Buzz
Everyone knows that the sun can be harmful to your skin. Yet, many people still 'make the mistake' of forgetting to apply sunscreen daily. Perhaps, you're one of them. Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) at high intensity can directly damage your DNA. While brief exposure to sunlight might give you an attractive tan (as the skin darkens to protect itself from UVR), prolonged exposure to UVR is harmful to any skin type. Additionally, it's crucial to limit exposure to prevent skin cancer. Although it may be painful, most sunburns are considered first-degree burns - the mildest level of burn. If you've been exposed to the sun and are dealing with sunburn discomfort, the damage done is irreversible. However, there are ways to alleviate the pain while waiting for the burn to heal. Fortunately, most sunburns can be treated at home.
Steps
Handling Sunburn
Cleanse the affected area. Use a mild soap and cool or lukewarm water.
- You can gently apply a cool, damp cloth to the burned area. However, avoid rubbing as this can irritate the skin. Simply place the cloth on your skin. Make sure the water isn't too cold - applying excessively cold water right after a burn could have negative effects on your skin (cooling the burned skin too quickly may slow down recovery and increase the risk of frostbite on the surface of the burn).
- If the burn continues to irritate, you can ease the symptoms by regularly using a shower or soaking in cool (moderate) water.
- Do not dry the wound completely, as the remaining moisture will help the skin's healing process.
Consult a doctor if blisters occur. In severe burns, you may experience blisters with pus oozing from them. It's essential to maintain cleanliness by rinsing the affected area under a gentle stream of water with mild soap. Blistering skin indicates a second-degree burn and raises the concern of infection. At this stage, seeing a doctor is important. The doctor might prescribe antibiotics and, if necessary, drain the blister using sterile tools.
- Silver sulfadiazine (1% cream, Thermazene) can be used for treating sunburns. It acts as an antibiotic to help prevent infection on sensitive, damaged skin.
- Although tempting, avoid popping the blisters yourself, as this increases the risk of infection. Damaged skin can't defend effectively against bacterial attacks, so it's best to let the doctor handle them in a sterile environment.
Cold compress. If you don't have an ice pack, soak a cloth in ice water and apply it to the sunburned area.
- Use a sealed cold compress multiple times a day, each session lasting 10 to 15 minutes.
Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. Aloe vera gel or soy-based moisturizers are top choices as they help cool the burn. Studies show that aloe vera promotes faster healing. Scientific research indicates that patients treated with aloe vera heal on average nearly nine days sooner than those who don't use it.
- Generally, experts recommend using aloe vera for minor burns and skin irritation. Never apply it to open wounds.
- For soy-based moisturizers, look for products with natural and organic ingredients listed on the label. A good example is the Aveeno brand, which can be easily found on online stores like Lazada. Soybeans naturally hydrate and help repair damaged skin.
- Avoid creams or lotions with benzocaine or lidocaine, as they can cause irritation and allergies. Also, steer clear of petroleum jelly (known by the brand name Vaseline), as it can block pores and prevent the skin from cooling down and healing properly.
Keep the burn clean and moisturized. Avoid using strong-smelling body lotions, as they may cause further irritation.
- Continue applying aloe vera, soy-based moisturizers, or gentle lotions with oatmeal. These are currently recommended by many doctors to maintain hydration with minimal irritation, supporting your body’s natural healing process.
- If any burning sensations persist, continue rinsing with cool water in the shower or bath throughout the day. This can be repeated to maintain moisture in your skin.
Avoid the sun while your skin is healing. Additional exposure could worsen the burn, and in some cases, medical attention may be required. It's important to protect your skin, so make sure it is properly covered when exposed to sunlight or any strong UV rays.
- Use non-irritating fabrics to cover sunburned skin (especially avoid wool and cashmere).
- There is no 'best fabric.' Any breathable, comfortable, and loose material (such as cotton) will help you feel at ease while protecting your skin from the sun.
- Wear a hat to shield your face from harmful UV rays. The face is particularly sensitive, and wearing a hat outdoors is highly recommended.
- When choosing protective clothing, inspecting fabric under light is a good way to check. Most clothes with sun protection will allow very little light to pass through.
- Avoid being outdoors from 10 AM to 4 PM. This is when sunburns are most likely to occur.
Patience is key. Sunburn usually heals on its own. Most sunburns resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks. If it's a second-degree burn with blisters, the healing time may be longer, up to about three weeks. With proper medical care, second-degree burns with blisters heal more quickly. Typically, sunburns heal completely without leaving a mark, and if any marks do remain, they will be faint.
Managing the pain
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Ibuprofen: This over-the-counter medication helps reduce inflammation, redness, and pain. When treating sunburn, ibuprofen is typically used for adults in short doses of 400mg every six hours. Stick to the doctor’s advice or the instructions on the packaging. Do not give ibuprofen to infants under 6 months old. Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully.
- Naproxen: Your doctor may recommend naproxen if ibuprofen isn't effective for you. The advantage of naproxen is that its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects last longer once it takes effect. Naproxen is available in over-the-counter medications like Aleve.
- Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and may cause some stomach irritation.
Use vinegar for pain relief. The acetic acid in vinegar helps relieve pain, itching, and inflammation. Add a cup of white apple cider vinegar to warm bath water and soak the burn. Alternatively, you can soak a cotton ball in vinegar and gently dab it on the most painful area of the burn. Apply gently, do not rub. Avoid any friction on the burn surface.
Apply pure witch hazel. Soak a cotton pad or washcloth with this astringent and anti-inflammatory solution and apply it to the affected area three to four times a day for 20 minutes each time to reduce pain and itching.
- Pure witch hazel has minimal side effects and is completely safe for children.
Understanding the Dangers of Sunburn
See a doctor if you suspect sun poisoning. Sun poisoning is a term used to describe severe sunburn and a serious reaction to UV rays (dermatitis). If blisters appear, the burn is extremely painful, or if you experience symptoms like fever, excessive thirst, or fatigue, seek medical care immediately. These could be signs of a more serious condition. Genetic sensitivity could be a factor. Additionally, metabolic issues like vitamin B3 or niacin deficiency can also contribute. This article discusses the typical symptoms and treatments for sunburn. The most severe symptoms requiring medical attention include:
- Blisters – you may feel itching and swelling on skin areas exposed to the sun.
- Rash – in addition to swelling or blisters, the affected skin may break out in a rash, which can be itchy or not. These rashes may resemble eczema.
- Swelling – areas exposed to excessive sunlight can become painful and red.
- Fever, nausea, headache, and chills – these can result from sensitivity to sunlight and extreme heat exposure.
- If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical care immediately for a thorough evaluation of the severity of your sunburn.
Be aware of skin cancer risks. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer. They are directly linked to sun exposure and primarily affect the face, ears, and hands. The risk of melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – doubles in people who have had five or more sunburns. Importantly, if you experience severe sunburn, your risk of melanoma is significantly higher.
Be cautious of heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its temperature, causing it to rise dangerously. Sun exposure can lead to both severe sunburn and heatstroke. Many people who suffer from severe sunburn also face the risk of heatstroke. The main signs of heatstroke include:
- Hot, red, and dry skin
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Elevated body temperature
- Nausea or vomiting
Advice
- Until fully healed, avoid direct sunlight exposure on the sunburned area.
- It can take up to 48 hours for sunburn symptoms to fully appear.
- Do not use ice to treat burns as it may cause further damage to the sensitive skin. Always use cool running water to stop the burning process.
- Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Don't forget to reapply, especially after sweating or swimming.
