Health insurance corporation warns of sunburn

Beware of sunrays.

According to the National Health Insurance Corporation, 16,962 were treated for sunburns in 2010, 10,856 of which sought treatment in July and August.

Among the patients, the largest demographic were those in their 20s, followed by those in their 30s and those younger than 9.

The patients resided mostly in Seoul, followed by Incheon, and Busan. The least went to Gangwon, mountainous area, followed by North Chungcheong, North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang.

“It is important to apply sunscreen (more than SPF 30, PA+) every three hours when you are on vacation. Try to reduce your exposure to sunrays. Drink water as much as possible and prevent your skin from getting too dry,” Dr. Park Won-nyeong of Ilsan Hospital said.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)