Live Tunisia
Lifestyle
Summer Sun
Do you know how to stay safe and cool while you enjoy the sun on Tunisia’s white sandy beaches or even sitting by the hotel pool?
To a certain degree, everyone is at some risk whilst enjoying the summer sun. But, those of us with light skin colour, freckles, light hair or eye colour, a family history of skin cancer or a history of sunburn when young, have to be particularly aware. This is especially true for those of us here in Tunisia, where exposure to the sun is probably
far greater than our bodies are used to.
And, it’s not just nature we have to watch out for, as even rays from artificial sources of light such as tanning booths, can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
What Can You Do About It?
Remember to limit sun exposure as much as possible, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors
and reapplied at least every two hours. Use water-resistant sunscree with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. The sunscreen “factor” is important, but so too is it’s ability to protect from UVA and UVB, so where possible, check these protection levels provided.
Remember, sunscreen is formulated to protect the skin against the sun's ultraviolet light (UV), not to help tan the skin. Many people are blissfully unaware that some medications can increase sensitivity to the sun. Some examples are certain antibiotics, sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones and even anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
Also, cosmetics that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) may also increase sun sensitivity and the possibility of sunburn, particularly those that contain glycolic acid and lactic acid.
The height of the summer is almost upon us here in Tunisia.
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It is important to protect your skin from the sun while using AHA products and for up
to a week after discontinuing their use. Sunscreens alone may not always protect you, so it's always smart to wear wide-brimmed hats and seek shade under a beach umbrella or a tree. Don't forget your sunglasses! These protect the sensitive skin
around the eyes and may reduce the long-term risk of developing cataracts. People who wear UV-absorbing contact lenses still should wear UV-absorbing sunglasses since contact lenses don't completely cover the eye.
In the short term, if you do get a sunburn, don't put ice or oils on to it. Use a cold compress, and if you don't have that, a pack of frozen vegetables will work just as well. For severe cases, always seek medical attention. In the longer term, be on the lookout for moles that change colour or size, or have an irregular, spreading edge.
All these are potential signs of skin cancer.
The sun affects the skin directly, but through long hot periods, or during continuous exercise in a hot climate, the body can be severely affected too.
This is where heat illness can become a factor, and in basic terms is the body's cooling system shutting down. The body temperature goes up, which inhibits the ability to sweat. Mild symptoms of heat exhaustion include thirst, fatigue, and cramps in the legs or abdomen. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Serious heat-related symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nausea, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, decreased alertness, and a temperature as high as 105ºF. At the height of summer many people die each year from heat exposure.
The risk of heat illness goes up during exercise and sports, as it does with certain health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Alcohol also increases the risk. So do medications that slow sweat production such as antihistamines and
diuretics used to treat water retention, high blood pressure, and some liver and kidney conditions. People aged 65 and older and young children are especially vulnerable to
heat illness. Never leave a young child in a car, even for a few minutes with the window open a little, as the temperature inside a car can climb much higher than temperatures outside during a sunny day.
What You Can Do?
Air conditioning is the obvious protective factor against heat illness, whether at home or in the car. Reduce strenuous activities or do them during early mornings and
evenings when it's cooler. If you have to be outside for long stretches at a time, carry a water bottle, drink fluids regularly, and don't push your limits. People who play sports should wear light, loose-fitting clothes and drink water or sports drinks before, during, and after activity.
If you do see someone experiencing heat illness, lie the person down in a cool place and elevate the legs. Use water, wet towels, and fanning to help cool the person
until emergency help arrives.
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