What are the possible problems from the sun?
Sunburn and sunstroke
Short term overexposure to sun can cause burning. The skin becomes red, hot and painful. After a few days the burnt skin may peel. A cool shower or bath will help. Soothing creams such as calamine lotion will help. Paracetamol will help with pain. A mild steroid cream may be advised by a pharmacist or doctor to reduce inflammation in the skin.
If vomiting, fever and headaches occur this may be due to sunstroke. If this occurs make sure you have plenty to drink to prevent dehydration. Paracetamol or ibuprofen will help to ease headaches and fever. Consult your doctor if it does not quickly settle.
Skin damage
Repeated exposure to too much sun over a number of years can cause damage to skin. The effects of sun damage include: premature skin aging and wrinkling, brown spots, actinic keratoses (benign warty growths on the skin), and skin cancer.
Skin cancer
About 9 in 10 non-melanoma skin cancers, and about 6 in 10 melanoma skin cancers (the most serious form of skin cancer) are thought to be caused by excessive exposure to the sun. In particular, episodes of sunburn greatly increase the risk. Skin cells that are damaged are at greater risk of becoming abnormal and cancerous.
All people of all ages should protect their skin, but it it is even more vital to protect children. Although skin cancer is rare in children, the amount of sun exposure during childhood is thought to increase the risk of developing skin cancer in adult life. Therefore, take extra care with children, and keep babies out of the sun completely.
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