Don't let sunburn ruin your vacation

You’re on vacation and looking forward to frolicking at the beach or hiking in the mountains.  It’s summer time and the sun is shining.

But watch out: Summer vacations are notorious times for sunburns. Extra precautions are needed if you go to the beach, since sand and water reflect the sun’s rays which increases risk of a burn. Even traveling to the mountains can be dangerous, since thinner air at higher altitudes allows more of the burning rays to reach your skin.


Sand and water reflect the sun's rays making a sunburn
even more likely. Wearing a broad brimmed hat is one
good precaution to take.

Just a few hours in a theme park or walking around sightseeing may be all it takes to derail your vacation. Sunburn can happen in a matter of minutes, and you might even run a fever from its immediate effects—not to mention considering long-term possibility of skin cancer.

It also doesn’t take long for serious heat-related illness to happen, if you’re susceptible. It might surprise you to know that heat-related illnesses kill about 600 people a year—more than tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes combined. Keep in mind that UV rays can burn you even when it’s cloudy.

Hiking at higher elevations can also
result in sunburn. Be sure to stay hydrated
when outdoors, especially if engaged in
strenuous activities.

High humidity or dehydration are major contributing factors that can cause other physical symptoms like leg cramps, nausea, and dizziness. Heat stroke means your body can no longer regulate your internal temperature, and that is a medical emergency for which you should seek immediate attention.

To avoid having the sun ruin the rest of your vacation, use basic good sense. Apply sunscreen liberally—an ounce for each application, and repeat every two hours. No sunscreen is waterproof, and even the water-resistant varieties wear off or may be wiped off with a towel.

Find shade or go indoors periodically to cool off.  Drink liquids before you get thirsty, and wear loose, light-colored clothing that covers a good portion of exposed skin. Some fabrics have SPF factors that help deflect the sun’s rays. A broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses are important for protecting face, ears, and eyes. This is definitely a situation where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Photos from bing.comimages