Travel Health

Sunburn

Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, and occasionally itchy.

Here on Lanzarote the intensity of the sun is often underestimated. Redness does not develop for a few hours, and the breeze and water can cool your skin, so you will not even realise you are getting burnt until you are already burnt!

It is important to avoid sunburn; it damages the skin and can increase your chances of developing skin cancer in later life.

What to do if you or your child has sunburn

• cool the skin by sponging it with cold water or having a cold bath or cold shower
• drink plenty of fluids
• apply a water-based emollient or petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline) to keep the skin cool and moist
• use pain killers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years

Seek medical advice when

• your baby or young child has sunburn, as their skin is particularly fragile
• you have symptoms of oedema (blistering or swelling of the skin, chills, fever (high temperature), dizziness; headaches, nausea (feeling sick)

Take extra care in the sun if you

• have pale or white skin
• have freckles and/or red or fair hair
• have many moles
• tend to burn rather than tan
• have skin problems relating to a medical condition
• have a family history of skin cancer

Preventing sunburn

• wear suitable clothing (hat, long sleeves/trousers/skirts)
• always wear sunglasses
• spend time in the shade from 11am to 3pm
• adapt to the sun slowly: start with an exposure of 20 minutes and increase by 5-10 minutes each day
• USE SUNSCREEN, even on cloudy days. Please note that sunscreen cannot guarantee protection from sunburn and that it has great potential to irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions

Food and Drink

Lanzarote is an extremely dry island

Due to the climate here you need more fluids than usual to avoid dehydration, which can cause headaches, migraines and constipation.

DO NOT drink from public fountains. Drink only bottled water. The only source of fresh water is desalinated seawater, which does not taste very well and can be contaminated.

Be careful mixing alcohol and the sun! It is a dangerous mix and actually promotes dehydration.

Canarian food is generally healthy but does contain a lot of garlic and olive oil. If you are not used to eating these, start with smaller amounts to allow your digestive system to get acclimated to it slowly.

Sports

Lanzarote offers a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Please consider your personal fitness when exercising and do not overdo it. After all, it is your holiday!

Respect the ocean when you go surfing, wind- or kite-surfing! There are dangerous currents out there.

Before you go diving, you should undergo a health check. You can do that at our clinics. All diving schools will ask for a medical “fit for diving” certificate. Be aware that some will not accept certificates from abroad.

DO NOT dive if you are suffering from an ear or sinus infection.

More than 2 dives in one day are a strain for the body.

To avoid serious health risks it is advised to put a period of 24 hours between your last dive and your flight.

Otitis

If you cannot perform decompression due to otitis media you are not fit to fly. Doing so can result in severe pain, bleeding, and perforation of the eardrum.

Vaccinations

Tropical diseases are not a risk in the Canaries. You’ll be fine if you keep the required immunisations in your home country up to date.

Positive effects of vacationing in Lanzarote

The climate and 360 days of sun have a very positive effect on your health. It can be especially beneficial for you if you suffer of one of the following conditions:

• recurrent respiratory tract infections
• asthma
• skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis

Insurance

If you do not hold private health insurance we recommend that you purchase travel insurance. It is not expensive and usually covers all costs for private consultations and hospitals as well as for medication and medical evacuation.