As we move into August, weather experts are predicting plenty of sunshine and hot weather. While this obviously makes us all want to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, it is absolutely crucial to be aware of just how damaging and dangerous the sun can really be.
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| ScarSil® Topical Silicone Scar Gel |
Sunlight is crucial to our existence: as well as being the energy source of all life on Earth, it is also responsible for producing vitamin D in our bodies. But too much of it can have devastating effects. Perhaps the most obvious of these is sunburn, which can be incredibly painful. Additionally, overexposure to the sun can cause sunstroke and even increases the risk of skin cancer. In this edition of the Medigarments blog, we offer some top tips on staying safe this summer.
Here in the UK, the sun is at its strongest between the hours of 11am and 3pm. During this time, you should make sure that you stay in the shade whenever possible. If you are in direct sunlight, wear clothing that covers up your skin, such as long sleeved shirts, trousers or long skirts and a hat with a broad brim. It's also a good idea to wear sunglasses with wraparound lenses; opt for glasses that carry the CE Mark or British Standard (BS) 12312-1:2013 Mark to ensure that they provide the proper level of protection.
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| Jobskin® Classic Vest & Leggings |
Wearing sunscreen is absolutely essential. Check the label before you buy: the sunscreen you choose should have an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 for UVB protection and a minimum four star rating for UVA protection. Be generous with the amount you use: an average adult should apply up to eight teaspoons all over their body. It's better to apply too much than too little.
Sunscreen should be reapplied frequently as sun exposure can dry it and compromise its performance; every two hours is a good rule of thumb. If you go into the water, sunscreen should be reapplied as soon as you get out, even if the sunscreen is labelled as 'water resistant'.
Who is at risk of sun related problems?
Some groups of people need to take extra care. These include:
- People with pale or light brown skin. Though people with darker skin tones do have more natural protection, people with any skin colour can get skin cancer
- People with red hair, fair hair and/or freckles
- People with numerous moles
- People with existing skin conditions
- People who are not regularly exposed to the sun or are in a country where the sun is especially intense
- People who have a family history of skin cancer
In serious cases, sunburn can leave lasting scars behind. Medigarments Ltd offers a wide range of scar management solutions including pressure therapy garments and silicone gel products. For more information about these, please browse our website.
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ScarSil®, Jobskin® Premium and Jobskin® Classic pressure garments by Medigarments Ltd. ScarSil® and Jobskin® are the registered trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.
