What should be done to be protected from the sun’s damaging rays? In order to protect the skin, which is more exposed to the sun, especially in the summer months, from the harmful rays of the sun, Uz. Dr. Eneida Kote gave information about the effects of the sun on the skin and protection techniques. Pay attention to these offers to prevent the formation of spots on your skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer in the summer months!
WHAT TO DO TO PROTECT FROM THE SUN?
As the ozone layer gets thinner each year, the sun’s rays reach the earth more heavily, with less filtering. This can cause skin spots, photo-aging and cancer by increasing the damaging effects of sun rays. These damaging effects of the sun have been seen much more in recent years.
In the midst of the sun’s damaging influences; Precancerous lesions called sunburns, sunspots, sun allergies, sun-related skin cancers and age spots are now more common. With the thinning of the ozone layer, the sun’s rays reach the earth at levels that will cause damage not only in summer but also in winter. Sun rays have direct and instant effects as well as indirect and long-term effects. These effects can delay the repair capacity of the skin and trigger allergies. In order not to be exposed to these effects, every age group should be protected from the sun. In order for the body to synthesize vitamin D, even sunbathing that lasts for 15-30 minutes, which is recommended in the midday sun at noon, has too much burning effects, so care should be taken.
UMBRELLA USED IN SUMMER IS HARMFUL!
Especially in humid climates and coastal sections, more care should be taken where the reflections of the sun are heavier. Presumably, the instantaneous side effects of the sun’s rays
may not be noticed, but the losses called cumulative doses in the long run are very valuable. In particular, it is necessary to protect children from infancy to the age of 18, since the cumulative dose has been established by the age of 18. No matter how much the person protects himself in advancing ages, the damage of the rays exposed until that time can cause photoaging, spots or precancerous lesions to appear.
WHAT TIME OF THE DAY SHOULD WE STAY AWAY FROM THE SUN?
The first precaution in sun protection is to cut off contact. You should not go out in the middle of 11:00 – 16:00 when the sun’s rays come perpendicular to the earth, and if it is necessary to go out, clothes that will prevent contact with the sun’s rays as much as possible should be preferred. Healthy sunbathing is very valuable for the synthesis of vitamin D, but other than that, people should avoid the sun. In places where protection from the sun is not possible or on vacation, physical protection comes to the fore, especially for children. In fact, sunscreens are probably the last link of sun protection measures.
CHOICE OF CLOTHING IS IMPORTANT FOR SUN PROTECTION!
At the point where it is not possible to avoid the sun, clothing choices are valuable. Cotton, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun, hats and sunglasses to protect the head and eyes should be preferred. When choosing children’s sea clothes, it is useful to choose sun-proof half sleeves, t-shirts, sea clothes that cover the upper body. A hat must be used. Children’s exposed legs, arms, face and neck areas should be regularly creamed. It is not possible to be completely protected from the damaging effects of the sun by only using sunscreen without taking all these precautions. Sunscreens should be applied to the exposed areas after all these precautions are taken. No cream can completely prevent the damaging effects of sun rays.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A SUN CREAM?
There are many sunscreens with different features sold in pharmacies and cosmetic markets. Since they are always applied to the body in a heavy form, the elements they contain are valuable. Sunscreens are divided into 2 sets containing physical and chemical filters.
1. Sunscreen creams with physical filters protect the skin by reflecting sunlight. While making a heavy barrier on the skin, they do not harm the skin. They often have healthier ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. When applied, they form a white layer. Dermatology doctors recommend creams containing physical filters, especially for children, in order to protect themselves from the sun in a healthier way.
2.Creams containing chemicals protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays. If a sunscreen with a chemical filter is to be preferred, its content should be checked and taken. There are many sunscreen creams with SPF and chemical filters. Creams containing oxybenzone and para amino benzoic acid should not be preferred, especially for children. The most important factor to consider when choosing sunscreen creams with chemical or physical filters is that these products are approved by the Ministry of Health and recommended by doctors.
SPF defense must be above a factor of 50. There are also new generation, smart sunscreen creams that protect against UVA, UVB and infrared rays. No matter how much precautions are taken, sunburn is one of the most common situations in summer, especially on vacation. Cold compresses can be used for mild to moderate sunburns. Pain relievers can be used, plenty of fluids should be consumed. The degree of burn is valuable here. If it is a severe burn, local treatment may be required under the control of a specialist physician.
BEWARE OF INSECT BITES!
Mosquito and bee stings in summer and coastal areas, and bee stings and tick adhesions in those living in highland and mountainous regions are encountered. Mosquito bites, bee and different insect stings can be prevented by using protective sprays. In cases of bites and stings, they should first apply cold compresses with ice. It is useful to drink an antihistamine drug to prevent allergic conditions. The affected area should not be itchy. If a severe reaction has occurred in the area of the bite, a health institution should be consulted without delay. If the tick is stuck, a health institution should be consulted immediately. The tick must be removed by a doctor. Removing it on one’s own can be dangerous.
