Bengaluru: Doctors in Bengaluru have urged residents to take precautions against prolonged sun exposure after the city recorded an ultraviolet (UV) index of 13 this year, a level considered extremely harmful.
Health experts say that UV levels above 8 are already regarded as dangerous, as they can cause serious damage to the skin and eyes. With the index now touching 13, medical professionals warn that exposure without protection could lead to immediate health problems as well as long-term complications.
The unusually high UV level has raised concerns among doctors, particularly as summer temperatures are yet to reach their peak.
City’s elevation contributes to higher exposure
Medical experts say Bengaluru’s geographical location and elevation play a role in the higher exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Dr Balakrishna G K, Head of Department and senior consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles BGS Hospital in Kengeri, explained that the city’s elevation makes residents more vulnerable to the sun’s rays.
“As Bengaluru is at an elevation, we are closer to sun exposure too. During peak summer, the UV index generally reaches around 12, but this year it has already reached 13. Anything beyond 12 is considered extremely serious,” he said.
According to doctors, intense UV radiation can affect several body systems if adequate precautions are not taken.
They warn that prolonged exposure can result in dehydration, heat-related illness and even temporary loss of consciousness, medically referred to as heat syncope.
Dermatologists report rise in skin problems
Dermatologists in the city say clinics have already started seeing patients suffering from heat-related skin conditions linked to UV exposure.
Dr Safia Tanyeem, consultant dermatologist at Apollo Medical Centre, said acute exposure to ultraviolet rays can trigger several skin problems.
“The immediate effects of UV exposure include sunburn, itching, redness, oozing lesions and allergic reactions,” she explained.
She added that intense sunlight can also cause tanning and aggravate pre-existing skin conditions such as photomelanosis, a type of hyperpigmentation, and photodermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction caused by sunlight.
Doctors say these problems can occur even after relatively short exposure to intense sunlight, particularly during peak daytime hours.
Long-term risks include premature ageing
Apart from immediate skin issues, prolonged UV exposure can have long-term effects on skin health.
Dermatologists warn that constant exposure to strong sunlight can accelerate the ageing process by increasing wrinkles, fine lines and skin damage.
It may also worsen pigmentation-related conditions such as melasma and freckles.
Although less common, prolonged UV exposure can also increase the risk of developing certain types of skin cancer over time.
Doctors say patients have already started approaching dermatology clinics with sun-related skin concerns as early as the second half of February this year.
Eye specialists caution against UV damage
Eye specialists in Bengaluru have also warned that intense ultraviolet radiation can affect vision.
Dr Preethi V, medical superintendent at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Yelahanka, said short-term exposure to strong UV rays can cause conditions such as photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis.
“These conditions can develop even after brief exposure and may lead to symptoms such as redness, sensitivity to light, grittiness and the feeling of a foreign object in the eye,” she said.
Doctors explain that photokeratitis is essentially a sunburn of the cornea, which can be painful and temporarily impair vision.
Prolonged exposure may lead to serious eye conditions
Eye specialists also warn about the long-term risks associated with repeated UV exposure.
These include pterygium, a tissue growth that spreads over the cornea, and pinguecula, which appears as small bumps on the conjunctiva.
Prolonged UV exposure can also accelerate cataract formation and contribute to corneal degeneration.
In severe cases, continuous exposure may damage the retina and increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration, which can gradually affect vision.
Dr Preethi also cautioned against directly looking at the sun, as it can cause solar retinopathy — a condition where the retina gets damaged due to intense sunlight.
In rare cases, long-term UV exposure can also lead to eyelid cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Doctors advise precautionary measures
Medical professionals recommend several simple steps to reduce the risk of UV-related health problems.
Residents are advised to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours between 11 am and 3 pm whenever possible.
Wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses with UV protection can help shield the skin and eyes from harmful radiation.
Dermatologists also stress the importance of using sunscreen with adequate SPF before stepping outdoors.
Staying hydrated and taking regular breaks in shaded areas are also recommended during periods of intense heat.
Conclusion
With the UV index in Bengaluru already reaching extreme levels early in the summer season, doctors are emphasising the importance of awareness and preventive measures.
Health experts say that simple precautions such as sun protection, hydration and limiting outdoor exposure during peak hours can significantly reduce the risks associated with intense ultraviolet radiation.