December and January are the awareness month for Skin Cancer. It is a highly preventable disease yet South Africa has the second-highest incidence of skin cancer in the world. Sunburn is inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to harmful sun rays. Serious sunburn at a young age cause increases the chances of skin cancer later on in life.
How to prevent sunburn:
Sunscreen is important to use when heading outdoors. This should be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. It is important to realize that sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout the time spent in the sun.
Do:
Wear sunscreen
Wear protective clothing, hats, and shirts
Use a small beach tent as a shelter against the sun when on the beach or around a pool
Don’t:
Wait for burn before putting on sunscreen
Be in the sun between 11h00 till 15h00
Avoid sunscreen when it’s overcast. Ultraviolet light can penetrate through the cloud cover.
Protecting your skin from the sun could save you when you are older. Do not do silly things because you would like a tan. Rather be safe than sorry.
References:
https://bit.ly/2Jam3QG
Source Credit: https://totalrisksa.co.za/be-sunsmart-this-summer/