SUNBURN KILLS
Sunburn is inflammation of the skin and the tissues just beneath it caused by overexposure
to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The affected area becomes red, hot, tender and
swollen and in severe cases blisters may form. Light skinned individuals are more
likely to become sunburned than dark skinned persons. Some medications and diseases
can also increase sensitivity to the sun.One can become sunburned without sitting directly under the hot, blazing sun. Ultraviolet rays will penetrate a hazy atmosphere and clouds. Also, sun rays on water, sand or snow may reflect off those surfaces and cause sunburn. In addition, because cold temperatures do not block ultraviolet rays, it is possible to get a sunburn in the winter.
Risks
Repeated sunburn or regular exposure to sun over many years breaks down the elastic
tissues in the skin and makes it look prematurely old and wrinkled. In addition,
it can cause solar keratoses (roughened red patches of skin which are precancerous)
to appear on exposed places, especially in fair-skinned people. Solar keratoses and/or long-term
exposure to sun increase the risk of getting skin cancer, the most serious risk from
sun exposure. Deaths from malignant melanoma are increasing. One recent study concluded that severe sunburns in childhood result in an increased risk of melanoma later
in life.Treatment
The best treatment of sunburn is prevention. However, even the most careful of individuals
sometimes get too much sun. If a sunburn does occur, apply cool tap water compresses
or soak in a cool bath for 20 minutes several times a day. Most typical anesthetics are not very effective, and those containing benzocaine can aggravate the problem
by causing an allergic rash. Sunburned skin should be continually protected even while swimming by wearing clothing or by applying a sunscreen or sunblock lotion with an SPF rating of 30 or more. The sunscreen or sunblock needs to be reapplied after each time in the water. The healing process usually takes at least 48 to 72 hours.
DO NOT SUNBATHE
In cases of extreme overexposure to sunlight or sunlamps, it is best to contact your
health care practitioner immediately, before the worst inflammation appears. An intense
sunburn requires continuous cool compresses, topical steroids, and lubricating agents. Aspirin or other analgesics may be necessary to relieve pain. A truly severe sunburn
may be accompanied by nausea, fever, chills, and a rapid pulse. Medical attention
should be sought immediately for these symptoms.SUNBED SALES PEOPLE CAN KILL YOU
Deaths have been reported in people who use sunbeds. A ban on the interstate sales and distribution of sunbeds has been suggested by the American Medical Association. More than 27 States have pending legislation to regulate the industry that preys on millions in North America.There is no effective supervision, or regulation of the sunbed industry in Canada or the U.S. There are no approved training programs for the non-medical use of these ultraviolet generators. You can call them "ultraviolent", because their ultimate goal is to destroy your skin's cells, and to stimulate the development of a skin cancer, not a "beautiful golden tan".
A 700% increase in the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer is associated with the use of artificial tanning. All tanning is harmful, there is no question about it, none whatsoever. Only you can protect yourself from harm!
When someone wants to sell you on using a sunbed at a "health club", tell them to take a hike, and ask them for their records of maintenance, if their equipment has been calibrated, and whether anyone has developed burns, or skin cancer after using their beds.
A 20-30 minute exposure from a sunbed is equal to a full day at the beach, with no significant benefit. Most tanning session give the
skin the equivalent to a 3-4 SPF factor, and the result is actually damaging to all
the skin surfaces, especially the areas around the genitalia, where it may stir up
a breakout of herpes. Not a very good thing is it?
