Stay Safe In The Sun

We all need some sun exposure; it’s our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune systemdefine suppression, and even cancerdefine.

• Avoid being in the sun for prolonged times when it’s highest overhead and therefore the strongest (normally from 10 am until 4 pm).

• What matters most in a sunscreen is the degree of protection from UV rays it provides, so concentrate on the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) numbers on the label. For kids older than six months, select an SPF of 15 or higher to prevent both sunburn and tanning.

• Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside so that a good layer of protection can form.

• Don’t forget about lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck.

• Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every two to three hours.

• Cumulative exposure to the sun can lead to cataracts later in life (clouding of the eye lens, which results in blindness). The best way to protect eyes is to wear sunglasses with labels ensuring that they provide 100 percent UV protection.

Prickly Heat

Prickly heat, or heat rash, is caused by blockage and inflammation of sweat ducts during exposure to heat and high humidity. When the blocked sweat ducts cause sweat to escape into the adjacent tissue, itching and prickling sensations are produced.

Tips to avoid/relieve it:

• Do not scratch.

• Wear light, loose fitting clothes. Avoid clothing that traps heat and moisture. Natural fabrics such as cotton are best.

• Try to stay in cool, air conditioned, or well ventilated environment.

• Take frequent cool baths or showers. Dry yourself thoroughly and dust a bland type of powder, such as an un-perfumed talcum powder on body creases and affected areas.

• Apply calamine lotion or prickly rash lotions to soothe the affected areas, but avoid using ointments or creams – they keep the skin warm and moist and may make the condition worse.