Whether you’re out in the park, or relaxing on the beach, it’s important to avoid too much exposure to the sun. Cover up with clothing, stay in the shade and apply high factor sunscreen, say the experts from St John Ambulance.
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Most sunburn is mild, but in severe cases the skin can become damaged, turn lobster red and blister. It is also possible to develop heat exhaustion.
Sunburn symptoms
- Reddened skin
- Pain in the area of the burn
- Blistering
How to treat sunburn
But if sunburn happens here is how to treat it
1. Cover the skin with light clothing and move them out of the sun
2. Drink cold water
3. Cool the skin with cool water for 10 minutes
4. Use after-sun creams to try and help soothe mild sunburn
5. If there are blisters, you might need to see a healthcare professional
6. Treat any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke (headache, dizziness, loss of appetite and feeling sick, sweating with pale clammy skin, cramps in the arms, legs and stomach and fast, weakening pulse and breathing) and get medical help.
Hot weather can also impact our animals and pets
- Vets warn hot ground burns pet paws
- Dogs are more likely to get sunstroke than humans - and it can be fatal. Here's how to keep dogs cool in hot weather
St John Ambulance is a charity dedicated to the teaching of first aid. They support the NHS, provide medical support at public events and administer engaging youth programmes throughout England.
