SUMMER HEALTH SPECIAL
With three heatwaves in as many months, forecasters are predicting further high temperatures and powerful sunshine – not your typical British summer! For that reason we’ve decided to devote our entire newsletter this month to tips for looking after your skin, your general health and that of your family over the imminent summer holidays.
SKIN SAFETY
With longer days and time spent outdoors, our skin can absorb the Vitamin D it needs from the natural source of sunshine. However, there needs to be a balance between health benefits and the need for protection against the harm Ultra Violet or UV Rays (a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun) can cause. In this edition of our newsletter we look at what we can do to understand and protect the needs of our skin in the next few months.
Skin damage known as ‘sunburn’ isn’t just something that happens from sunbathing on beaches whilst on holiday – it can caused by overexposure to UV Rays, even if the weather is overcast and cloudy. Here are some top tips to help you look after your skin over the summer.
- Don’t Trust the Tan
The colour of sun-kissed skin can look healthy and attractive, but a tan doesn’t provide protection against UV Rays. There is no ‘safe’ or ‘healthy’ way to get a tan – it depends on exposure to the sun. - Avoid Heat of the Day
The sun is at its most powerful between 11am and 3pm. It is always best to seek shade at this time of the day or keep cool indoors. - Cover Up
If you’re out and about during the day, wear light, long clothing that can act as a barrier between your skin and the sun, wear a wide-brimmed sunhat and protect your eyes with sunglasses. - Wear Sunscreen
As Baz Luhrmann said in his No.1 hit back in 1997, you should apply it to all exposed skin before heading outdoors. If you’re on holiday, a guide is 6 to 8 teaspoons to cover your body, and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
WHAT IS SPF?
In countries such as Australia, the applying of sunscreen has long been seen as part of a daily routine, and, despite the difference in climate, people in the UK have adopted a similar approach in recent years, with many well-known beauty brands adding SPF to their moisturisers, lotions and creams.
It is said that a Factor 50 sun cream blocks 98% of UV Rays, so people who wear it are often still able to gain a healthy looking tan, just at a slower rate with less chance of sunburn and skin damage.
KEEP CHILDREN SAFE
Babies and children need extra protection from the sun as their skin is much more sensitive than adults. Damage caused by exposure to the skin at a young age can lead to skin cancer later on in life. Children under the age of 6 months should be kept out of strong direct sunlight, and any older children going outside should wear high strength sunscreen on any parts of the body not covered by clothing (face, ears, feet, backs of hands). For children under 5 years old, it is recommended that the best source of Vitamin D is still through supplements.
BEAT THE BURN
If you have an instance of sunburn, apply cool water with a sponge or flannel to the affected area and then aftersun cream or spray, ideally containing the ingredient aloe vera. You can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease pain and reduce inflammation, and keep out of the sun until all signs of redness and/or rash have gone. If you feel unwell, there is swelling or blistering, seek medical attention.
PAY ATTENTION
Whilst looking after your skin this summer, if you notice any blemishes, rashes or scabs that you think need investigation, or any existing marks grow, move or change colour and you want reassurance, our GP service can see you within 24 hours.
THIS MONTH’S TIP
Though many people look forward to and enjoy the hotter weather, it can pose health risks, especially for those who are vulnerable, such as elderly people living alone or in care homes, babies who are still acclimatising to the world they have been born into, and people who have long-term illnesses and medical conditions.
Intense heat can also affect people who spend a lot of time outdoors, perhaps for work, or live in hot places, such as the top floor of a block of flats. Here are some tips on how to keep cool when temperatures are high:
- Avoid the Heat of the Day
The sun is at its most powerful between 11am and 3pm. It’s always best to seek shade at this time of the day, keep cool indoors and avoid exercise or any activity that makes you hotter. - Food and Drink
Drink plenty of water and choose cold drinks and food. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. - Keep Hydrated
As well as drinking water, take cool showers and use cool water on your skin and clothes. - House Keeping
Keep windows closed during the day and open at night when temperatures usually go down. Keep curtains closed and blinds down during the day. Electric fans can also help. - Protection
When you do go outside, use sunscreen, wear a sunhat, sunglasses and light clothes made of breathable fabric such as cotton.
Heat Exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Common symptoms include tiredness, weakness, feeling faint, headache, muscle cramps, feeling or being sick, heavy sweating and intense thirst. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes by using the methods lifted above, particularly drinking and using cool water.
Heatstroke is where the body cannot cool down and its temperature becomes dangerously high. Symptoms include confusion, lack of co-ordination, a fast heartbeat, fast breathing or shortness of breath, hot skin that is not sweating and seizures. Heatstroke is a serious condition, so if you see someone with these symptoms during a heatwave, call 999 and then try and help them cool down while awaiting medical attention.