How to Help Sunburns

Why Sunburns Burn

While there is nothing quite like romping in the sand or cruising with the top down on a warm summer day, prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause a condition known as sunburn. No matter how deep or fair your skin tone is, everyone is susceptible to sunburns. It’s a simple and scientific formula; when the melanin in your skin (your skin’s natural protectant) can no longer accommodate the amount of ultraviolet rays that it is being exposed to, it will burn, plain and simple. For some, this degree of exposure may mean a few short hours in the sun, while others may bask all day without worry, only to find the painful onset of a sunburn later that night.

Besides the uncomfortable and painful physical symptom of sunburns, there have been medical cases that have resulted in death or serious disability as a result of a serious burn. How to help sunburns, whether preventing or treating, is important for your overall health and well-being when you expose yourself to the sunny skies.

When skin is exposed to the sun and reaches its maximum level of protection, it will burn. Most sunburns cause a medical condition known as a first degree burn. Skin will redden, be tender to the touch and will be painful and quite uncomfortable. As with all burns, time is the only true healer for this skin condition, but there are several tips that may offer sunburn relief from the discomfort.

How to Help Sunburns Heal

If you’re dealing with a common sunburn, you may find it hard to perform daily activities such as sitting, getting dressed or lying down. Sunburn stings, itches, feels tingly and may even cause chills or heat flashes. Overall, having a sunburn is no picnic in the park. If you find the sun has caused you mild discomfort, there’s a few things you can do to relieve the pain associated with the damaged skin.

1. Take frequent cool showers or baths. Try using cool compresses on the burned area to relieve symptoms.
2. Apply aloe vera or soothing lotions, many over the counter products help relieve sunburn topically.
3. Apply steroid cream containing 1% hydrocortisone to reduce swelling and itch.
4. Administer Ibuprofen or Tylenol to relieve the body aches, swelling and headaches associated with burns.

Note: Never administer pain reliever to a child under the age of two without a physician’s consent. The above treatments are recommended for mild sunburn only. If skin is blistering, oozing or causing fever and sweats, it is crucial you seek immediate treatment and care. Sun poisoning is a very serious condition that needs immediate attention.

Never treat a child with blistering skin (second degree burn) at home. Seek a physician’s guidance immediately.

Preventing Future Burns

Once you’ve suffered a sunburn, you’re more likely to take the necessary precautions next time you step out into the sun. Before heading outdoors, be it a sunny or cloudy day, make sure you do the following:

1. Wear clothing that covers and protects your skin. Think long and sheer white cotton layers and sun hats.
2. Protect your body and face with a minimum 30 SPF.
3. Avoid spending too many hours in the sun.
4. Avoid the peak sun hours between 10am and 4pm, where sun is the most intense and ultraviolet rays are the most damaging.
5. Protect lips with a lip balm or protectant with a minimum of 30 SPF.

Know the Signs of Damage

Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause long term damage to the skin and can expose one to the risk of skin cancer. It’s crucial to know the ABCs of skin cancer and do a monthly mole check as a precautionary measure. Moles that meet the following criteria should be evaluated by a physician immediately:

A: Asymmetrical: moles that are uneven on one side.

B: Borders that are jagged or irregular.

C: Colors such as blue, brown, black red and tan are present in the mole.

D: Diameter of a pencil eraser or larger.

Practice Prevention

Most sunburns heal naturally within a week, but many linger on and remind us how painful unprotected exposure to the sun can be. With proper planning and prevention, you can avoid unpleasant burns while enjoying the great outdoors.