Travel Meds (Sun Care) Flashcards
degree of reflection os ultraviolet radiation
snow > > sand > water
factors associated with increase exposure
- near equator (less ozone)
- summer months
- high altitude
types of UV radiations
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
prevention of sun induced skin damages
- stay in the shade
- cover exposed skin
- wear hat with wide brim
- wear sunglasses
- increase fluid intake
- avoid indoor tanning
- use sunscreen
5 S in protecting from sun
- Slip on long sleeves
- Slop on sunblock
- Slap on a hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on shades
2 types of sunscreen
- chemical sunscreen (active ingredient)
- physical sunscreen (opaque)
mechanism of chemical sunscreen
- absorbs 85% of UV radiation (290-320nm)
- may/ may not allow penetration of UV radiation >320nm
mechanism of physical sunscreen
reflects or scatters UV radiation (270-777nm)
examples of chemical sunscreen
- Aminobenzoic acid and derivative
- Benzophenones (dioxybenzone, oxybenzones, sulisobenzone)
- Cinnamates (Cinoate, Octinoxate, Octocrylene)
- Avobenzone
- Salicylic acid derivative
pros/cons of Aminobenzoic acid and derivative
(+) penetrate horny skin layer
(+) lasting protection
(-) formulated in hydroalcoholic base
(-) major skin sensitiser
pros/cons of benzophenones
(+) absorb UVA (dioxybenzone: 380nm; oxybenzones: 350nm)
(-) increase report of sensitivity
pros/cons of Cinnamates
(+) some absorb UVA
(-) need vehicle to increase skin adherence
pros/cons of Avobenzone
(+) best UVA spectrum
pros/cons of salicylic acid derivatives
(-) poor skin adherence
examples of physical sunblock
- zinc oxide
- titanium dioxide
pros/cons of physical sunblock
(+) most suited for small and prominent exposed area
(-) discolor clothing
(-) occlude skin
minimal erythema dose (MED)
minimum UVB radiation dose that produces clearly marginated erythema
how to count SPF
MED (protected skin) / MED (unprotected skin)
labels to look out for sunscreen
- UVA and UVB protection
- ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘multi-spectrum’
- water/sweat proof
how type of base of sunblock affect substantivity
- 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
how to apply sunscreen
- 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
existing supplement for suncare
Fernblock (Polypodium leucotomos; antioxidant)
- take 1 cap/d before sun exposure
signs and symptoms of sunburn
- erythema
- warmth
- pain or burning sensation
- blisters usually absent
exclusion to self care for sunburn
- severe sunburn
- worsening pain, swelling and/or pus from blister
- dehydration
- fever
- extreme pain >= 48h
- lack of improvement after 5d
aim of management of sunburn
- relieve pain
- provide protection
- promoting healing
management of sunburn
- stay well hydrated
- frequent cool baths and pat dry with cool/damp towel for 10-15 min a few times a day
- apply hydrogel or aloe vera gel
- take simple analgesics (paracetamol/ ibuprofen)
- apply moisturising lotion PRN
- avoid sun exposure until healed
- dont pop closed blisters
- cover open blisters with sterile dressing
