Many don't wear sun protection

Ahead of the hottest day of the year, Scots are being urged to be sun aware and remember the dangers of unprotected exposure to the sun for prolonged periods of time.

The call comes from Melanoma Action and Support Scotland (MASScot), Scotland’s only charity dedicated to providing support for skin cancer patients. The charity has published tips for those who will be out in the sun this weekend as temperatures are set to be in the 80s.

MASScot deliver an educational resource in schools and colleges in Scotland and the charity’s chair believes that through following some of their messages, it will protect people from some of the negative effects of the sun this weekend.

SLIP – on a long sleeve shirt & trousers, not see through, that are thick enough to cast a shadow (100% cotton is best) Colours - white is reflective while dark absorbs;

SLAP – on a hat (wide brimmed, dark underneath). It is important that they cover the head, neck and ears;

SLOP – on the sunscreen. Minimum SPF 30 minimum and children’s formulae for kids;

Apply before leaving the house and then re-apply every 2 hours;

SLIDE on sun glasses (100% UV Protected). Must have UVA and UVB protection in lenses. Protects eyes from sun damage which can lead to cataracts in later life;

SLURP Keep hydrated with cold drinks – water is best.

Commenting, Leigh Smith MBE, chair of MASScot, said: “This weekend is set to be the hottest of the year and we are urging people to remember to be ‘sun aware’’.

“After months spent largely indoors, it is only natural that people will want to spend the sunny days outdoors but it is vitally important that everyone, particularly young people, remember to protect themselves from the dangers of the sun.

“When out, try to find shade, or create it if no natural shade is available, wear baggy clothes, take a hat to protect ears and the neck, apply sun cream and reapply every two hours and keep hydrated with water or juice.

“As Scotland’s skin cancer charity, we are urging people to be safe this weekend. Enjoy yourself, and being outdoors, but remember to take steps to protect your skin from the harms of the sun. One sun burn can triple your chance of skin cancer - disfiguring at least and life threatening at most. So small, simple steps can make a big different in the long-term.”