By RSABI Health Hut nurse, Irene Scott
From early morning feeding rounds to long days in tractors during silage and harvest, those who work in agricultural roles typically spend a lot of time exposed to harmful UV rays and they are being urged to take steps to protect their skin from the sun.
While the health risks from sun exposure can often be overlooked in Scotland’s climate, the reality is that long term skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays is a very real risk, even on cloudy or cooler days.
Research from organisations including the Skin Cancer Foundation and Cancer Research UK shows that having five or more sunburns can double the risk of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Melanoma has the highest mortality rate of all skin cancers because it can spread quickly if not detected early. Yet despite this, many outdoor workers still underestimate the dangers of repeated sun exposure.
One of the challenges with skin cancer is that it often develops slowly and silently. Damage caused by the sun today may not appear for years or even decades. Farmers who have spent years working outdoors may notice worrying changes in their skin later in life, without realising the damage has been building over time.
Agricultural workers can be particularly vulnerable because many jobs involve prolonged periods outside during peak UV hours. Busy spring and summer periods such as lambing, salage work, harvest, fencing, spraying and stock work can mean spending full days in direct sunlight. Reflection from metal machinery, glass cab windows and even water troughs can also increase UV exposure.
The good news is that small changes can make a big difference in reducing the risk of skin cancer by making sun protection part of your daily routine.
- Wearing sunscreen should be viewed in the same way as putting on waterproofs or safety boots — another important part of protecting yourself while working. A high-factor sunscreen such as SPF50 offers strong protection against harmful UV rays. It should be applied before heading outdoors and reapplied regularly throughout the day, particularly if sweating heavily or wiping your face frequently during physical work.
- Covering up can also provide excellent protection. Lightweight long-sleeved tops, trousers and wide-brimmed hats (pictured) help shield the skin from direct sunlight. Loose-fitting darker clothing often gives better protection than light-coloured thin fabrics.
- Where possible, try to take breaks in shaded areas, particularly between 10am and 2pm when the sun is strongest. Even short periods out of direct sunlight can reduce overall exposure during the working day.
- Hydration is equally important during hot weather. Farmers are often focused on livestock and workloads while forgetting their own fluid intake. Dehydration can lead to tiredness, headaches and reduced concentration, increasing the risk of accidents as well as heat-related illness.
- The delicate skin around the eyes is highly vulnerable to UV-induced damage and wearing proper sunglasses protects these cancer-prone areas while helping to prevent other eye conditions too
Know what to look out for Getting familiar with your own skin is one of the simplest ways to spot potential problems early. Once a month, take a few minutes to check your skin properly. Look for:
- New moles or skin marks
- Changes in the size, colour or shape of existing moles
- Sores that do not heal
- Areas that itch, bleed or look unusual
Partners and family members can often notice changes in areas that are difficult to see yourself, such as the back, neck or ears.
If something looks different or unusual for you, do not ignore it. Early diagnosis of skin cancer greatly improves treatment outcomes. A quick appointment with your GP or healthcare professional could make all the difference.
Farmers are well known for looking after livestock, crops and machinery in all conditions, but personal health can sometimes come last. Skin cancer awareness is another reminder that prevention matters. Taking a few simple precautions now can help protect your health for years to come.
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