2017 HCHB_digital

Sun Care
Sunburn
Sunburn occurs from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, most commonly
from the sun but also from sunbeds. Symptoms of mild sunburn include reddened
skin that is painful and hot to touch, and tiredness and a headache from
dehydration caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. With severe sunburn the
skin blisters, and chills and fever result. Severe sunburn also causes dehydration
which can lead to electrolyte imbalances, shock or even death. Four to seven days
after exposure, sunburnt skin usually starts to peel and flake off.
Sunburn causes microscopic changes in the skin, and weakens the skin’s immune
defence system. One blistering sunburn is thought to double the likelihood of that
person developing skin cancer. Premature ageing (wrinkling, sagging, age spots),
brown spots and freckles, development of premalignant lesions (solar keratoses)
and eye damage (see Sun Care: Eye Protection) also occur with long-term sun
exposure, not necessarily just with sunburn.
Sunburn and skin cancer
The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and
squamous cell carcinoma. Adults of fair complexion who have had a lot of
previous sun exposure, or repeated episodes of sunburn (especially during their
childhood years) are more at risk. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer,
killing more than 300 New Zealanders each year.
UV index and the Sun Protection Alert
UV radiation is not something that can be seen or felt. The UV index (UVI) is a
standardised way of measuring the intensity of UV radiation on a particular day
in a particular place. It takes into account the sun elevation angle, ozone amount,
cloud cover, sun-earth separation, altitude, pollution and surface reflections (eg,
snow cover). A UVI greater than 10 is considered extreme and a UVI of less than
3, low. Daily UV indices are available at www.niwa.co.nz
The Sun Protection Alert is a simpler tool which tells people what to do
when the sun is at its strongest (ie, seek shade, reapply sunscreen, wear a hat)
and indicates the period of time during the day when people should protect
themselves from the sun. A daily Sun Protection Alert is published in many New
Zealand newspapers during summer and can also be found with town-specific
predictions on several websites (eg, sunsmart.org.nz, www.metservice.
com) and on the MetService weather App. In New Zealand, sun protection is
generally required daily, even on cloudy and cooler days, from September through
to April. Sun protection may also be required during winter, especially at high
altitude and in snow.
Sun protection and sunscreen
Sun protection involves the use of protective clothing, sunglasses, avoidance of
the sun around the hottest period of the day (solar noon: NZ 1pm) and use of
sunscreen on exposed parts of the skin.
Sunscreens either work chemically, by absorbing UV energy, or physically,
by reflecting it off. In the UV spectrum, both UVA and UVB rays contribute to
sunburn, skin cancer and wrinkling. Broad-spectrum sunscreens block out
both UVA and UVB rays and usually contain various combinations of chemical
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Category Examples Comments
Sunscreens (contain chemical
with or without physical
agents)
Physical sunscreens
Lip balms
Sunburn treatment products
Natural / herbal products /
supplements
[GENERAL SALE]
eg, Hamilton Sunscreen* (SPF 50 + ), Banana
Boat, Cancer Society range Neutrogena range,
SunSense range
[GENERAL SALE]
eg, zinc oxide (Sunsense Sensitive Invisible*)
[GENERAL SALE] eg, Nivea range, Sunsense Lip
Balm SPF 50+
[GENERAL SALE] eg, moisturising products
(Cancer Society After Sun Gel, Lucas Papaw)
eg, cooling gel + vitamins (Sunsense After Sun)
eg, MEBO Burn Repair
eg, local anaesthetics (Soov Cream/Spray)
Aloe vera gel
Vitamin C with vitamin E
Organic Children Sun Lotion
Products with an asterisk have a detailed listing in the Sun Care section of OTC Products, starting on page 265.
Chemical sunscreens absorb harmful ultraviolet light to protect the skin against sunburn.
Some also contain physical agents such as titanium or zinc which deflect UV radiation.
Deflect UV radiation from the skin rather than absorbing it. Both zinc oxide and titanium
dioxide provide UVA and UVB protection and are formulated as ultra-fine particles so as not
to leave a sheen on the skin. Less likely to cause allergies.
Protect lips with special lip sunscreens – lips burn easily and sunburn can reactivate a cold
sore on the lips. Reapply lip balm frequently as it gets “licked off”.
A moisturiser will not prevent peeling or damage but will help relieve irritation of dry, flaky
skin. Cooling gels can be kept in the fridge and applied when the skin is hot.
MEBO Burn Repair promotes faster healing after suburn by encouraging stem cell
regeneration. Also helps cool the skin and relieves discomfort.
Local anaesthetics (eg, lignocaine) offer pain relief after sunburn. Avoid broken skin.
Aloe vera has a soothing, cooling action on skin that has been exposed to the sun.
Combinations of vitamin C and E taken orally or applied topically prior to sun exposure can
reduce risk of sunburn. They can also help heal sunburn when applied afterwards.
Organic Children Sun Lotion contains a naturally occurring UV filter which may be used on
young babies.
SENSITIVE
INVISIBLE
ZINC
OXIDE
DEFENCE
• Dries clear
• 4 hours water
resistance
Page 144 HEALTHCARE HANDBOOK 2017-2018 Common Disorders