The Right Amount Of Sunlight In The Tropics

Vacationing in the tropics is the perfect way to unwind, have a little fun, and get away from the everyday stresses of life. One of the common mistakes people make while vacationing is getting excessive exposure to sunlight.

Naturally, people don’t think about the harmful effects of too much sun exposure, especially when they are having the time of their life in paradise.

A serious sunburn will ruin your vacation. It also increases your chances of getting cancer later in life. Proper skin care is important, especially when you’re on vacation spending a lot more time outdoors.

The Dangers Of Being Exposed To Too Much Sunlight

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer in the United States. One in five Americans develop it in their lifetime. Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of this type of cancer.

It accounts for 3 percent of skin cancer cases. Premature aging and skin damage are additional dangers of being exposed to too much sun. Excessive, unprotected exposure to UV radiation is a risk factor that is preventable.

Symptoms Of Too Much Sun Exposure

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of excessive sun exposure while vacationing. Not everyone’s reaction to a lot of sun will be the same.

However, there are some common symptoms that you need to look out for while soaking up some sun. Redness and pain is a simple yet mild sign of too much sun exposure.

Applying a cold compress to affected areas and taking an anti-inflammatory drug provides temporary relief. Sometimes people develop a skin sun rash, also known as polymorphic light eruption or sun poisoning.

It is an itchy rash that appears on skin that has been exposed to sunlight. Sometimes a sunburn is so severe that it causes severe blistering, vomiting, and severe pain, so taking precautions will definitely be worth the effort.

Tips On Avoiding Harmful Effects Of The Sun

Staying out of the sun is the best way to prevent sun damage. However, simply staying locked up in your hotel room to avoid the sun does not make for an ideal vacation.

Just take proper precautions when you go outside. For example, wear protective clothing if you know that you will be outside in the sun for an extended period of time.

UV light sunglasses, a wide brim hat, and long sleeves are great options. Wait and save your outdoor activities for later in the day to avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the most intense.

Lastly, always wear sunscreen. Put it on every day in generous amounts, and reapply it throughout the day.

Keep in mind that sweating and swimming will minimize sunscreen’s effectiveness. The higher the SPF number in the sunscreen, the more protection that it offers, so purchase sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Enjoy your tropical holiday vacation. Just remember to play it safe when you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Know the symptoms of excessive sunlight, take extra precautionary measures to protect yourself from the sun, and know when to seek medical care.