Brush up on sun smart info and how to treat sunburn if you do get burnt

The Cancer Council of WA recently posted about new research that shows Australians are becoming increasingly misinformed about sunscreen. The latest stats from our National Sun Protection Survey, show that only 55 percent of Australian adults recognise that it’s safe to use sunscreen every day, down from 61 percent in 2014.

If you do get sunburnt, treat it correctly to help improve the healing. Cool the skin by sponging it gently with cool water, or by soaking the sore skin in a cold bath or shower for no more than ten minutes. Repeat this if it helps ease soreness. If the burn doesn’t blister, then it is mild. Apply calamine lotion or after-sun lotion to help soothe the skin. If the burn blisters or there is other skin damage, then it is severe and you’ll need to see a doctor. Also watch out for and treat symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Stock up for summer folks http://bit.ly/2zCxazj 

Remember:

• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outdoors
• You need at least 7 generous teaspoons for each arm, each leg, the front, the back and your face & neck
• Reapply every two hours
• Don’t rely on sunscreen alone. Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.