Sunburn and Skin Cancer: Protect Your Skin from the Sun

How does the sun cause damage?

Sunlight consists, among other things, of UVA and UVB radiation. UVB radiation is primarily responsible for sunburn. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and plays a major role in skin aging. Both types of UV radiation can damage the skin.

Your skin can repair some of this damage, but not always all of it. The more often you get sunburned, the greater your risk of skin cancer. Sunburns at a young age, in particular, increase the risk later in life. Even prolonged sun exposure without getting sunburned can be harmful. According to KWF, more than 80,000 people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. This makes it the most common form of cancer.

Source: KWF - Skin Cancer: What You Need to Know

What types of skin cancer are there?

There are three main types:

• Basal cell carcinoma: the most common type. It usually grows slowly and almost never spreads. It may look like a shiny or pearlescent bump, a sore that won’t heal, or a scab that keeps coming back.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: often develops on skin that has been exposed to a lot of sun, such as the face, ears, hands, or a bald head. It may start as a rough, scaly patch or a rapidly growing lump. This type can spread, but the prognosis is usually good if detected early.
• Melanoma: a more aggressive form of skin cancer that develops from pigment cells. A melanoma may resemble a mole that changes in shape, color, or size. A new, conspicuously dark spot can also be a reason to see your doctor.

Source for skin cancer types: KWF - The Sun and the Risk of Skin Cancer

Always have a spot checked by your doctor if it changes, bleeds, itches, hurts, or doesn’t heal. A pharmacy cannot diagnose skin cancer.

How to protect yourself effectively

Remember three words: avoid, cover, and apply.

• When the sun is strong, especially between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., seek shade.
• Wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.
• Use at least SPF 30, even if you’re already tanned.
• Choose a product that also protects against UVA rays. You can recognize this by the UVA logo with a circle around it.
• Apply a generous amount and reapply every two hours.
• Reapply after swimming, sweating, or drying off, even if using a water-resistant product.
• Keep babies under 1 year old out of direct sunlight.

Many people use too little sunscreen and therefore get less protection than the SPF on the packaging indicates. KWF recommends about 7 teaspoons per application for the entire body: 1 for the face and neck, 2 for the arms and shoulders, 2 for the chest, abdomen, and back, and 2 for the legs and feet.

Source: KWF - Everything About Sunscreen

Sunscreen never provides 100% protection. Therefore, always combine applying sunscreen with staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing.

Got sunburned anyway?

Get out of the sun immediately and cool the painful skin with wet cloths. If you’re in a lot of pain, you can usually take acetaminophen. Do not pop blisters, and stay out of the sun for at least three days afterward. Call your doctor or the after-hours medical service immediately if you have numerous or large blisters, a fever, nausea, vomiting, a headache, feel unwell, or if a large area of your skin is sunburned and swollen.

Source: Thuisarts.nl - My skin is sunburned. What should I do?

Ask for advice at our pharmacy

Which sunscreen is best depends on your skin type and the situation. We’re happy to help you find a product suitable for sensitive skin, acne, eczema, children, or intense physical activity. We’ll also check if you’re taking any medications that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. This can occur with certain antibiotics, medications for heart rhythm disorders, and topical treatments, among others.

Do you have questions about your sunscreen or about combining sun exposure with medications?

Feel free to ask at our pharmacy. That way, you can go outside safely and well-protected.