Heatwave: a guide to looking after yourself and others during hot weather This leaflet provides useful information and advice on the hazards of a heatwave, how to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and how to deal with the effects of too much heat. Source: Department of Health website: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm

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Never leave your baby in the sun

• Babies burn faster than children or adults.
• Use an umbrella, beach tent, the shade of a tree.
• Remember they can burn in the shade from reflected light.
• Don't put sunscreen on them, as their skin is extremely sensitive and may not be able to flush out chemicals.

Get into the hat habit

• Nothing beats putting something between sun and skin.
• Always put a broad-brimmed hat on children. Add a flap down the back.

Cover up with clothes

• Loose-fitting clothing keeps them cool.
• Put children in long sleeves.
• Tightly woven fabrics and dark colours absorb more UV.
• A wet, white T-shirt lets through nearly as much sun as no shirt.
• At the beach, dress them in sun-protective swimsuits or (even better) wetsuits.

Put sunscreen on children, and keep putting it on

• Apply sunscreen half an hour before they get outside.
• Don't wait till it's getting hot. In the cool air of 10am the sun burns as fiercely as at 2pm .
• Put more on after they've been swimming - whether or not it says it's waterproof.
• Apply at least every two hours - so if they're out all day, apply it four times minimum.
• Use a factor 20 or higher sunscreen.
• Apply it generously.

Put sunglasses on children

• Use 100% UV-blocking sunglasses, with wrap-around protection.

Remember, most damage occurs during normal day-to-day activities

• It's not just the beach you need to worry about.
• Cloudy days are dangerous if you take no precautions - a lot of UV still gets through cloud.
• Watch out for cool winds or water - they can make you think burning isn't happening.

Get kids into good habits

• Plan trips outdoors that avoid 10am to 2pm peak intensity time.
• Make sure there will be shade if you're going out.
• Have picnics in the shade. Play in the shade.
• Enjoy the woods!
• Make dressing in hats and long sleeves standard practice.
• Give children regular drinks to keep them hydrated and cool.

 Did you know

• increased when they A child has only to burn once before their likelihood of having skin cancer is dramatically are an adult.
• You should never ever use sunbeds not only do they cause irreparable damage to the skin, but they also cause premature ageing.
• Our first line of protection is the skin itself. The moment UV rays attack, the skin begins to build defenses.
• Stimulated by UVB's, the skin's outer layer thickens, making it harder for UVB's to penetrate the surface.
• Sunlight triggers the production of melanin, the "tanning pigment." A natural tan protects the skin's vulnerable lower layers.

The latest research now advises us that irrespective of our age or skin type we all should not use a sun factor below SPF 20. This information is especially relevant for those people with sensitive skin.

Here is our recommended guide to which factor of Proderm sunscreen both children and adults should use

BABIES SHOULD BE KEPT OUT OF THE SUN AT ALL TIMES