Staying Safe in the Sun
This summer has already been very hot, and the heatwaves seem likely to continue. Heat and UV rays can have a significant impact on all our health.
UV rays:
- Cause painful sunburn
- Damage skin, causing premature ageing
- Increase your risk of skin cancer
- Can damage your eyes
Excessive or prolonged exposure to heat can lead to heat exhaustion, which can become heatstroke if the person is not cooled down and given fluids quickly.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion for both adults and children include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Excessive sweating and skin becoming paler and clammy
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- High temperature
- Being very thirsty
- Feeling irritable
The symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Very high temperature
- Hot skin without sweating
- Fast breathing and heartbeat
- Confusion and restlessness
- Seizure (fit)
- Loss of consciousness
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Get immediate medical help if someone has the symptoms of heatstroke. You can find out more at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/.
To stay safe in the sun, follow these handy tips:
- Use the recommended amount of a good sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and at least 4-star protection against UVA rays, even if you have dark skin
- Remember to reapply sunscreen when you have been swimming
- Stay in the shade as much as you can to protect yourself from UV and extreme heat, particularly between 11am and 3pm in the UK
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat, and loose, long-sleeved clothes to protect your skin and eyes and stay cool
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
Learn more about sunscreen and staying safe, and take a fun quiz to find out how much you know at https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48609398.