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Sunburn Prevention in South Africa

Sunburn red applying cream KZN South Coast

Sunburn is a serious concern in South Africa, where the sun’s intensity is high, especially during summer. 

While a tan may seem desirable, excessive sun exposure can cause lasting skin damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Make the most of the amazing activities on the KZN South Coast, from beach days to outdoor adventures—but don’t let sunburn ruin the fun!

UV radiation is particularly strong along the KZN South Coast, making sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade essential for outdoor activities. Even on cloudy days, harmful UV rays can still penetrate and cause sunburn.

Prevention is always better than treatment—using SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplying regularly, and staying hydrated can help protect your skin. Remember, a healthy glow comes from good skincare, not overexposure to the sun!

Sunburn Prevention – How to get it right!

To prevent sun damage in South Africa, use sunscreen, seek shade, wear protective clothing and avoid the sun during peak hours.

Sunscreen:

  • Apply generous amounts of SPF 30 sunscreen (or higher) to all exposed areas (even on a cloudy day) at least 30 miinutes prior to exposure
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours – pay attention to children who are in and out the water
  • Use water-resistant sunscreen if you’re swimming
  • Apply sunscreen generously to your face, ears, and back of your neck.

Shade

  • Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak UV hours.
  • Use a beach umbrella or gazebo to provide shade.

Clothing

  • Wear sun-protective clothing
  • Wear a broad-brimmed hat to cover your face, nose, neck, and ears. 
  • Wear sunglasses that offer protection from UV rays.

 

Preventing sunburn by using sunscreen (SPF 30+), wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade is essential, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV levels are highest. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds, making sun protection a year-round priority in South Africa’s sunny climate.

Limit the time you spend in the sun and rather gradually build your tan over time by spending short periods in the sun over a few days. 

Believe us when we say that there is nothing worse than getting sunburnt on your first day of holidays and not being able to enjoy the rest of your time. Imagine having a sunburnt body and missing out on the ride of a lifetime on the Oribi Ziplines or Oribi Swing – that would not be fun!  

Follow our easy advice above and enjoy all that the KZN South Coast has to offer. 

preventing sunburn by using sunscreen when on the beaches of kzn south coast

DID YOU KNOW?

One or more sunburn incidents that cause blistering in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chance of developing skin cancer later in life!

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is a skin condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. It occurs when UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, triggering an inflammatory response that leads to redness, pain, peeling, and, in severe cases, blisters.

The skin contains melanin, a natural pigment that absorbs UV radiation and provides some protection. People with darker skin have more melanin and are less likely to burn, while those with lighter skin are at higher risk. However, melanin is not a perfect shield, and excessive sun exposure can still cause cellular damage and increase the risk of skin cancer for all skin colours. This is a message that is urgently needed to be understood by all of us in this Rainbow Nation.

There are two main types of UV radiation responsible for sunburn:

  • UVA rays (longer wavelengths) penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and increasing skin cancer risk.
  • UVB rays (shorter wavelengths) cause direct DNA damage, leading to sunburn and increasing the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

In South Africa, with its high UV index, sunburn is a major concern. Studies show that South Africa has one of the highest skin cancer rates globally, with 20,000 cases diagnosed annually, and approximately 2,000 deaths attributed to skin cancer each year (Cancer Association of South Africa, CANSA).

Repeated sunburns, especially in childhood, double the risk of melanoma later in life (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2023).

 

Sun damage illustration

Symptoms of  Sunburn:

The telltale signs will be most visible 2-6 hours after burning and will peak at 12-24 hours.  The pain will be worst at 6-24 hours after the burn.

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Soreness and pain
  • Skin feels warm
  • Headache
  • Sunburn rash
  • Sunburn itch
  • Peeling
  • Blistering
  • Fever
Sunburn signs redness KZN South Coast

A very bad sunburn may cause second-degree burns, dehydration (causing electrolyte imbalances), infection, shock, and death.

See a doctor if you have a severe sunburn.

Treating Sunburn

Disclaimer: The following information on treating sunburn is for general guidance only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized treatment.

Sunburn can be a very serious condition requiring a doctor or hospital visit depending on the age of the person, the amount of skin sunburnt, the degree of sunburn, and the health of the person.

Sunburn can be dangerous in children and the elderly.

If in doubt, please seek medical treatment. 

Basic Sunburn First Aid

  • After-sun Products: Apply a cooling after-sun lotion or gel containing aloe vera (readily available from most pharmacies like Dis-Chem)
  • Cooling methods: Take a cool bath or shower or use a damp cloth to cool the skin
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water to rehydrate, as sunburn can draw fluid from the body
  • Pain Relief: Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to reduce inflamation and discomfort.
  • Avoid further sun exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight and cover exposed skin with clothing until the sunburn heals.

When to go to the Hospital

  • Severe pain: The pain is excruciating
  • Blisters: The burn has blisters that cover a large area of skin
  • Signs of infection: The burn is red, warm, swollen, painful or has pus
  • Dehydration: You have increased thirst, dry mouth and eyes, or no urine output
  • Shock: You feel faint, have low blood pressure or feel very weak
  • Fever: You have a high fever or severe chills
  • Nausea and vomiting: you feel nauseous or are vomiting
  • Headache: You have a headache
  • Sunburn over a large area: The sunburn covers a large area of skin
  • Rapid breathing or pulse: You are breathing fast or have a pulse that is rapid
  • Light sensitivity: Your eyes are sensitive to light or hurt
  • Altered consciousness: You feel confused, dizzy, or lose consciousness.

We have links to the Emergency Telephone numbers you may need here. 

Further Information

For further information on sunburn prevention and resources please refer to the following :

Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa

Cancer Council South Africa

Dermatology and Skin Cancer Institute South Africa 

Sun Allergy

This is something you may not be aware of.  Polymorphous Light Eruption (PMLE) is a common sun allergy that causes an itchy, red rash after sun exposure, usually in spring or early summer. 

It occurs when the skin reacts abnormally to UV light, leading to small red bumps, blisters, or patches on sun-exposed areas. 

PMLE is not dangerous but can be uncomfortable, and symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days. 

Preventive measures include wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and gradually increasing sun exposure to build tolerance.


Sun Rash
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