Of course, the key is to prevent sunburn in the first place by using proper sunscreens and keeping under cover. However, despite the precautions people take, many end up with the redness and pain of sunburned skin.
Sunburn occurs when the amount of exposure to the sun exceeds the ability of the body's protective pigment, melanin, to protect the skin. A severe sunburn can be as serious as a burn from heat, and may have the same effects such as blistering, swelling and fever. Unfortunately, there's no quick-fix for sunburn treatment. Once the skin is sunburned, the damage is done. It may take 12 to 24 hours to know the full extent and severity of sunburn, and several more days for the skin to begin to heal.
Sunburn First Aid
The following are some of the first steps to take for sunburned skin.
- Get out of the sun. Staying in the sun after getting sunburned will make it worse.
- Take a cool shower or bath to soothe the pain. Cool (not ice cold) baths may help. Avoid bath salts, oils, and perfumes because these may produce sensitivity reactions. Avoid scrubbing the skin or shaving the skin. Use soft towels for drying. Don't rub.
- Apply aloe, moisturizing cream or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin. Anyone raised in a beach community knows the secret of aloe-based lotions. There are many commercially available types. Do not use sunburn treatment products containing anesthetics, such as benzocaine. There's little evidence that these products are effective. In some cases, they may even irritate the skin.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If needed, take anti-inflammatory medication - such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) - according to the label instructions until redness and soreness subside. Important note! - Don't give children or teenagers aspirin. It could cause Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal disease.
For mild sunburn, cool compresses with equal parts of milk and water may suffice. Use cold compresses with Burows solution from the drug store... Dissolve 1 packet in 1 pint of water. Soak gauze or a soft clean cloth in it. Gently wring out the cloth and apply to the sunburned area for 15-20 minutes. Change or refresh the cloth and solution every two to three hours.
Within a few days, the affected area may begin to peel. This is simply the body's way of getting rid of the top layer of damaged skin. While the skin is peeling, continue to use moisturizing cream.
Look for blisters. Blistering means the skin is damaged and complications are likely. If the area with blisters is swollen and larger than normal, seek medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the emergency department. Be sure to watch for a skin infection while blisters are healing. Signs of infection include:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the blister
- Red streaks extending away from the blister
- Drainage of pus from the blister
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin
- Fever
When to See a Doctor
Sometimes a sunburn is severe enough to require medical attention. Consult a doctor if:
- Vision problems occur.
- Fever develops.
- Nausea or vomiting starts or increases, and lost fluids are not being replaced adequately.
- A skin infection develops.
- An allergic reaction develops.
- Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.
- Severe sunburn and blisters covers a large portion of the body.
- Severe sunburn doesn't begin to improve within a few days.
- Swelling occurs. Burns of the face and neck can sometimes swell enough to cause difficulty breathing. If that happens, call 911 immediately.
- Burns completely circle the hands or feet. This may cause such severe swelling that blood flow is restricted. If swollen or tight hands and feet become numb and tingly, blue, cold, or "fall asleep," then call 911 immediately.
Remember, Prevention is the Key
The key to prevent future episodes of sunburn is to use sunscreen frequently and liberally. Make sure that sunscreens have both UVA and UVB protection. Use common sense. Be sure to cover up while outdoors and stay in the shade as much as possible.
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