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Why You Should
Take Sun Safety Precautions

Sun safety is very important as overexposure to the sun results in sunburns, i.e. skin damage from the sun's UV rays. Mild sunburns affect only the outer layer of the skin, i.e. first-degree burn. Second-degree burn is more serious and painful, and takes longer time to heel.

Sunburn is not only painful while it lasts, it can also be dangerous as many short and long-term health problems can result from overexposure to the sun's harmful UV rays.

Immediate health problems that can be present along with sunburn include:

  • Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and is life threatening, requiring immediate emergency medical treatment
  • Sun Poisoning is caused by severe sunburn, sun poisoning symptoms include fever, nausea, chills, dizziness, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, dehydration, and shock
  • Sun Allergy occurs when the immune system reacts against substances like sunscreen or too much sunlight as if these substances were trying to attack the body
  • Vision Problems can be burning pain, decreased vision or partial or complete loss of vision

Possible long-term health problems include increased risk of developing:

  • Skin Cancer is often / usually caused by years of too much sun exposure and is the most common form of cancer in the US today, with one in five American developing cancer in the course of a lifetime
  • Cold Sores are clusters of small blisters on the lip and outer edge of the mouth, and are caused by the herpes simplex virus
  • Lupus is when the immune system attacks normal body tissues as though they were foreign substances, causing inflammation and tissue damage throughout the body
  • Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness
  • Skin Changes include wrinkles, dryness, freckles, “liver spots”, easy bruising, skin growths, skin patches, and changes in skin color

These are all solid reasons for taking sun safety tips and sun precautions seriously.

Top Travel Tips

Certain medications as well as using perfumes and deodorants can sensitize the skin and cause serious burns in the sun. If you are concerned, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

By following few Tips for Safety in the Sun will reduce your risk of developing any health problems related to overexposure to the sun and allow you to spend your time more safely outdoors.

Top Travel Tips sun safety tips include:

  • Know the UV index for your travel destination
  • Limit your time in the sun
  • Look for shade
  • Wear sun protection clothing
  • Wear Sun Protection Hat
  • Use Sunscreen (sun protection factor 15 or more), applied generously and frequently
  • Protect your eyes with sunglasses with at least 98% UV protection (100% even better)
  • Pay special attention to children, they are special risk group

Sun Protection Clothing

Travel clothing manufacturers have over the years improved the sun protective features of their products. Today you can buy travel apparel that gives you excellent sun protection as well as being lightweight and comfortable. In our Sun Protection Clothing article we discuss the benefits of this type of clothing.


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