Sunburn

Overview:

Sunburn is a burn to the skin & is a result of too much exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays. It can occur with just a few minutes of exposure to the sun & or even on cloudy days. Sunburn can also occur with the use of sun beds.

The actual reason we burn is because the body is unable to produce enough melanin (the protective pigment in the skin) to protect it.

Light skinned & or red haired people are more vulnerable to sunburn than darker skinned people, that is because darker skinned people have more melanin. However anybody can develop sunburn.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

Symptoms appear 1-2 hours after exposure. Typical symptoms are redness & pain in the affected areas. Other symptoms may include;

• Pain
• Swelling
• Flu like symptoms
• Blisters

Sunburn ranges in severity from mild to severe. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

• Extreme pain
• Dizziness
• Rapid pulse
• Nausea & or vomiting
• Severe sunburn with blistering
• Fever & or chills
• Confusion

 Sunburn remedies:

• Drink lots of water to keep you hydrated.

• You can cool yourself down by either using cool cloths on your skin or taking a cool bath.

• Apply sunburn lotion frequently.

• Vitamin E & aloe vera lotions can reduce inflammation.

• Pure aloe vera gel can offer relief from sunburn. Cut off a spear from an aloe vera plant & rub the gel onto affected areas.

• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Nurofen can help with pain.

• Rest up lots.

• Do NOT apply butter. This is an old wives tale that not only doesn't work but could make the situation worse.

• Avoid further sun exposure until your skin has recovered.

 How can sunburn be avoided?

Avoidance is by far the best solution. Ways to reduce exposure to the sun include;

• Wear a wide rimmed hat.
• Avoid going out in the sun when it’s at it's highest, between 10.00am & 2.00pm.
• Apply sunscreen of SPF + 30 two hours prior to sun exposure & re-apply frequently. Use water resistant sunscreens if you are going to be in the water.
• Wear sunglasses, preferably wrap around ones.

The dangers of too much exposure to the sun:

A little sun is necessary to obtain vitamin D. This is an essential vitamin which helps our body absorb calcium. A few minutes a day is all that is required to meet your vitamin D requirements.

UV radiation not only causes sunburn but it can also lead to premature aging of the skin & can cause skin cancer.

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctor visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate medical advice for any problems.

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.