Many people undoubtedly welcome sunlight after the long winter. The sun has a positive effect on our mental wellbeing and, primarily, on the formation of vitamin D, which is crucially important for the body and we often do not have enough of it after winter. Vitamin D supports the absorption of calcium, strengthens muscles and the immune system, as serves as a means of preventing some chronic illnesses, such as osteoporosis. Because it affects hundreds of genes, it is important to maintain it at a healthy level and to regularly replenish it by spending time in the sun or with dietary supplements. Patients can have their level of vitamin D reliably checked with a laboratory test.

Sun exposure without risk

Everything in moderation. And that’s doubly true when it comes to sun exposure. Spending too much time in the sun can quickly exact a painful toll, e.g. in the form of sunburn. In the case of a mild form of sunburn, we notice reddening of the skin; the affected area burns or is slightly painful. However, a serious problem occurs when we come back from the beach or a trip with blisters on the sunburned area. In such cases, it is advisable to quickly seek medical attention. “Many patients have a tendency to burst blisters on their skin after being in the sun. But this is very dangerous. The wounds can get infected, thus significantly complicating the whole healing process. If a patient has blisters covering a large part of their body, it is appropriate to visit a doctor, who can provide expert treatment for the sunburn. The patient should also see a doctor for dressings, during which a specialist can check how the wound is healing and prescribe medications if necessary,” says dermatovenerologist MUDr. Helena Michalíková of Canadian Medical. And even if we are at work or on vacation abroad, we can get a consultation remotely via the Doctor Online 24/7 platform.

Seniors can enjoy the sunshine, but they have to be cautious

Seniors should be especially cautious when spending time in the sun. Solar radiation is a physical burden for the human body. The combination of light, heat and frequent lack of wind in the summer is often very dangerous for seniors. Seniors are not only less able to tolerate higher temperatures, but they sweat less and have a reduced feeling of thirst. They can thus become dehydrated much more quickly. Older persons are also more prone to heatstroke. Therefore, it is necessary that they always have headwear and sufficient fluid intake. It is advisable to break up longer periods of sun exposure with short breaks and relaxation in the shade.

Older people also frequently suffer from increased sensitivity to sunlight. This can manifest in the form of an allergy, for example. “The least pleasant effects that the sun’s rays have on the body include skin aging. Frequent sun exposure accelerates the formation of wrinkles. In addition to that, the skin loses its elasticity. In the case of seniors, we often observe the formation of pigment spots, which in most cases may be caused by excessive direct exposure to sunlight. Of course, the main risk brought about by the long-term effects of solar radiation is skin cancer,” warns MUDr. Michalíková, adding that it is important that seniors also spend a reasonable amount of time in the sun with respect to vitamin D intake. Vitamin D is an effective helper in the fight against bone thinning, which is more common and more dangerous at an advanced age.

Sun exposure in childhood can cause problems in adulthood

Sun exposure can cause trouble even in the youngest among us. Children should avoid direct sunlight for several reasons. The skin of children and toddlers is much thinner and more sensitive compared to that of adults. This means a greater risk of incurring the negative effects of UV radiation. Children’s eyes are also similarly vulnerable. “Frequent exposure to the sun in childhood can increase the risk of eye problems in adulthood, such as cataracts and corneal damage. Therefore, we repeatedly stress to parents that they should properly protect their children from the sun,” says MUDr. Barbara Taušová, MBA, chief paediatrician and medical director at Canadian Medical, who adds that sunburn in childhood can have serious consequences in adulthood. Repeated sunburn during childhood and adulthood is associated with a higher risk of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, which may appear at a much later age. As in the case the of seniors, children also face the risk of dehydration when spending time in the sun.

Protect your skin at every age

Spending time in the sun does not have to be a dangerous activity if we choose the right form of protection against solar radiation. Though our skin is able to protect itself against sunlight from a certain age, we should give it some help. This is particularly important for age groups whose skin is weakened. It is essential to properly choose and regularly use sunscreen with the right SPF for the given type of skin, and not only in summer! An SPF of at least 30 should be used. The frequency of applying sunscreen is also important – it should be reapplied roughly every two hours when in the sun. Furthermore, in the case of seniors, it is important to regularly lubricate and moisturise the skin, as the functioning of the sebaceous glands and the skin’s natural defences are usually weakened in the elderly. “In the case of children’s exposure to the sun, it is also advisable to seek out specialised protective products that soothe and moisturise the skin after being exposed to the sun and replenishes important nutrients. It is also appropriate to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF, such as 50 or higher,” adds MUDr.  Barbara Taušová.