Some people never develop a tan but burn every time they
stay out in the sun, and some others merely freckle. Fifteen minutes, for most
people, is long enough for the first sunbath. Each day after that, exposure
time can be gradually extended, perhaps by as much as 15 minutes. Time your
sunbaths. Use a suntan preparation.
Such a preparation can help guard your skin
against burning, but even the best one will not provide complete protection, so
watch the clock. If you want to stay in the sun without tanning or freckling,
you will need a heavier preparation than the usual commercial ones.
Your druggist can make up a cold cream containing 15 to 20
percent zinc oxide, or titanium oxide, or calamine. A heavy cream of this type
may be helpful for people with skin troubles that are exacerbated by sunlight,
but should be used only on their own physician's recommendation. Drink plenty
of water when sun tanning, to make up for fluid you lose. Even though you do
not realize it, you can perspire profusely on a dry, sunny day. It's wise to
replenish salt, too, by taking salt tablets or salty crackers, or tomato juice
with salt added to it.
If you are called upon to help a person badly burned by the
sun, don't hesitate about calling a doctor. Extensive, large blisters always
need medical attention; there is danger of infection. In mild cases where the
skin turns red, use a dusting powder containing equal parts of zinc oxide,
boric acid, and talcum. For moderately bad burns, where the skin is red and
slightly swollen, apply wet dressings of gauze dipped in a solution of aluminum
acetate, 1 part in 500 parts of water. Another soothing dressing is made by
soaking gauze in cold white mineral oil.
After the swelling goes down, replace the dressings with a
soothing cream containing cold cream, 88 parts; methyl salicylate, 10 parts;
and benzocaine, 2 parts. Any druggist will make these preparations for you.
Being Wise about the Water It's essential today to make certain any body of
water in which you are going to swim is not polluted. A clear blue lake or
silver brook may be contaminated by germs capable of causing typhoid fever or
dysentery.
A swimming pool may be too crowded or its water changed too
infrequently to protect you against many diseases. The local health department
will know about the safety of pools and bathing beaches in its territory. Feel
free to check with it. Don't venture into the water immediately after meals or
when over- heated or tired from other activities. Always come out before you
become tired or chilled.
