Content

• Steps
• Advice

Everyone knows the sun is very harmful to the skin. However, many people still "make mistakes" and forget to apply sunscreen every day. Perhaps, you are also among them. High intensity ultraviolet (UVR) rays can directly damage your DNA. Although less exposure to the sun for a short time can result in attractive tanned skin (hyperpigmentation to protect itself from ultraviolet rays), all forms of exposure to UVR for long periods of time Are harmful to any skin type. At the same time, avoiding overexposure is essential to prevent skin cancer. While it can be very painful, most sunburns are considered first degree facial burns - the mildest burn. If the sun has been exposed and is uncomfortable with a sunburn, the existing damage is irreversible. However, there are ways to help relieve pain and discomfort while you wait for the wound to heal. At the same time, fortunately, almost any sunburn can be treated at home.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Dealing with sunburns

1. 

   
   
   Clean the burned area. Use mild soap and cool / lukewarm water.
   • You can use a cool, damp washcloth to apply it to the burned area. However, care should be taken to avoid any kind of rubbing as this can cause skin irritation. Gently place the towel on the skin. Ensure the water temperature is not too cold - immediately upon burn, using too cold water can lead to negative effects on the skin (cooling burned skin too quickly with excessive cold will slow down the speed of recovery and increased risk of frostbite injury in the upper part of the burn).
   • If the irritation continues, you can ease this symptom by regularly showering or soaking in cool (moderate) water.
   • Do not completely dry the wound, the remaining moisture will aid in the recovery process of the skin.

2. 

   
   
   Consult your doctor if you experience blistering. When you have a serious burn, you may end up with blisters and pus oozing from them. It is important to keep the area clean by washing it under running water with mild soap. Blistering shows that you are having a secondary burn and should be concerned about infection. At this point, it is necessary to see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and puncture the blister if needed.
   • Silver sulfadiazine (1% cream, Thermazene) can be used to treat sunburns. It acts as an antibiotic, helping to prevent infections in sensitive and damaged skin.
   • Although you may be tempted to break blisters yourself, doing so puts you at high risk of infection. Because the skin is already damaged, it cannot effectively fend off bacterial attack. Therefore, it is best to have them handled with sterile instruments and media by a doctor.

3. 

   
   
   Use a cold compress. If you don't have a cold pack, soak a towel in ice water and apply it to the sunburned area.
   • Use the cold compress a few times a day, for 10-15 minutes each time.

4. 

   Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area. Aloe vera gels or soy-based moisturizers are the top choice because they cool burns. Studies show that aloe helps burns heal faster. Existing scientific literature studies show that patients treated with aloe heal almost nine days faster (on average) by nearly nine days compared with those not taking aloe.
   • In general, as recommended by a medical professional, aloe works best when used for minor burns and skin irritation. Also, never use aloe for an open wound.
   • For soy-based moisturizers, look for natural and organic ingredients shown on the package. A good example is the label Aveeno, which can be easily found on online stores like Lazada. Soybeans are plants with natural moisturizing capabilities, helping to maintain moisture and repair damaged skin.
   • Avoid using lotions or creams that contain benzocaine or lidocaine. Although once used widely in the past, they can cause irritation and allergies. Avoid using petroleum jelly (also known under the brand Vaseline). Petroleum oil can clog pores, preventing the skin from releasing heat and recovering normally.

5. 

   Keep the burn clean and moist. Avoid strong and fragrant lotions, as these can make the skin more irritated.
   • Continue to use aloe vera, soy moisturizer, or a mild lotion and oatmeal. These products are currently recommended by many doctors and they will help keep the skin moisturized with minimal irritation, thereby supporting the body's self-healing process.
   • Continue rinsing with cool shower or tub water throughout the day if any burning persists. Can be done several times to retain moisture.

6. 

   Avoid the sun while your skin is in recovery. Further exposure can damage the skin and in many cases medical attention will be required. Skin needs to be protected, so make sure it is carefully shielded against the sun or any other strong source of UVR.
   • Use a non-irritating cloth to cover your sunburn (especially, avoid wool and cashmere).
   • There is no "best" fabric. Any loose, comfortable, and spacious fabric (such as cotton) will help you feel comfortable and contribute to protecting your skin from the sun.
   • Wear a hat to protect your face from harmful UV rays from the sun. Facial skin is especially sensitive and covered with a hat when outdoors is a must.
   • When considering fabrics and protective clothing, observing fabric under light is a good way to check. Most clothing that is protective will allow very little light to pass through.
   • Avoid being on the street from 10am to 4pm. This is the most easily sunburned time.

7. 

   Patience. Sunburn will go away on its own. Most sunburns go away on their own within a few days to a few weeks. If you have a secondary burn with blistering, recovery may be longer, up to approximately 3 weeks. With medical attention, a second degree blister will heal more quickly. Usually, a sunburn can recover completely without leaving any trace or, if present, will be very blurred. advertisement

Part 2 of 3: Managing pain

1. 

   Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Follow all dosage instructions specified by the manufacturer.
   • Ibuprofen: This is an over-the-counter medication that can help reduce inflammation, redness and pain. When treating a sunburn, ibuprofen is usually given to adults for a short time at 400mg every six hours. Follow your doctor's directions or the directions for use printed on the package. Children under 6 months of age should not take ibuprofen. Follow the instructions on the bottle itself.
   • Naproxen: Your doctor may choose to take naproxen if ibuprofen does not work for you. The strength of this medication is that its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects will last longer once started. Naproxen can be found in over-the-counter medications, such as Aleve.
     • Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and, therefore, can lead to some upset stomach.

2. 

   Use vinegar to relieve pain. The acetic acid present in vinegar can help relieve pain, itching, and inflammation. Place 1 cup of white apple cider vinegar in warm bath water and soak the wound. Or, alternatively, use a cotton swab soaked in vinegar and gently dab it on the most painful area of ​​the burn. Only lightly, do not wipe. You will not want any rubbing on the surface of the burn.

3. 

   Use pure witch hazel juice. Soak a cotton swab or washcloth with this anti-inflammatory astringent and then apply it to your skin three to four times a day for 20 minutes each time, to minimize pain and itching.
   • Pure witch hazel has few side effects and is completely safe for children.
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Part 3 of 3: Understanding the dangers of sunburn

1. 

   See a doctor if you think you have sun poisoning. Sun poisoning is a term used to describe severe sunburns and reactions to UV rays (dermatitis). If blistering, burning is painful, or is accompanied by fever, extreme thirst or fatigue, seek medical attention immediately. They can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. It could be due to a genetic susceptibility. In addition, metabolic causes can also stem from a lack of vitamin B3 or niacin. This article covers the typical symptoms and treatments of sunburn. Among them, the most serious symptoms, which require medical attention, include:
   • Blistering - you may feel itchy and bulging areas in excessively exposed skin.
   • Hives - along with swelling or blistering, the affected area is prone to a rash, itchy or not. These rashes may look similar to eczema.
   • Swelling - overexposure to the sun can become painful and red.
   • Fever, nausea, headache, and chills - they can be the result of hypersensitivity to the sun and excessive heat exposure.
   • If any of the above symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately to have a thorough examination of the severity of your sunburn.

2. 

   Be conscious of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common types of skin cancer today. They are directly related to sun exposure and occur mainly on the face, ears, and hands. The risk of melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer, doubles in people with five or more sunburns. Importantly, if you suffer from severe sunburn, your risk of melanoma is higher.

3. 

   Beware of heat stroke. Heatstroke occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature and the body temperature continues to rise. Because sun exposure can lead to both severe sunburns and heatstroke, many people with severe sunburns are also at risk of heat stroke. The main signs of heatstroke are:
   • Hot, red, and dry skin
   • The pulse is strong and fast
   • High body temperature
   • Nausea or vomiting
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Advice

• Until it has healed, avoid direct sunlight to the burned area.
• Sometimes, it takes up to 48 hours for a sunburn to manifest completely.
• Do not use ice to treat a burn as it can further damage sensitive skin. Always use cool running water to stop the burn.
• Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher. Don't forget to reapply, especially after sweating or getting in the water.