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Care in the Sun

Most people love the sun - it makes you feel good. However, each year in the United Kingdom we have thousands of new cases of skin cancer. It is important for the business traveller on frequent trips abroad to recognise both the long and short-term risks associated with too much sun exposure - not only on the beach - snow, sand and water also reflect the sun's rays.

Consider Clothing

When you are travelling to a sunny area, wear clothes that will protect you in the sun - sunglasses, clothing of tightly woven fabric and a sun hat covering the neck, ears and back of the neck.

In sunshine, sunglasses are essential to protect the eyes from dangerous rays, which can form cataracts later on in life. Make sure the glasses you use display a kite mark of quality, but bear in mind that designer brands are not always better than cheaper brands.

Make sure you wear a hat when travelling to sunny locations and apply sun cream to a bald head if you need protection along with the rest of your body.

Assess your Risk

Be aware of your risk factors involved with skin cancer - you are at a higher risk if you have a family member with skin cancer, are fair skinned or of a European origin. Current thinking suggests that any sunburn to the skin is damaging and a single serious sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer. Sun cream is essential if you are planning to spend time out in the sun. Tanning acts, as the body's natural way to prevent further burning but it does not prevent skin cancer.

Sun cream Essentials

Apply sun cream liberally - about an eggcup amount for the whole body every 2-3hrs, even when it is cloudy. Apply 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Don't forget the back of the neck and the ears! Start with a high Sun Protection Factor (the higher the SPF the greater the protection) and gradually decrease - don't just stop using sun cream when you think you are well tanned! Just a note about travelling to areas where insect repellent needs to be worn during the day - make sure you apply repellents ON TOP of the sun cream.

Sun lamps and tanning booths can increase your risk of skin cancer. A false tan however, can offer minimum sun protection and is considered a safer way if you are determined not to 'go white' on the beach, they should be used as well as a sunscreen. Dark skins are also at risk of skin cancer and should follow the same guidelines for sun cream as they are still at risk of burning in the sun if no precautions are taken.

If you are travelling to a high altitude, the UV rays of the sun will be stronger. This is due to the thin atmosphere not filtering out the dangerous UV rays. Snow especially is very reflective and a good sun cream is essential.

First Aid

By avoiding the sun between 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, you can prevent most sun burning and overexposure. Too much sun, even in the UK, can eventually lead to skin cancer, ageing and sunburn.

Don't sit out all day on the first day of your trip - gradual exposure to the sun is far safer, increasing your time as you get used to the sun. If you do happen to get burnt, apply some good after sun cream onto the area as soon as possible and seek medical advice if the burnt area blisters or becomes painful.

Never sunbathe after drinking alcohol. It is all too easy to fall asleep beside the pool after a hard day with a large glass of wine and wake up as a burns casualty. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks while in the sun to prevent dehydration. Fruit juices, water from a reputable source is far better and more refreshing.

If you are on any medication, check with your doctor before you go away, as some medications can make you more sensitive to the sun, including the common anti-malarial drug doxycycline.

Always consult with your Doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your skin or your moles change in shape, size or colour, or become itchy or bleed.