Health Tips for Your Holiday in the Sun

Whether you are visiting Lanzarote for a few days or a longer stay, a little preparation can help you enjoy the island safely. The sun, dry climate and many outdoor activities are part of what makes Lanzarote special, but they also require sensible precautions.

Sunburn

Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. It usually makes the skin red, sore and warm, and it can occasionally be itchy. Here in Lanzarote, the intensity of the sun is often underestimated. Redness may take a few hours to appear, while the breeze and water cool your skin and make it harder to realise that you are burning.

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

What to do if you or your child has sunburn

• Cool the skin with a cold-water sponge, bath or shower.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Apply a water-based emollient or petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline.
• Use painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol with a gastric-acid protector. Do not give aspirin to children under 16.

Seek medical advice when

• A baby or young child has sunburn.
• There are signs of oedema or heat illness, such as blistering, swelling, chills, fever, dizziness, headache or nausea.

Take extra care in the sun if you

• Have pale or white skin.
• Have freckles and/or red or fair hair.
• Have many moles.
• Burn rather than tan.
• Have a skin condition linked to a medical condition.
• Have a family history of skin cancer.

Preventing sunburn

• Wear suitable clothing that covers your skin.
• Use sunglasses.
• Stay in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is strongest.
• Adapt slowly: start with around 20 minutes in the sun and increase exposure by 5–10 minutes each day.
• Use sunscreen, even on cloudy days.

Sunscreen cannot guarantee complete protection and can occasionally cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

Food and Drink

Lanzarote is an extremely dry island, so you may need more fluids than usual to avoid dehydration. Dehydration can contribute to headaches, migraines and constipation.

• Do not drink from public fountains unless the water is clearly marked as suitable for drinking; bottled water is widely available.
• Alcohol combined with sunshine promotes dehydration, so drink water regularly.
• Canarian food is healthy, but dishes can contain more garlic and olive oil than you may be used to. Start with smaller portions if necessary.

Sports

Lanzarote is ideal for outdoor activities. Consider your fitness and the heat, and do not overdo it on your first days. When surfing, windsurfing or kite surfing, respect local advice and the ocean: currents can be dangerous.

Diving

• Arrange a health check before diving if you have any concerns.
• Dive schools may require a fit-to-dive certificate and some do not accept certificates from abroad.
• Do not dive with an ear or sinus infection.
• More than two dives a day can place extra strain on the body.
• Allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and a flight.

Ear Infections

Ear pain, discomfort, warmth or difficulty equalising pressure may indicate otitis media and can mean that you are not fit to fly. Flying with an ear infection can cause severe pain, bleeding or a perforated eardrum. Seek medical advice so your ears can be assessed before travelling.

Vaccinations

Tropical diseases are not a particular risk in the Canary Islands, but routine immunisations should be up to date. Speak to your healthcare provider before travelling, especially if you have a pre-existing condition or are travelling with children.

Positive effects of Lanzarote

Lanzarote’s mild climate and around 360 days of sunshine can have positive effects for some people. The climate may be beneficial for recurrent respiratory infections, asthma, eczema and psoriasis, although individual responses vary.

Insurance

If you do not have private health insurance, we recommend taking out travel insurance. Depending on the policy, it may cover private consultations and hospital care, medication and medical evacuation.

Feel free to call us or use our online appointment form. We’re always here to help.