Sun protection, the experts' advice: the dermatologist

THE DERMATOLOGIST'S ADVICE

Dr.Sylvie Truchet Casamayou.
Dermatology practitioner at the C.H.C.B.

The sun and us
Everyone knows that the sun has beneficial effects. What better stress relief than a bit of light during spring and summer to put an end to seasonal depression?
Holidays are also synonymous with happiness, the beach and swimming for our children.

Let's get serious
However, did you know for example that only 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure twice a week is enough to absorb vitamin D. It isn't therefore necessary to overexpose children.
Who hasn't been the victim of sunburn at least once in their life? The burning sensation on the shoulders, the redness, sometimes even dizziness after being caught out by the first sunny days and forgetting the precautionary principles.
That sunburn that went away after several days with the help of creams applied to the skin, which ended up peeling, can have serious consequences, since it has been shown to be the origin on skin cancers such as melanoma. The time gap can be long: from 10 to 20 years.
One thing is certain : the sun's rays are responsible for the appearance of skin cancers. The more UV we receive in our life, the higher the risk will be. It has been shown that melanomas in young adults are caused by sunburn during childhood.

What does a melanoma look like?
It could be a beauty spot that has changed, either in size, colour or shape. Speak to a doctor or dermatologist immediately if it becomes itchy or starts to bleed. Removing and testing this will, if it is caught early, allow a better prognosis and a cure for the patient.
Other cancers can be linked to the sun: carcinomas, located on the face, scalp and ears, and sometimes the lips, are also linked to chronic and prolonged sun exposure. In this case, surgery will again be the chosen treatment.

Let's talk about aesthetics
Let's get onto a less serious topic. The sun increases the number of small red blood vessels that appear on your cheeks or nose. It increases dry skin, and the appearance of brown sun marks on the face, cleavage, back or hands. Skin ageing is also much faster with a loss of elasticity and the apparition of unwanted wrinkles.

The advice
Dermatologists' advice should be followed throughout the year, and even more so before and during the summer holidays. Even if you avoid the mid afternoon sun, it is important to know that in the morning and evening, the sun's rays are still harmful for our children,
including when they are taking part in sports.
It is essential to apply high factor suncream (>40) on the face and uncovered areas.
You should choose a water- and sweat-resistant cream. Reapply the cream every two hours.
But this is not enough. The best protection and prevention is to wear clothes whose fabrics conform to the European sun protection rules (UV TOP or UV protect T-Shirt ).
This clothing should be worn on the beach and while swimming. It is the best protection for parents who are concerned about their children's health.