Dorset has been basking in a heatwave this week, with temperatures reaching a scorching 31c in some areas on Tuesday.

Crowds have flocked to enjoy long days in the sun with family and friends, but soaking up the rays comes with its risks.

Plenty will know the feeling of being sunburnt - having red, sore and itchy skin can put a dampener on your holiday.

The NHS has issued advice on what not to do if you get sunburnt during the summer.

Dont:

  • Use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin
  • Put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin
  • Pop any blisters
  • Scratch or try to remove peeling skin
  • Wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin

Do:

  • Get out of the sun as soon as possible
  • Cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel (take care not to let a baby or young child get too cold)
  • Apply aftersun cream or spray, like aloe vera
  • Drink plenty of water to cool down and prevent dehydration
  • Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain
  • Cover sunburnt skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed

Preventing sunburn:

Wearing a wide-brimmed had that shades the face, neck and ears is the easiest way to avoid being red-faced this summer.

When buying suncream, make sure it's suitable for your skin and blocks both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.

The suncream label should have:

  • The letters "UVA" in a circle logo and at least 4-star UVA protection
  • At least SPF15 suncream to protect against UVB

The amount of suncream needed for the body of an average adult to achieve the stated sun protection factor (SPF) is around 35ml or 6 to 8 teaspoons of lotion.

If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, suncream needs to be applied twice:

  • 30 minutes before going out
  • Just before you go out