Dryden
Brown Ltd
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TRAVEL
HEALTH
SUNBURN & SUNSTROKE
Direct
sun can affect you in a number of ways.These changes can
occur within a few hours from BURNING and SUNSTROKE.
The delayed action of the sun includes, ageing of the skin
(small crusty spots, brown age spots, wrinkles) and SKIN
CANCERS. Most of these effects only show themselves years
later.
Sunlight can also have its benefits, including the making
of natural Vitamin D, essential for strong bones, in addition
it affects a part of the brain responsible for a good mood
brain chemical (melatonin). Some conditions such as acne
or psoriasis improve in the sun.
BURNING
The skin turns red and feels sore, is itchy and if severe
it will blister and be extremely painful.
SUNSTROKE
This is a type of radiation sickness, caused by ultra violet
light. Symptoms are typically headache, dizziness, a raised
temperature (fever), and vomiting.
PRICKLY HEAT
This is an allergic reaction in the skin often just to the
sunlight alone, but increasingly it appears as a result
of a combination/dual action of sunlight with either drugs
or lotions, creams, perfumes, moisturisers or sunscreens.
Its symptoms are of a slight thickening of the skin, raised
odd shaped wheals and itchiness.
PEOPLE AT HIGH RISK
Children
Pale skinned or very freckly individuals
Naturally fair or red headed individuals
People on certain types of medication (check the medication's
information leaflet).
Those taking trekking holidays involving long journeys in
direct sun, especially through desert areas.
What
you can do yourself
n Avoid
direct sunlight. Stay out of the sun if your shadow
is shorter than you are, (usually 10am to 2pm).
Wear a wide brimmed hat or cap with a neck protector.
Use a sunscreen or sun block.
n Avoid medications which increase sensitivity
to sun or creams and lotions which may sensitise
you.
n If trekking, cover completely with light cool
long sleeved shirts and loose long trousers or
skirts. If you do leave skin exposed, (remember
your feet!), then cover it with a sun protection
cream with at least a Sun Protection Factor of
20 or total sun block.
TANNING
Build up your tan gradually.
Limit yourself to a maximum 20 minutes (10 minutes
in High Risk Groups), each side on the first day
if sunbathing. This can be increased if you are
using a new sunscreen by the sunscreen's SPF rating.
For example 80 minutes if using a SPF 4 sunscreen.
Never spend more than two hours on the beach at
what ever time of day or 30 minutes when sun is
high in the sky (and your shadow is shorter than
you). Even if you do not burn you will run the
risk of heat stroke.
SELF TREATMENT
FOR SUNBURN & SUNSTROKE
SUNBURN
Some find rubbing the skin gently with ice helpful,
but do not over chill the skin.
Cool the skin. Cool showers help.
In mild cases apply an unperfumed 'after sun'
or simple moisturising cream.
In cases of more severe soreness, it advisable
to apply hydrocortisone cream (0.5% or 1%) available
from pharmacies in most countries. A painkiller
such as soluble Aspirin or Paracetamol may help.
If itchiness is a problem, then an antihistamine/hayfever
tablet will help.
SUNSTROKE
Cool down by taking a lukewarm shower.
Take Soluble Aspirin (Paracetamol for children
under 16 years).
Drink at least six glasses of water (2 - 3 litres)
and continue frequent small drinks until you feel
better.
When to consult
a doctor
If large areas of your skin have been burnt.
If the burn has blistered. n If babies have been
sunburned.
If toddlers have been burnt over an area of three
times the size of one of their own hands.
If you think the sun has reacted with a medication.
When to
seek medical attention immediately
If there is vomiting.
If there are fevers, shivering, cold sweats, not
helped by Aspirin.
If you have palpitations or feel your heart racing.
If the person is becoming increasingly unwell.
To order
your copy of a What should I do? booklet
use one of the following methods:
On-line
Shop
Phone: +44 (0) 23 8022
9041
Fax: +44 (0) 23
8022 7274
 
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