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Dubai: With the scorching summer heat already here, many people will end up getting sunburnt on beaches because they do not take sufficient precautions.
Sun-worshippers are being warned of the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun. Fair-skinned people, especially, are at greater risk and could mistake sunburn for a tan.
Video: Summertime skincare in the UAE
Dr Ekram Allah Al Nasir, specialist dermatologist and medical director of the Dermacare Skin Centre, said: "In nine out of ten cases, mild sunburn is perceived as a tan. This is because mild sunburn doesn't necessarily make your skin look burnt, it just makes your complexion change."
"Certain skin types like type I, which is pale with blue or green eyes and blonde hair, can never actually achieve a tan, so anything they see on their skin as a change of colour is actually mild sunburn. These people should always take it as sunburn," he said.
Cloudy days
While the risk of sunburn increases in summer-time, it is also possible to be burnt on a cloudy day. Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate cloud cover and can damage the skin.
Treatment includes topical application of hydrocortisone or moisturising creams and in severe cases oral anti-inflammatory medication and hospital attention.
Allergic reactions can also cause sunburn symptoms. Dr Al Nasir said: "Allergic reactions can occur from sun exposure. This is over-sensitivity of the skin that can provoke a reaction even in lower sunlight levels. It is a combination reaction, for example, from taking some types of oral medication or from perfume or deodorant on the skin, where the chemical has a reaction to ultraviolet radiation."
Certain populations in society that are most at risk from sunburn, Dr Al Nasir said, display a careless attitude, while others who do not need as much protection, take the most caution.
"There are two extremes: Asian populations take the most protective care, such as shading under an umbrella and wearing high factor sun cream. But fair-skinned people with the highest risk of sunburn wear the least protective clothing," he said.
Dr Al Nasir said: "Many people don't realise that doing water sports in the day requires greater sun protection measures. If you are doing water-based activities, you are in more danger, because direct rays from the sun are reflected off the water as well as the sand."
Dr Al Nasir said: "People with blonde hair and light eyes, Caucasian people with multiple moles on their body and people with a personal or family history of skin cancer are more likely to be at risk from sun exposure."
Four tips to avoid sunburn
1. Avoid the sun from 11am to 4pm
2. Wear sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) above 30
3. Reapply sun cream every hour, particularly if you are taking part in water sports
4. Wear protective clothing if you are going to sit in the sun
Do you agree? Do you know of any blue-eyed blondes who are well tanned? Should people be discouraged from getting tans? Should fashion magazines be legislated against for promoting the tanned look? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.
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