Written by Anneka Pace and David Magri
Being that we live on an island which is enveloped by beaches, we spend the majority of our free time during the summer months frequenting the seaside. With this comes increased exposure to the sun. Although beneficial to a certain degree, as it alleviates stress and boosts our immune system, it can be detrimental beyond such levels.
As medical students, we believe it is our duty to educate the general public about the consequences of excessive sun exposure to help prevent and mitigate the risks imposed by such harmful UV rays. Through the Standing Committee Of Public Health within the Malta Medical Students’ Association, a campaign is launched annually.
“Beat the Burn” aims to raise awareness about these dangers and the ways in which one can combat such risks.
The harm imposed on us by the sun manifests itself through many skin-related problems. These cane be severe sunburns, blisters, premature ageing and even skin cancer.
Meet UV A, UV B & UV C
Radiation of the sun’s light consists of invisible UV rays. The UV rays emitted by the sun are of 3 types: UVA, UVB and UVC.
- UVC: Has the shortest wavelength of all UV rays and never reaches the earth as the ozone layer absorbs it, thus it is not usually considered a risk for skin cancer.
UVA and UVB are the real culprits for damage brought about by the sun. Due to their longer wavelengths, these rays penetrate the skin.
- UVB: Strongly linked to cancer and tends to damage the skin’s top layers.
- UVA: Has the highest wavelength of the three, penetrates farthest, and thus plays a role in skin ageing and wrinkling.
When these rays make contact with skin, they cause damage to the skin by burning it. The strength of the sun’s UV rays is quantified through the UV index.
The higher the UV index value, the stronger the sun’s rays. This, therefore, emphasises the need for protection against these rays. Being that the usual UV index in the summer months is between 8-10, adequate protection is required. This will help lessen the repercussions of these preventable illnesses.
The effect of UV rays in Malta
Being a prominent carcinogen (an agent with the capacity to cause cancer in humans), UV radiation can result in basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Although this form of radiation does not penetrate deep into the skin, it is also responsible for being a major risk factor for melanomas (a form of skin cancer that begins in the cells (melanocytes) that control the pigment in your skin).
It has been reported that throughout the years, the incidence of invasive malignant melanoma in Malta has increased. This further drives the motivation behind our efforts to raise awareness to children and adults alike to take this message seriously. In fact, in Malta, the number of cases of such skin cancer has doubled in the last two decades. According to statistics, one in eight people dies due to this in Malta, which can be cured if caught early!
It is notable to mention that the incidence of skin cancer and melanoma differs in different racial populations. Light-skinned people are more susceptible to skin cancer than dark-skinned people. Their predisposition is due to their decreased melanin levels in comparison to darker people. Melanin, a skin pigment, is considered to offer protection from UV radiation. Therefore, extra caution is required by light-skinned people due to this.
How can I protect myself from the UV rays?
With the ever-increasing temperatures and continuous heat waves we are experiencing, it is of utmost importance that people keep cool and hydrated.
The use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher is salient. It is advised that one should apply it at least 20 minutes prior to going out, and every 2 hours after that.
It is also wise that one avoids the strongest rays of the day which are between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm. One can also follow up on the shadow rule, which states that when a person’s shadow is shorter than the person is tall, the intensity of UVR from the sun is more likely to cause sunburn. In such situations, people should seek shade.
Besides this, one should cover up when possible. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat helps to shield the sun’s rays away from prime areas for skin cancer which are the scalp and face.
Sunglasses should also be worn. One must ensure that when purchasing a pair that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. It is also recommended that cold showers are taken to help soothe the burn. After-sun products or aloe-vera gel can be further useful!
With all this being said, fear of exposure to the sun is unnecessary when one takes all the precautions required to attenuate such risks. However, if one continuously fails to do so, long term repercussions may result.
Our campaign’s efforts with regards to awareness-raising are not rooted in steering clear of the sun, but rather striking a balance. One can have fun in the sun while also successfully managing to beat the burn.
Check out MMSA’s previous article here!
