Don't let the festival heat leave you crying in the rain

Music festivals are fast becoming one of the highlights of the British summer. Whether it’s squelching around in mud at a national festival or dancing in the blistering heat at a local one, the excitement and atmosphere of the weekend can be a wonderful experience.

Festivals are particularly popular amongst teenagers, and as a parent, you know that the ‘typical’ British weather can bring a heat wave one day and a thunderstorm the next, so it’s important that your teenager is properly prepared.

Your teenager will be keen to pack light. They’ve packed their wellies and waterproofs for that sudden rain fall. Shorts and t-shirt for the hot spell they’re expecting. But don’t let them forget their sun hat and sun screen – essential to avoid sun burn, heatstroke or heat exhaustion which can overshadow their festival fun. Encouraging them to follow a few simple tips will also make their weekend more memorable for the right reasons.

Nick Levell, NNUH Clinical Director of Dermatology said: “It is great news that they weather is forecast to be good for Latitude, but with skin cancer doubling in Norfolk every 10 years and now more common than all other cancers combined, we would like people to take care.

Wear sun cream and a hat. The sun cream should be applied in the morning at least 15 minutes before going out into the sun. Skin cancers from the sun are common on the top of the ears, on the temples, around the eyes and nose. The sun also causes “liver spots” and makes the skin old and wrinkly before its time, so those who don’t fancy this should apply cream to exposed areas. Men, who are balding, should take care of the top of their heads, but the parting is at risk even in those with plenty of hair – so wear that hat!

Most dermatologists advise a sun cream that is factor 30 or above. There is a wide choice now and most supermarket products are fine and a good price. The days of high factor sun creams being like a thick white paste are long gone. Don’t skimp on the sun cream, it doesn’t work if it is applied too thinly.

So slap on a hat, slop on the sun cream and go and have fun at the festival.”

These simple tips can help to keep your teenager safe in the sun:
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat. This will help protect their neck and ears, as well as cover their back and shoulders to avoid sunburn.
• Using a high factor sunscreen. It’s important that they use a high protection sunscreen if they are outside all day. Sun protection factor [SPF] 50 gives the best protection and should be applied regularly throughout the day. If your teenager does suffer with minor sunburn, they can sponge sore skin with cool water and apply soothing after sun or calamine lotion to help soothe the affected area.
• Find shade under a tree. Although you don’t want to spoil their fun, it is important that your teenager finds some shade during the hottest part of the day to help keep them cool and prevent heat stroke.
• Drink plenty of cold drinks and foods that have high water content. Your teenager should drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Fruit contains water and can help keep them hydrated too, so pack plenty!
• Pack a first aid kit. Ensure they have a first aid kit in case of a minor accident or ailment. For tips on what to include, visit: http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/990.aspx or talk to your local pharmacy.

For more information about festival sun safety tips, visit www.nhs.uk/