Stay burns aware during the hot weather

An Amber Heat Health alert has been issued across South East England as temperatures rise to 30 degrees Celsius and above, with the alert expected to remain in place until 9.00 am on Monday (23 June).

While many people enjoy the warmer summer sun, hot weather can cause others to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, so it is really important that people look after themselves and each other during this spell of hot weather.

There is also the risk of serious burns from over exposure to the sun or from BBQ related incidents.

Mr Paul Drake, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Queen Victoria Hospital, said:

“Many of us enjoy long summer days when we are treated to weather that is warmer than normal for this time of year. But people must be careful: the sun can be dangerous.

We recommend SPF 50 sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, taking care to apply it to all exposed areas. It is important to remember to apply sunscreen to the ears as these are often forgotten and are a common site of skin cancer development in later life. Particular care should be given to infants and children to ensure they are adequately protected, and babies should not be left in the sun unprotected in prams or pushchairs – we see significant sunburn in babies every year unfortunately.

So, please enjoy yourself, but be careful, sensible, and take the right precautions.”

QVH advises:

• keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• if you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
• keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen
• drink plenty of fluidsand limit your alcohol intake
• check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher riskof becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
• know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstrokeand what to do if you or someone else has them

If someone does get burnt, either through over exposure to the sun, through an incident at a BBQ or otherwise, remember the cool, call, cover message:

Cool the burn with running cool tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound).

Call for help for any burn larger than a 50p coin: 999, 111 or local GP for advice.

Cover with cling film while transferring to a hospital/GP surgery. The hospital/GP should apply a sterile dressing. Cling film should not be left on a burn for more than a few hours and only until wounds are assessed by health professionals.