Thousands of tourists visit Phuket, especially in the high season from December through to May. They look forward to spending the day outside in the sun, usually lying on one of Phuket's superb beaches, possibly not realising that their skin is suffering damage from a variety of sources: the extreme weather, irritants and free radicals in environment and the sun’s radiation.

Many of my foreign patients tell me they're not happy with their natural skin colour-they want a sun tan. Getting a tan is often one of the primary reasons for their tropical holiday, so it’s inevitable that they'll go sunbathing with the maximum area of skin exposed.

Short and sequential exposure times leads to skin pigment changes, generally called tanning. This process can lead to increased sun tolerance, but can also lead to long-term problems such as skin cancer. Chronic exposure to the sun may lead to premature aging, severe wrinkling, pigmented skin lesions and malignant skin tumours.

Children's skin can be particularly susceptible. Make sure to re-apply sunblock frequently, especially if they are in and out of the water often.

Anyone who spends time on the beach, or exposed to the sun in other ways (for example riding a motorbike or out on a boat with skin exposed), can easily suffer from sunburn. At least lying on a beach, you're generally aware of the sun's strength, whereas in many situations, the cooling wind-effect can disguise the sun's strength.

Although sunburn is seldom fatal, it can be disabling-damaging your skin and often ruining a large part of your precious holiday. Sunburn is caused by UV radiation, of which there are two types: UVB is the more dangerous; this is the one that causes skin cancer, whereas both UVB and the lesser UVA rays are both responsible for photo-aging and sunburn (skin inflammation). Light skinned and fair haired people are at greater risk of sunburn, particularly when the sun's rays are at their most intense between 10am and 2pm. On the other hand, normal, limited UV exposure does produce beneficial vitamin D in the skin.

Mild and uncomplicated cases of over-exposure to UV rays usually results in minor skin redness and irritation, about 2-6 hours after exposure. This can be treated by self care at home using cool compresses with milk and water, Burrow solution or Aloe-based lotions. Avoid bath salts, oils, perfumes and lotions containing topical anaesthetic medications (the latter may generate sensitivity reactions).

Even sitting in the shade, you're at risk of over-exposure to the fierce tropical sun

Avoid scrubbing, rubbing or shaving skin. Use soft towels to gently dry the skin and apply a light, fragrance free, skin moisturizer. You may feel discomfort and notice skin loss (or peeling) associated with the itching, especially after sweating or showering. The good news is that you can expect to feel better within 4-7 days.

Seek professional medical care if your symptoms do not improve within that timeframe or if you experience severe pain, intense burning, blistering, dehydration or infection. Lack of treatment in severe sunburn cases can lead to shock, and even death, from sun 'poisoning'.

Dr. Nathee Kooltasnasilp

Of course, the best prevention is to avoid the sun altogether-but it's unrealistic to come on holiday to a beach paradise like Phuket without going out in the sun. Wearing wide brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and long pants can help. Otherwise, use generous quantities of a good sun-block, applying it in layers, 30 minutes before exposure to the sun; then re-apply after being exposed to the sun for any length of time-particularly if you're sweating-and after swimming. Just a little bit of advance thought, awareness and care can save you days of misery. Enjoy your holiday in Phuket!

By Dr. Nathee Kooltasnasilp, Managing Director, Leelavadee Clinic, Patong