DR NIGEL DICKSON highlights the hazards of the sun to your health

Too much sunlight is harmful and can damage the skin. There are two main types of damaging ultraviolet sunlight. UVA, which ages the skin and causes wrinkles, and UVB which causes sun tanning but also burns.

It can also cause other damage to the skin. In some people, too much UVB may cause skin cancer. All people are at risk if exposed to too much sun. People with fair skin, freckles, red or ginger hair are most at risk. In general, the darker the skin, the less risk of developing skin cancer.

PREVENTING SUN DAMAGE

Stay out of the sun as much as possible. In particular, do not sunbathe between 10am and 2pm when the sun's rays are strongest.

When out, cover the body as much as possible. Wear wide brimmed hats to protect the face and neck and opt for long sleeves and baggy shorts.

Children's skin is more sensitive than adults so should be covered. Hats with a neck protector are recommended.

A sunscreen, offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays, should be applied to all exposed areas of skin and renewed regularly.

A sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more is recommended for maximum protection. Sunscreens should be used to help protect against sunlight, not as a substitute for avoiding exposure. If swimming, use a waterproof sunscreen and renew it after coming out of the water.

Some sun tanning lotions do not contain sunscreen and will provide no protection.

Beware of reflected light. On sunny days, even in the shade, a hot sun can burn if reflected from sand etc.

Sunlight can also come through thin cloud and thin clothes.

The suns rays are more powerful at higher altitudes. Beware of this. It may be cooler but you will need more protection.

Wear sunglasses as exposure to prolonged sunlight can also damage the eyes.

Remember - SLIP, SLAP, SLOP. Slip on some clothes. Slap on a hat. Slop on sunscreen.

SUNBURN AND SUNSTROKE

Short term over exposure 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 'dampen down' the inflamed skin if severe. If vomiting, fever and headaches occur this may be due to sunstroke. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and take some paracetamol. Consult your doctor if it does not quickly settle.

SUN DAMAGE

Repeated exposure to too much sun over a number of years can cause damage to skin. Apart from early ageing and wrinkling, sun damaged skin can include the following. Brown spots, roughened 'crusty' spots and skin cancers. It is not just people who sunbathe who are at risk. Outdoor workers who do not cover their skin are more prone to these problems. If you notice any area of skin that looks unusual, or any lumps or moles that change shape, become irregular in shape, bleed, change colour or become ulcerated (sore), then report this to your GP.