The little Explorer

Sunburn

Sunburn: Even if it is not the result of a direct contact, sunburn is a burn all the same.

Indeed, UVA and UVB beams are responsible for tanning and warming the skin (at moderate exposure). Further more these beams cause (after more important exposure) sunburn premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.

Pay particular attention to the following:

- The period of sunshine
- UVA and UVB indication
- Clouds (it is not because the sky is cloudy, that there are no UV beams)
- Sitting behind a window pane (UVA beams go through the glass. So, glass windows are no barriers against skin redness and burn)
- reflecting elements: water, snow, sand (these elements act like mirrors: they redirect the beams into another direction. As a consequence at the beach, even under a parasol, the skin undergoes the effects of UV beams.)
- The shade
- the moment of the day that the sun is at its highest (noontime)
- babies and little children (their skin is more fragile)

At short term signs of sunburn manifest them as following :
- Local pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Whitish colour when you push on the affected zone
- Headache (you may take an analgesic, like aspirin, for relief)
- Vomit (consult a physician)
- Fever (consult a physician if the temperature comes close to 40°C)

However, everybody, and children particularly, need daily exposure to sunlight so the body is able to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D. This vitamin is indispensable for the health of bones and teeth

So, you have to be careful, but do not sink into « skin cancer paranoia » Sources:
- http://www.guichetdusavoir.org/ipb/index.php?showtopic=8747
- http://www.santepub-mtl.qc.ca/Environnement/bronzage/index.html
- http://www.chu-toulouse.fr/IMG/pdf/uva.pdf

Ghiles Olivia

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