Travel Meds (Sun Care)

Question 1

degree of reflection os ultraviolet radiation

Answer 1

snow > > sand > water

Question 2

factors associated with increase exposure

Answer 2

• near equator (less ozone)
• summer months
• high altitude

Question 3

types of UV radiations

Answer 3

UVC (200-290nm): does not penetrate ozone layer
- gemicidal

UVB (290-320nm): vitamin D3 synthesis
- sunburn radiation
- linked to erythema, wrinkling, collagen damage, premature ageing, skin cancer

UVA (320-400nm): reduce erythemogenic property
- augments UVB activity
- penetrates deeper

Question 4

prevention of sun induced skin damages

Answer 4

• stay in the shade
• cover exposed skin
• wear hat with wide brim
• wear sunglasses
• increase fluid intake
• avoid indoor tanning
• use sunscreen

Question 5

5 S in protecting from sun

Answer 5

1. Slip on long sleeves
2. Slop on sunblock
3. Slap on a hat
4. Seek shade
5. Slide on shades

Question 6

2 types of sunscreen

Answer 6

1. chemical sunscreen (active ingredient)
2. physical sunscreen (opaque)

Question 7

mechanism of chemical sunscreen

Answer 7

1. absorbs 85% of UV radiation (290-320nm)
2. may/ may not allow penetration of UV radiation >320nm

Question 8

mechanism of physical sunscreen

Answer 8

reflects or scatters UV radiation (270-777nm)

Question 9

examples of chemical sunscreen

Answer 9

1. Aminobenzoic acid and derivative
2. Benzophenones (dioxybenzone, oxybenzones, sulisobenzone)
3. Cinnamates (Cinoate, Octinoxate, Octocrylene)
4. Avobenzone
5. Salicylic acid derivative

Question 10

pros/cons of Aminobenzoic acid and derivative

Answer 10

(+) penetrate horny skin layer
(+) lasting protection

(-) formulated in hydroalcoholic base
(-) major skin sensitiser

Question 11

pros/cons of benzophenones

Answer 11

(+) absorb UVA (dioxybenzone: 380nm; oxybenzones: 350nm)

(-) increase report of sensitivity

Question 11

pros/cons of Cinnamates

Answer 11

(+) some absorb UVA

(-) need vehicle to increase skin adherence

Question 12

pros/cons of Avobenzone

Answer 12

(+) best UVA spectrum

Question 13

pros/cons of salicylic acid derivatives

Answer 13

(-) poor skin adherence

Question 14

examples of physical sunblock

Answer 14

1. zinc oxide
2. titanium dioxide

Question 15

pros/cons of physical sunblock

Answer 15

(+) most suited for small and prominent exposed area
(-) discolor clothing
(-) occlude skin

Question 16

minimal erythema dose (MED)

Answer 16

minimum UVB radiation dose that produces clearly marginated erythema

Question 17

how to count SPF

Answer 17

MED (protected skin) / MED (unprotected skin)

Question 18

labels to look out for sunscreen

Answer 18

• UVA and UVB protection
• ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘multi-spectrum’
• water/sweat proof

Question 19

how type of base of sunblock affect substantivity

Answer 19

• gel/ water like: comes out more easily
• aerosols: good for athletes, who need to cover places that are hard to reach, also more sweat proof

Question 20

how to apply sunscreen

Answer 20

• apply liberally, at least 5-6 TSP for entire body
• avoid eyes
• apply at least 20 min before activity
• sunscreen first than insect repellent
• reapply at least every 2h

Question 21

existing supplement for suncare

Answer 21

Fernblock (Polypodium leucotomos; antioxidant)
- take 1 cap/d before sun exposure

Question 22

signs and symptoms of sunburn

Answer 22

• erythema
• warmth
• pain or burning sensation
• blisters usually absent

Question 23

exclusion to self care for sunburn

Answer 23

• severe sunburn
• worsening pain, swelling and/or pus from blister
• dehydration
• fever
• extreme pain >= 48h
• lack of improvement after 5d

Question 24

aim of management of sunburn

Answer 24

1. relieve pain 2. provide protection 3. promoting healing

Question 25

management of sunburn

Answer 25

1. stay well hydrated 2. frequent cool baths and pat dry with cool/damp towel for 10-15 min a few times a day 3. apply hydrogel or aloe vera gel 4. take simple analgesics (paracetamol/ ibuprofen) 5. apply moisturising lotion PRN 6. avoid sun exposure until healed 7. dont pop closed blisters 8. cover open blisters with sterile dressing