Warning over sunburn as a dozen treated in hospitals
HOLIDAYMAKERS were warned to take extreme care during Ireland’s heatwave as it emerged more than a dozen people have already been treated in hospitals and clinics for severe sunburn and suspected sunstroke.
One Dublin teen suffered such severe sunburn on Sunday that his back and shoulders were left bleeding and covered in blisters.
He required hospital treatment and may now face long-term specialist care.
In Cork, a young woman collapsed and was treated for the effects of heatstroke.
In Wexford, one middle-aged man collapsed from heat exhaustion and dehydration exacerbated by alcohol.
The Irish Cancer Society (ICS) warned that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer among men in Ireland.
One in eight men is likely to develop skin cancer over the course of their life.
An average of 30 new cases of skin cancer are now detected every day in Ireland. Repeated severe sunburns can triple the risk of developing melanoma – the most dangerous kind of skin cancer.
The ICS warned that people need to realise that sunburn isn’t just a risk at the seaside.
“Sunburn is a risk if you are indoors and then go outside without planning or taking precautions such as putting on a hat or a proper sunscreen,” ICS official Kevin O’Hagan said.
“We are urging people to be careful in the sun.”
Damage
“People need to think ahead – if you are going to be outdoors and in strong sunshine, please bring a hat and wear sunscreen.
“People also need to realise that they can get sunburn and damage their skin even if they are only exposed to the sun in short periods.”
The ICS urged people to follow the SunSmart code – always apply a proper sunscreen, limit your exposure to intense sunlight and wear a hat or loose clothing to protect your skin.
However, certain people
are at higher risk of sunburn including those with pale or freckled skin that does not tan or burns before it tans; naturally red or fair hair; blue, green or grey eyes; a large number of moles and a history of sunburn;
or if you burn easily.
Meanwhile, the Alone charity urged people to check on their elderly neighbours or relatives during the current heatwave.
“Older people, and their families and neighbours, should be
conscious that they are more at risk of dehydration,” Alone boss Sean Moynihan warned.
“Older people’s receptors for thirst are less keen, so they can go for extended periods without feeling the need to
drink even if they are verging on dehydration.
“What is more, factors such as poor circulation, heart, lung or kidney problems can also heighten the dangers that they face,” he said.