The Travellers Lounge > Sunburn

<body> <p>The Travellers Lounge > Sunburn when travelling</p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">Getting a tan is high on the importance list for many a traveller but even if you are not stretched out on a beach roasting yourself you need to be aware of the potential problems from being in the sun too long...</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">The bottom line is</font> <font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">DON'T GET BURNT but this is not always so easy to avoid; You may not be used to the intensity of the sun in certain areas of the world and may not realise you are slowly cooking, even with sun cream on or when it is cloudy!</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">We have therefore included advise on how to not only prevent sunburn but also how to manage it when it's there!</font> <p align="justify"><font face="Arial" size="2" color="#FF9999">The intensity of the sun differs around the world by the following:</font></p> <ul> <li> <p align="justify"><font face="Arial" size="2" color="#FF9999"><b>Latitude</b> (hotter nearer the equator)</font></li> <li> <p align="justify"><font face="Arial" size="2" color="#FF9999"><b>Altitude</b> (even though it may be getting colder the higher you go the sun is getting stronger)</font></li> <li> <p align="justify"><font face="Arial" size="2" color="#FF9999"><b>Season</b></font></li> <li> <p align="justify"><font face="Arial" size="2" color="#FF9999"><b>Time of day</b></font></li> <li> <p align="justify"><font face="Arial" size="2" color="#FF9999"><b>Reflection </b>(water, concrete, snow etc)</font></li> </ul> <p align="justify"><font face="Arial" size="2" color="#FF9999">The most effective way to protect yourself is to cover up. Wearing a <b>hat or cap</b> is very effective and <b>sunglasses</b> with UV protection are a must. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Arial" size="2" color="#FF9999">If you are doing adventurous activities for a sustained period you should be careful to either cover up any exposed areas with light clothing or be extremely vigilant with your sun cream application.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">Sun cream is extremely important and should be purchased however broke you may get on your travels. The factor will depend on your skin type (fair skin > higher factor) but also on the previous points (eg, area, altitude etc).</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">You should apply sun cream as follows:</font></p> <ul> <li> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2"><b>Apply 20-30 minutes before you go in the sun</b></font></li> <li> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2"><b>Apply regularly</b> (especially if you are in water or are sweating a lot)</font></li> <li> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">You will get <b>burnt through water </b>(make sure all areas of skin are looked after when snorkeling or swimming - watch the reflection too!). Get a water resistant lotion.</font></li> <li> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">Apply <b>even on cloudy days</b> if you are in the sun for sustained periods as UV is still gets through the clouds.</font></li> <li> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">Just because it is cold does not mean that UV is not present. (ie. <b>how hot it is is not an indication of how much you may burn</b>)</font></li> </ul> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2"><b>So you've got burnt?</b></font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">The problem with sunburn is that it comes on gradually and can vary from a mild redness to a blistering burn with swelling.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">If you only have mild sunburn you must take the heat out of your skin by using a cold cloth laid over the area and a fan. Painkillers like aspirin or paracetamol may be necessary as well. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">There are also lots of after-sun creams and lotions available. The best ones contain <b>calamine</b> or <b>aloe vera</b>. Avoid greasy creams as these tend to trap the heat. You could also try lavender essential oil applied undiluted.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">If you have a blistering of the skin then you need to prevent a secondary infection by keeping the area clean and by applying an antibacterial cream. Seek medical help if the area does not improve.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="2">If the burn is severe then you may feel feverish due to dehydration and heat loss from the sun burnt area. Rest, keep hydrated and seek medical help.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#ff9999" face="Arial" size="3"><b>DO NOT GET BURNT AGAIN!</b></font></p> <p> </p> <p>This page uses frames, but your browser doesn't support them.</p> <p> </p>    <SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript">  </SCRIPT> <NOSCRIPT> <IMG BORDER="0" WIDTH="1" HEIGHT="1" SRC="http://statse.webtrendslive.com/S005-01-5-23-248952-76525/button5.asp?tagver=5&si=76525&fw=1&js=No&"> </NOSCRIPT>  </body>