HSE Advises: Enjoy the sunshine safely this week and be SunSmart

Protect your skin with the SunSmart 5 S's

With higher temperatures forecast for the next few days, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. The HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are reminding everyone of the importance of being SunSmart to protect their skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, and to help reduce the risk of skin cancer. In Ireland the sun can damage your skin, even on cloudy days.

If you are out and about playing sport, at the beach or simply relaxing in your garden, don’t forget to be SunSmart. Most people living in Ireland have fair skin which burns easily, which means that they are at high risk of UV damage and skin cancer. With over 11,500 cases each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. The good news is that most skin cancers can be prevented through simple sun protection measures.

Prof Anne Marie Tobin, Consultant Dermatologist, Tallaght University Hospital said: "Every year we meet people who are surprised to learn that years of everyday sun exposure in Ireland have contributed to their skin cancer diagnosis. Taking a few simple steps to protect your skin and eyes can make a significant difference. We encourage people of all ages to make the SunSmart 5 S's a habit."

Enjoying the sun safely means understanding the UV Index, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade during the middle of the day and using sunscreen on exposed skin. The UV index is a good indicator of when the sun is most dangerous. It measures the strength of the sun’s UV rays so that you know how and when to protect your skin when outdoors. The UV index is generally 3 or above from April to September in Ireland, so you need to protect your skin and eyes and follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s.

Follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's:

• Slip on clothing: Cover skin as much as possible. Wear long sleeves, collared shirts and closely woven fabrics that block sunlight.
• Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen: Use SPF 30+ for adults and SPF 50+ for children. Choose a sunscreen with UVA protection and water resistance. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat: Protect your face, ears and neck.
• Seek shade: Particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV radiation is strongest.
• Slide on sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that provide UV protection.

Selene Daly Tarpey Nurse Tutor, HSE Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education Sligo Leitrim West Cavan added: "Many people associate sun damage with holidays in hot, sunny destinations, but UV radiation can be high enough in Ireland to cause lasting skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Protecting your skin should be part of your daily routine from April to the end of September, whether you are abroad or at home. Prevention is always better than treatment."