Tag: staying safe in the sun

Taking medication this summer? What you need to know about sun and heat exposure

Some medicines can make you more sensitive to the sun or increase the risk of dehydration without you realising it. The MHRA is encouraging people to know the risks and stay protected this summer.

People taking certain prescription or over‑the‑counter medicines are being reminded to take extra care in warmer weather, as some treatments can make it harder for the body to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or cope with sun exposure. 

The advice is part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) ‘Summer-proof your health’ campaign, which highlights practical steps people can take to use medicines and medical devices safely during warmer months.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: “Some commonly used medicines can affect the body’s ability to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or protect itself from sun exposure. 

For example, diuretics, often prescribed for blood pressure or heart conditions, can increase fluid loss and make dehydration more likely. Some antidepressants and antipsychotics can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and medicines such as beta blockers may reduce the body’s response to heat stress. 

“Other treatments can increase sensitivity to sunlight, meaning skin can burn faster or more severely than expected. These include certain antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline, acne treatments like isotretinoin and topical retinoids; and antifungal medicines such as voriconazole. 

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate and azathioprine, often used to treat conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus, can also increase photosensitivity.  

“Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, have also been linked to a very low risk of a lupus-like skin reaction triggered by sun exposure, and common painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may also increase sun sensitivity.” 

“Simple precautions can make a significant difference. Staying hydrated, avoiding the strongest sun during the middle of the day, and using protective clothing and sunscreen can all help reduce risk. 

To reduce the risk of medicine-related problems during the summer, people are encouraged to: 

  • Check the patient information leaflet for advice on sun exposure and hydration. This comes with every medicine and can also be accessed online.  
  • Be aware of signs that the body is struggling in the heat, including dizziness, headaches, unusual fatigue, confusion or reduced urination. Skin that becomes red, sore, blistered or reacts more intensely after sun exposure may also be a sign of increased sensitivity linked to medication. 
  • Do not stop taking prescribed medicines during hot weather without advice. Anyone who is unsure about how their medication may be affected by heat or sunlight should speak to a pharmacist or GP.  

Through the “Summer proof your health” campaign, the MHRA is encouraging people to be aware of the potential risks associated with medicines in warmer weather and to take straightforward steps to stay safe throughout the summer. 

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse about it.

People can also report the side effect directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, to help improve the safety of medicines for everyone. You can now use NHS login to create a new Yellow Card account or access an existing one, providing a secure and convenient way to sign in using credentials you may already use across NHS services.

Staying safe in the sun

SUN AWARENESS WEEK

Members of the public are being encouraged to stay safe in the sun as the current warm weather is expected to continue into this week.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) advised people to ensure they are protected from the sun, and to take care when barbecuing to prevent food poisoning. 

It also highlighted the importance of getting the right care in the right place if help is needed for a health concern. 

Common health conditions during nicer weather can include sunburn, food poisoning, bites and stings.

NHSGGC also highlighted the importance of keeping items like over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit and an ice pack at home to help manage minor cuts, bruises, sprains and strains.

During Sun Awareness Week, NHSGGC is asking people to consider the following:

  • Sunburn and sunstroke – Always cover up in the sun to protect yourself and your family from burns and heat exhaustion. This includes wearing a high-factor sunscreen and appropriate clothing and spending time in the shade. 
  • Food poisoning – Barbecuing can lead to food poisoning if it is not done correctly. Ensure meat is cooked thoroughly and evenly, and keep cooked and raw food separate. 
  • Medicines – Make sure you have over-the-counter medicines at home for common illnesses including paracetamol or ibuprofen, remedies for bites and stings and antihistamines for allergies. 
  • First aid – Keep a first aid kit in your home with plasters, bandages and antiseptic wipes for cuts, and an ice pack for minor strains or sprains. 

For those requiring support or medical treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, there is a range of services available to help, and NHSGGC continues to ask people to ‘think ABC’ before attending A&E:

Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, visit the NHS Inform website or download the NHS24 app.

Be aware: There is help for many conditions right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. This could include directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit. 
 
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
 
If you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

For more information on accessing the care you need, please go to: Right Care, Right Place – NHSGGC.

Dr Emilia Crighton, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Director of Public Health, said: “This is a great time to get outside and enjoy warmer weather and longer days with friends and family.

“Please enjoy the good weather safely by covering up when in the sun, staying hydrated and making sure food is properly cooked if barbecued”.

“For those who do require support over this period, we want people to be aware that there are many services available to them other than emergency departments.

“By using NHS 24’s digital resources and through 111, people who need care can be seen by the most appropriate staff in the most appropriate setting.

“We ask everyone to think ABC before A&E. This will ensure you get the right care in the right place, will help reduce waiting times, and free up capacity for those who need it most.”

Stay safe in the sun this summer

DSCF5094 (2)
NHS Lothian’s Sheena Dryden, Clinical Nurse Specialist for skin cancers at the Dermatology department of the Lauriston Building. talks about how to keep sun-safe outdoors this summer: 

Be sun-aware

We can all get caught out unawares by the sun and I think that’s one of the biggest problems in Scotland. Because our weather is so varied, we’re often unprepared for periods of great sunshine – we can start off a day in summer with a fleece on and want to be in shorts by the end of the same day! When we’re abroad we expect the blue skies and the heat and are prepared for it, but here we don’t tend to think about using sun protection, what with the changeable weather.

We need the sun for vitamin D, so it’s good to get at least 10-20 minutes in the daylight every day to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D. However, everyone is at risk of melanomas and other skin cancers, even if you tan well or have darker skin, so even on cloudy or breezy days, always try and remember to apply sunscreen regularly to keep protected if you’re outdoors. The months between April and the end of September are the highest-risk months, with the most affecting times of day being between 10am and 3pm.

Staying safe

We recommend an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or above, and UVA protection of at least 3 stars or smiley faces. SPF protects against the UVB (shorter burning) rays, and UVA are the deeper, more damaging rays that age the skin and are thought to cause some forms of skin cancer. Sunscreen must be applied liberally over the skin, because if it is rubbed in, this halves its efficacy. You need the thick layer of sunscreen to properly protect you. Some people have SPF in their facial make-up, but that’s only ever a maximum of factor 15, which when it’s rubbed in brings it down to 7.5, so it’s always better to have extra protection on as well. The basic principle for safety is that if you can see your skin, so can the sun!

In terms of clothing, the head is very vulnerable, even if you have hair, so it’s important to keep it covered with a hat. Plus, remember to cover your ears and the back of your neck when you’re out in the sun, in addition to wearing sunglasses and tightly-woven clothing.

DSC00389

Things to remember

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every couple of hours, and always after you have been swimming, towelling dry or perspiring. Apply evenly onto your skin, without forgetting hands and feet. It’s also worth getting a friend or family member to help apply sun cream to your back, because it’s so easy to miss parts of it when you do it yourself.

As soon as you start to get red you should move out of the sun. However, the problem with this is that on holiday you could be sitting under a parasol but you can still get reflection off the sand, the decking of a boat or light pavements. Anywhere close to the water is also dangerous as water is very reflective. So when we say ‘out of the sun’, we mean right indoors, and also avoiding areas like conservatories or inside cars – contrary to popular belief, you can still get burnt through glass.

Keeping children safe

The advice for babies is simple – they should not be out in the sun. Young children should have cream of at least SPF 50 applied regularly, and minimal doses of being out in the sun, with a special effort being made to keep them directly out of the sun between 10am and 3pm. For families this can be quite a challenge when you’re trying to keep the kids occupied during the Easter and summer break and with outdoor activities. However, kids are often up early and that would be the ideal time to take them out. The challenge is thinking of creative ways around keeping them indoors at those times. Do as the locals in the Mediterranean do and take leisurely lunches inside and siestas!

What to do if you get bad sunburn

If you get sunburnt make sure to keep hydrated with lots of water (avoiding any alcohol or caffeinated drinks), and try to keep your body temperature down, for example with a cool shower and resting in a cool room. If you or a family member gets seriously burnt and you’re unsure of what to do, seek medical advice from your GP or call 101 for guidance. If there’s a lot of redness and blistering, or you are showing signs of severe burns, medical attention may be required. Headaches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes shivery episodes can also be signs of heatstroke, which can be serious.

Useful links

NHS Inform’s tips for staying safe in the sun.
https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/summer-health
YouTube video: David Cornfield Melanoma Fund – Dear 16 Year Old Me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEZtMrSGAio
Teenage Cancer Trust’s ‘Shunburn: stay safe in the sun’ video.
https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/support-us/spread-word/shunburn-stay-safe-sun