The recent heatwave calls for beach outings and sunbathing, but safety must always come first. If your upcoming plans include a trip to the beach or an outdoor café—or if you work under the sun—the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) has essential information for you.
The risk of sunburn is real, and it is crucial to know prevention methods. Additionally, it is important to identify if you belong to any of the higher-risk groups.
In a social media post on Saturday, August 16, the DGS highlighted that individuals in this “group” include those with fair skin, those with many moles, individuals who take photosensitizing medication or have a family history of skin cancer, and outdoor workers.
The Directorate-General for Health also issues a special warning for children and adolescents: “Sunburns during childhood increase the risk of developing skin cancer and retina damage later in life”.
Which areas are most vulnerable to sunburn?
The explanation is straightforward. “The most vulnerable skin areas are those difficult to protect with clothing,” the DGS notes.
These include:
- “Face, nose, ears, and lips;
- Neck, shoulders, and chest;
- Scalp (especially for bald people and children);
- Legs and feet.”
As “prevention is the best remedy,” the DGS shared four rules to follow in the same post to protect yourself from potential sunburn.
You should “wear loose clothing that covers most of the skin, including a hat,” and “use sunscreen (SPF>30) on exposed areas, reapplying every 2 hours.”
Another official recommendation is to “limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 5 PM” and, finally, “avoid the use of artificial tanning devices.”
Do you know the most vulnerable zones to #sunburn?
face, nose, ears, and lips;
neck, shoulders, and chest;
scalp;
legs and feet.Using sunscreen is mandatory, reapplying every 2 hours.
But that’s not all. Find out more! #DGS #PublicHealth #Health #Sun pic.twitter.com/Iq0uBeVVxt— DGS (@DGSaude) August 16, 2025
This Saturday, according to forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), minimum temperatures varied between 14°C in Viana do Castelo and 24°C in Portalegre, while maximum temperatures ranged from 24°C in Viana do Castelo, Porto, and Aveiro to a scorching 41°C in Évora and Beja.
