The Hindu Business Line : Cool the burn

Beware the beam: If heading for the hill-stations, don't bet on a benign summer sun beaming down at you. Experts estimate that harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays increase by 16 per cent every 1,000 metres of ascent. The denudation of greenery and growth of concrete structures in cities have increased the reflection of rays, making goggles and caps a must. For instance, grass and mud reflect five per cent of rays; concrete and snow reflect 50 to 85 per cent. There are two kinds of UV rays. UV-A can injure the eye's macula. UV-B can cause painful corneal burn, skin cancer around the eyes, dry eyes and cataract.

Eye-wear: Choose sunglasses that offer adequate protection. Since UV rays radiate between 50 and 380 nanometres, researchers recommend:

* UV-400s — glasses that protect up to 400 nanometres.

* Big wraparound divers' or fliers' frames, not the small funky ones that barely cover the eyes.

* Amber-coloured glasses instead of blue shades.

* Polarised, photo-chromatic lens, if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

* Scratchproof polycarbonate plastics, which are tough and impact-resistant, for outdoor sport.

* Anti-reflective glasses — they're great for night driving when headlights blaze at you or while you're on the computer or watching TV.

Summer snooze: You don't need longer hours of sleep during summer. A quality six hours is sufficient to re-hydrate your eyes. As the sun rises early, so should you. If you are a habitual late-riser, change your pattern gradually — wake up at 6.30 a.m., then 5.30. Summer is a great time to cultivate good habits.

Red eyes: The morning red-eye is normally an eyelid warning called `blepharitis', a low-grade eyelid-infection, says Dr Mitchell Friedlaender, an American ophthalmologist. "Wash your eyelids with warm water before you sleep. Make sure you cleanse the lids ofdebris, oils, bacteria, make-up and dandruff on the lashes." And use a cool, wet washcloth over your closed eyes.

Skin sunburn: With the depleting ozone layer, even melanin, our natural protective pigment, may not armour us against sunburn. Some preventive tips from an American expert:

** Apply a sunscreen lotion about half-an-hour before going out. Cover lips, hands, ears, back of neck, face and throat.

** Re-apply after swimming, exercising and perspiring heavily.

** Wear hats and long-sleeved apparel.

** Wash or sprinkle your face with cold water often.

** Chill your moisturiser before applying.

Cool the burn: If you already have sunburn, heed these handy anti-heat hints from specialists:

** To reduce pain, itching and swelling from a burn, "Take two aspirins every four hours," says Dr Rodney Basler, a US-based dermatologist.

** Cool the inflamed area with iced compresses for 10-15 minutes every two hours, and direct a fan on it to heighten the cooling.

Dr Michael Schreiber, another dermatologist from the US, suggests:

** Dip the compresses in skimmed milk or aluminium acetate antiseptic powder dissolved in water. Always apply a moisturiser immediately after using a compress.

** Dissolve half-cup vinegar or baking soda in cool bath-water. Use a mild, lubricating baby soap as normal soap dries and irritates the burned skin. Pat... never rub yourself dry.

** Break an aloe vera leaf and apply the sap, but not before checking a small area first for allergy.

** Ask your doctor to prescribe an anti-bacterial ointment if you are prone to skin-infection. If it's a liquid spray, don't spray it directly on your face. Put some on a cotton pad and gently rub it on your skin. This keeps your eyes safe from its sprinkle.

** Trying to sleep with a sun-burn could be hell. Sprinkle baby talcum powder on the sheets to minimise friction.

Sun sips: Drink loads of water not only to re-hydrate your insides, but also to counteract the drying effect of a burn. Nutritionist Sunali Shah, Mumbai, recommends eating cooling cucumbers and melons. "Don't throw the peels," she advises. "Apply their moist side to the skin." Their anti-oxidising effect keeps the skin smooth and elastic.

Cooling breathing: Swallow cold water. Then breathe long and deep with your mouth open. You'll feel a cooling at the back of your throat and all through your body. This helps concentration when heat irritates you. Finally, walk barefoot on the morning dew-dappled grass. And feel your spirits lift.

The writer is co-author of the book `Fitness for Life'.

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