NEWSLETTER
Aug-2012
DR D G F NORTHERN
MB ChB DCH DRCOG MRCGP
DR E M NOLAN
MB ChB BAO DCH DRCOG MRCGP
DR T D WILLIAMS
MB BCh BAO DCH MRCGP DPD
DR T J H HUGHES
MB ChB MRCGP DRCOG
DR D THOMPSON
MBBS MRCGP DRCOG
DR J K STRINGER
MB BCh DRCOG MRCGP
DR J DARCY
MD ChB DRCOG
DR A BASHA
MBBS DRCOG DFFP MRCGP
DR K KERR
MB ChB MRCGP DFFP
DR M ABEY
MBBS BSC DFSRH DRCOG MRCGP LoC SDI/IUD
Sunburn
Introduction
Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much exposure to
UV light can make your skin red and painful. This may later lead to peeling or
blistering.
Sources of UV light include:



sunlight
tanning beds
phototherapy lamps these are used in light therapy to treat conditions such
as jaundice in newborn babies (yellowing of the skin)
Sunburn often occurs when the suns rays are most intense (usually between 11am and
3pm). However, there is also a risk of getting burned by the sun in other weather
conditions. For example, light reflecting off snow can also cause sunburn. A cloudy sky
or breeze may make you feel cooler, but sunlight can still get through and damage
your skin.
What are the symptoms of sunburn?
The symptoms of sunburn can vary depending on length of exposure to UV rays and a
persons skin type but will often include red, sore and blistering skin. The symptoms
may not appear immediately and can take up to five hours to appear.
Treatment for sunburn aims to cool the skin and relieve any pain or symptoms.
Applying a cold flannel over the area will help to cool the skin while moisturising lotions
and creams will help to keep it moist. Moisturisers that contain aloe vera will help to
soothe your skin and Calamine lotion can relieve itching or soreness.
In severe cases you should ask your pharmacist for advice as you may need special
treatment from your GP surgery. You should see you GP if you have sunburn and you
feel faint, dehydrated or have severe blistering, or if a young child or baby has
sunburn.
Who is at risk of sunburn?
Everyone who is exposed to UV light is at risk of getting sunburn. However, the less
melanin you have, the less protected you are against the effects of UV light.
Melanin is a pigment that is produced when your skin is exposed to sunlight. It absorbs
the UV radiation found in sunlight to help protect your skin. This results in your skin
becoming darker, which is a sign that it has been damaged by UV rays.
If you have fair skin or red hair or if you have not been in the sun much, your melanin
levels will be low, which increases your risk of burning more quickly. Read more about
the causes of sunburn.
Melanin stops you burning so easily but it does not prevent the other harmful effects of
UV radiation.
Babies and young children are particularly at risk from sunburn.
The risks of UV rays
Mild sunburn usually goes away around four to seven days after your skin has been
exposed to UV rays. However, damage from sunburn can have long-term effects and
frequent exposure to UV rays for long periods of time increases your risk of developing
skin problems, such as skin cancer and premature ageing. Read more about the risks
of long-term exposure to UV rays.
Preventing sunburn
You can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by protecting your skin with
sunscreen. You may find the following tips useful:





Avoid strong sunlight whenever possible, particularly when the sun is strongest,
and cover up with loose clothing and a hat.
When buying sunscreen, choose one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at
least factor 15 (the higher the better) which protects against both UVA and UVB
rays.
Apply a generous amount of sunscreen at least 15 before going out in the sun
and reapply regularly (at least every two to three hours). Even water-resistant
sunscreens should be reapplied after you come out of the water.
A stick application with a high SPF is useful for exposed areas, such as your
nose, ears and lips because these areas tend to burn more easily.
Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight.
For more information see our advice on sun safety and protecting your skin.
You should seek advice immediately from your GP if you notice changes to any of
your moles for example, a change in their size, colour or texture.
Vitamin D
It's important to remember that while spending prolonged periods of time in the sun
can cause sunburn and skin damage, spending a small amount of time in the sun can
be beneficial as it provides your body with vitamin D.
Vitamin D helps to control the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which is
needed to keep bones and teeth healthy.
DANGERS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
When taking a holiday in rented accommodation it is a wise precaution to pack a
carbon monoxide alarm. Battery alarms can be bought from most DIY stores or on line
and are reasonably priced. They are portable and will fit easily into a suitcase. They
are also a wise precaution to have in the home.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
Because carbon monoxide is odourless and colourless it is not always evident when it
has become a problem is the home. Often people who have a mild to moderate
problem will find they feel sick while they spend time at home. They might feel a little
better outside in the fresh air but will have re-occurring symptoms shortly after
returning home. If other members of the family have re-occurring bouts with flu-like
symptoms while fuel-burning appliances are being used it may be time to have the
house checked by a professional.
Low levels of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food
poisoning or other illnesses and carry a long-term health risk if left unattended. Some
of the symptoms are:
 Shortness of breath
 Mild nausea
 Mild headaches
Moderate levels of CO exposure can cause death if the following symptoms persist for
a long measure of time.
 Headaches
 Dizziness
 Nausea
 Light-headedness
High levels of CO can be fatal causing death within minutes.
Treatment Options
There are immediate measures you can take to help those suffering from carbon
monoxide poisoning. DIAL 999.
.
Get the victim into fresh air immediately.
 If you can not get the people out of the house, open all windows and doors
immediately. Any combustion appliances should be turned off.
 Take those who were subjected to carbon monoxide to a hospital emergency
room as quickly as possible. A simple blood test will be able to determine if
carbon monoxide poisoning has occurred.
When should I attend the hospital A&E Department?
Many people are uncertain about when and how to use the local Accident and
Emergency department. The priority of the staff there is to treat the severely injured or
very ill. Patients with minor injuries or illnesses often face a wait of several hours or in
some cases are sent back to their GPs. Some problems are more appropriately dealt
with by your GP or Shropdoc [out of hours], or sometimes by advice from your
pharmacist.
Problems likely to require A&E attendance include:Fractures/suspected fractures
Deep cuts or lacerations
Severe chest pain
Suspected stroke
Severe breathing difficulty
Collapse/unconsciousness
Falls from a considerable height
Poisoning
Extensive burns
Severe haemorrhage from stomach or bowels
Conditions not appropriate for the A&E department:Coughs/flu like illnesses
Earache
Urinary/bladder problems
Backache
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Insect bites
Minor breathlessness or wheeze
Abdominal pain[unless extreme or associated with collapse]
Vaginal bleeding[unless very heavy and associated with faintness]
Most rashes
These lists do not cover every eventuality-if in doubt, please phone for advice.
Occasionally your GP may see you and feel that your problem does require further
investigation and refer you on to the hospital.