The pleasure of finding the sun after a long winter and a rainy spring should not make us forget the precautions to take in the event of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is why the National Institute for Prevention and Education for Health (Inpes) is launching a new awareness campaign on solar risks. A campaign called “This summer, sunbathing is not playing” to emphasize the fact that we are (and especially children) vulnerable to UV rays.
Sun: summer’s false friend
As Dr Thanh Le Luong, Director General of Inpes recalls: “ severe sunburn in childhood can cause genetic mutations in skin cells, which can no longer repair themselves properly. This can lead, years later, to the development melanoma “. Thus, in 2010, nearly 1,600 people died as a result of melanoma which has been found, 7 times out of 10, to be the result of overexposure to the sun.
However, as the Inpes points out, Compared to UV rays, the French feel well informed and seem to know the risks:
– 82% of them say they are well informed about the harmful effects of the sun
– 97% are aware that protect your skin is essential
– 70% believe that exposing themselves without protection can promote the development of skin cancer.
– But in reality, we are still too reckless as soon as the sun shines: one in 5 people still think that getting sunburned helps prepare the skin and make it less vulnerable afterwards
Sun: the rules to follow
– Avoid exposure to the sun between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. It is at this time of the day that the ultraviolet radiation is strongest because the sun is highest in the sky and the shadow is short. Outside, it is recommended to look for shaded areas. As for babies, they should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
– Wear sunglasses, a T-shirt and a wide-brimmed hat – these are the simplest, most practical and least expensive means of protection. Children should be especially protected by light clothing even when they are in the shade of a parasol.
– Apply sunscreen in sufficient layer every two hours or after each swim without forgetting the neck and the feet. It is better to favor creams with high sun protection indices (minimum index 30) and which protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. However, no cream completely filters UV rays and allows prolonged exposure to the sun.
