With a heatwave expected this week experts are advising sunseekers take care to shade themselves from the nasty effects of over-exposure.
Temperatures are due to reach 27C in Paisley on Saturday and daytime temperatures from today until Sunday are expected to stay above 23C.
This means that people are likely to be spending more time outside making the most of the sunshine.
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However, the NHS is reminding people there are certain steps they can take to improve their enjoyment of the more pleasant weather and prevent the unwanted side effects of sun exposure.
Dr Laura Ryan, a GP and NHS 24’s Medical Director said: “When it comes to being safe in the sun, prevention is definitely better than cure. It is best to avoid being in the sun between noon and 3pm if possible.
"If you need to be outdoors, we advise that everyone uses a high factor sun protection cream. The best quality lotions block both UVA and UVB rays. Also wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that covers your body.
“If you’re unfortunate to become sunburnt, there’s simple steps to take to lessen the discomfort. The most obvious piece of advice is to avoid being in the sun at all until the redness subsides and don’t burst any blisters. Cool showers or applying cool towels to your body can provide some relief, using moisturiser which contains aloe vera after your shower, or taking painkillers can help with any painful or tight skin.
"However please check that pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is safe for you to take.
“Another weather-related condition which I wish to draw attention to is heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”
Signs or symptoms of heat stroke can include headache, feeling confused or dizzy, rapid pulse or fast breathing, body cramps (in the arms, legs and stomach), sick or vomiting, feeling dehydrated or thirsty, pale, sweaty or clammy skin, a high temperature of 38C or above.
Dr Ryan continued: “If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be shaded from the sun and cooled down. Heat exhaustion is not normally serious if the person is treated within 30 minutes and symptoms begin to improve.
“If there is no improvement in the person’s condition, but they are conscious, alert and responding normally call your local GP during opening hours for further advice. If your GP is closed, call NHS 24 on 111. If you feel their condition is in any way life-threatening, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
“I really encourage everyone to visit NHS inform as it has some great advice on how to stay safe in the sun. By being prepared and following these simple tips, I hope more people will be happy and healthy this summer.”
Temperatures south of the border are expected to climb as high as 35C.
Met Office chief forecaster Steve Willington said: “We could see parts of the UK entering heatwave conditions if the above-average temperatures last for three days or more.
“Many areas of the UK, especially the south will witness temperatures several degrees higher than average, but these values are likely to be well below the record-breaking temperatures we saw in mid-July.”
He added: “As the high pressure builds there is very little meaningful rain in the forecast, especially in those areas in the south of England, which experienced very dry conditions last month.
“Elsewhere in the UK, such as in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, rain-bearing weather fronts will make limited headway against the high pressure, bringing some rain to north-western parts of the UK.”
Winds are expected to be mostly light in Scotland, with temperatures “above average” and becoming “warm in the north and hot in the south”
Dry and settled weather is expected to continue into next week.
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