Sunburn

When we are in the sun, we are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that is invisible to the naked eye. Sunburn is a more or less serious and painful burn to the skin caused by the sun's UV rays. Sunburn is a major attack on the skin, forcing it to regenerate itself intensely. Repeated sunburn can encourage the development of certain skin cancers.

Symptoms

1st-degree burn:

Reddening of the skin with pain, heals in a week with peeling of the skin.

Superficial 2nd-degree burn:

Sunburn causes blisters to appear on the skin immediately or in the hours following exposure. These blisters are filled with a clear liquid. This type of burn is serious and you should contact a doctor if the blisters burst as they could become infected. This type of sunburn heals in about 2 weeks.

For more serious burns, you should consult a doctor who will prescribe the best treatment.

Ultraviolet rays

Ultraviolet radiation is invisible and is classified according to its wavelength:

• UVA, which penetrates the skin the most deeply, accelerating the ageing process,
• UVB, which is the main type of radiation responsible for sunburn,
• UVC, which is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the Earth's surface.

Both UVA and UVB radiation are involved in skin cancers and can have a damaging effect on our body's natural defences.

The intensity of the sun's rays and ultraviolet radiation varies by geographical location, altitude, time of year, time of day, weather conditions and light reflection conditions.

How to avoid sunburn

• Avoid sun exposure between 11:00 and 16:00 as far as possible.
  Radiation is at its most intense when the sun is high in the sky.
• Seek out shady areas (parasols, trees, parks).
• Protect yourself with loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses (UV protection). Clothing and hats made of tightly woven materials offer better protection.
• Apply a high-SPF sun protection product, especially if your skin is fair or for children (SPF 50)
  • 20 minutes before being exposed to the sun
  • and reapply every 2 hours.
    

• Protect your children from the sun.
  Children are particularly sensitive to the sun. Their skin is more delicate than adult skin. Frequent sunburn in childhood is a factor in the development of skin cancers in later life. Protect your children with suitable clothing and protection (anti-UV, sun hat, sunglasses, etc.).
• Protect your baby.
  Babies under the age of 1 should stay in the shade.
  
• Never tightly cover your child's pram or baby seat; you need to let air circulate in order to avoid heat buildup.