Sunburn: Overview and treatmentSunburns could also be accompanied by allergic responses to medicines, exposure to sun and sunscreen products, sight-related issues like reduced or complete loss of vision, as well as heatstroke. Over a long period of time, frequent cases of sunburn can result in cold sores, cataracts, skin cancer, and lupus. The factors which will decide the vulnerability to sunburns are:
Type of skin - The type of skin determines the vulnerability and intensity of the sunburn. The most vulnerable groups are those with freckled and fair skin as well with blonde or red hair. Regardless of the color of the skin, all skin types are vulnerable to skin cancer and proper sun protection must be used during times of sun exposure.
Season - Summer days carry with them a higher probability of burning the skin.
UV Index - This refers to the forecast of the strength of UV light on a particular day. This will let you know the cautionary measures you need to take in order to avoid skin damage. This is put forward on a scale of 0 to 11+ with 0 being the lowest exposure.
Latitude - As you move to locations closer to the equator, the sunlight directly passes through the atmosphere to a greater extent.
Age - Those who are younger than 6 years of age and those over 60 years are at a greater risk of getting sunburns.
Altitude - As you climb higher and higher, the chances of sunburn are also greater since the amount of Earth's atmosphere to keep away the sunlight reduces. Every elevation of approximately 1000 feet, the UV exposure is amplified by about 4%.
Location - If you are close to reflective surfaces like snow, water, ice, concrete and white sand, rays of the sun which get reflected off these might harm you.
Time of the day - The rays of the sun are strongest between 10 in the morning and 4 in the evening. Though, the probability of getting sunburn are lower on cloudy days, it is possible for the UV rays of the sun to pass through the clouds and negatively affect your skin health.
Here are the precautionary steps you can take to avoid getting sunburn:
Avoid staying in the sun for a long period of time.
Make use of sunscreen and choose clothing which cover your skin.
In case you are suffering from sunburn, here are ways to treat it:
An over-the-counter pain reliever: In order to lower the inflammation and relieve pain, use ibuprofen or aspirin.
Anti-inflammatory condiment: Cortisone cream and aloe vera are two primary ways of reducing the inflammation.
Cool bath: Take bath for about 10-20 minutes in water of cool temperature (make sure the water is not too cold). This will cut back the pain and irritation in affected area. Do not use any bath oil, soap or detergent as this might increase the chances of allergic reactions and irritation to the injury. When drying yourself after the bath, do not rub with towel.
Cold compressions: Try application of cold and wet compressions on the concerned region for about 20-30 minutes.
Adequate hydration: Make sure you drink at least 8-12 glasses of water to help your skin to recover from the sun damage.
Moisturizer: Once your skin begins to heal, use a gentle moisturizer without any scent.
Blister treatment: In case you have blisters, do not try to pop them. This will lead to infection and marks.However, if you have large blisters which require to be drained, then pop them using a sterilized needle. Follow this by cleaning the area dry with gauze. After applying ointment to the area (Aloe vera or antibiotic ones like bacitracin and polymyxin B), wrap the area loosely using a gauze bandage. Make sure you do not tie it tightly and change the gauze daily to avoid infection.
Medical attention: In case you feel nauseous along with fever, rashes and chills, then make a visit to the doctor. The following symptoms also require you to seek medical attention immediately: Pain in eyes with sensitivity to light, dizziness, high thirst without proper urination, painful blisters, and pale/cool skin.
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