Sun awareness month

May is Sun Awareness Month 3-9^th May                       

It is the British Association of Dermatologist’s (BAD) campaign to raise awareness for the public about sun protection and skin cancer.

Exposure to the sun and using sunbeds increases your likelihood of getting skin cancer. They can also: 

• Speed up ageing
• Cause blisters, headaches, and sunstroke
• Weaken your immune system
• Cause permanent damage to your eyes
• Lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion

And still, year on year, people fail to take the necessary precautions.  

5 myths about sun exposure:       

• People with dark skin don’t need to wear sun cream 
• Tanning is always safe as long as you don’t burn
• You can only burn in summer or when the weather’s warm
• You can’t burn through glass          
• Sunbeds are safer than exposure to the sun

5 ways you can stay safe in the sun:   

• Wear protective clothing 
• Use sun cream – the more protection the better – broad spectrum of at least F30 and UVA star rating – and apply it throughout the day
• Limit your time in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm as these are peak hours
• Wear sunglasses
• Sit in the shade at regular intervals.

Watch this video on sun protection on our skin cancer website:

Visit these websites for more information on skin cancer and sun protection:

1. https://www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/what-is-skin-cancer
2. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/
3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer
4. Sun Awareness – BAD Patient Hub (skinhealthinfo.org.uk)