’ and ‘once a day applications’.
Protecting children requires some added considerations. Keep infants in the shade as much as possible. Choose a sunscreen that is formulated for children. Make sure to patch test it on their skin first. Wrap-around sunglasses and a hat with a tie under the chin may stop them from taking it off!
Did you know that sunbeds are just as damaging as sunshine? Studies have shown that women under the age of 35 who use sunbeds could actually increase their risk of melanoma by as much as 75 percent. Tan from a bottle appears to be the safer option.
While we are all at risk of sun damage, those more susceptible include pale or freckled skin, red or fair-haired people, those with blue, green or grey eyes or people with lots of moles. Keep an eye on your moles for any changes in shape, size, colour, border, itching or bleeding. If you notice any of these signs, speak to your pharmacist or doctor. Certain medications can leave the skin more susceptible to skin damage. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend the appropriate sunscreen for you.
Once the steps of the SunSmart code are followed, all that is left to do is to get out there and enjoy the sun safely!

Karen Jordan is a pharmacist in Lally’s LloydsPharmacy, Mill Street, Westport.