Many people hit the beach in Charleston this weekend, from Isle of Palms to Folly Beach, the lure of the lulling sounds of the ocean is quite the aphrodisiac. We know that hitting the beach is one of the most relaxing things that people in the Lowcountry do, but we just want you to know that if you do spend a little too much time out there, you should know what to look for.
Sunburn:
A sunburn usually appears within a few hours after sun exposure and may take several days or longer to fade. Intense sun exposure that results in sunburn increases your risk of certain complications and related skin diseases. These include dry, wrinkled skin, liver spots, actinic keratoses, and skin cancer, including melanoma.You can prevent sunburn and the related skin conditions by protecting your skin whenever you’re outdoors, even on cloudy days.
Sun poisoning also know as Photodermatitis:
Photodermatitis is an abnormal skin reaction to sunlight, or more specifically to ultraviolet rays. It occurs when your immune system reacts to UV rays.
You may develop a rash, blisters, or scaly patches. Some of the symptoms include: itchy bumps, blisters, or raised areas, Lesions that resemble eczema, outbreaks in areas of skin exposed to light, pain, redness, swelling, chills, headache, fever, and nausea. Almost sounds like the flu! Certain areas of your body are extra sensitive so you need to be careful in places like your lips which sometimes includes a burning sensation in the lips, hot feeling, cracked lips, and the skin of the lip will be sensitive. Blisters and the changing of color of your lips may occur. The skin on your eyelids is very sensitive and thin, so make sure you wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes. Take care of your largest organ ~ the skin! So the next time you head out to the beaches or on the water, just remember to practice sun safety. Your skin will thank you for it!
Marguerite Germain