Choose the content to read
- What are the symptoms of sunburn?
- Which types of sunburn symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor?
- What causes and risk factors of sunburn?
- How is sunburn diagnosed?
- How is sunburn treated?
- Self-care at home for sunburn
Sunburn
Sunburn, exposure to strong sunlight for a prolonged period can damage skin cells and lead to sunburn. Regular exposure or repeated sunburn incidents can result in wrinkles and increase the risk of skin cancer.
What are the symptoms of sunburn?
Exposure to the sun without lathering sunscreen protection for 2-3 hours may precipitate sunburn. Symptoms may include:
- Your skin turns pink or red, swollen, and tender.
- Your skin is warm or hot to the touch.
- Your skin becomes itchy with the eruption of small fluid-filled blisters.
- You have gritty and irritated eyes.
- You have a fever, headache, fatigue, or nausea if the sunburn is severe.
- In a few days, as part of the normal healing process, the top layer of skin may flake and peel off.
Which types of sunburn symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor?
- You have blisters on your face, hands, or genitals.
- You develop pus-filled blisters.
- The sunburned areas become severely swollen.
- Worsening headache, nausea, fever, chills, or pain.
- Your vision changes or becomes blurry.
It is necessary to seek immediate medical care if you develop a fever over 39.4 °C, vomiting, confusion, dehydration, cold skin, dizziness, fainting, and infection.
What causes and risk factors of sunburn?
- Skin color: The type and distribution pattern of melanin contributes to your skin color. Melanin acts as a shield protecting your skin from sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. People with fair skin are more susceptible to sunburn than those with darker skin complexions. Some people can experience sunburn within 15 minutes of sun exposure.
- Geographical location: People living closer to the equator or at higher altitudes, such as mountainous areas, face an increased risk of sunburn because UV light is more intense. Moreover, snowy areas tend to reflect more UV rays, leading to a higher chance of sunburn.
- Medications: Some medications can sensitize the skin to sunburn. These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, quinolone and tetracycline antibiotics, diuretics, amiodarone, and antifungals.
What are the complications of sunburn?
How is sunburn diagnosed?
- History taking and physical examination
Your doctor might ask about your symptoms, UV exposure or sunburn, and current medications. - Phototesting
This test can help evaluate UVA and UVB skin sensitivity.
How is sunburn treated?
Most mild sunburns heal on their own. Corticosteroid cream can help relieve the pain and discomfort of sunburn. However, if you have severe sunburn, hospital admission is necessary.
What are the preventions of sunburn?
- Apply water-resistant sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of at least 30, liberally even on days overcast. Repeat every 2 hours.
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the UV rays are most intense.
- Refrain from using tanning beds, which emit more intense UVA radiation than natural sunlight.
- Use parasols or wear UV-400-protected sunglasses, board-brimmed hats, and lightweight clothing covering arms and legs as extra protection from UV radiation. ,,
- Avoid medications or cosmetics that sensitize your skin to sunlight and UV radiation.
Even on cloudy or hazy days, with sun exposure decreasing by 20%, it is still necessary to wear sunscreen and be extra cautious around snow, sand, water, and concrete, as they can reflect UV rays.
Self-care at home for sunburn
- Stay hydrated by consuming at least eight glasses of water daily.
- Take a cool bath with 60 grams of baking soda or apply a dampened cold towel for at least 10 minutes many times a day.
- Apply a cool, damp towel to your eyelids. Refrain from rubbing your eyes or wearing contact lenses until the symptoms resolve.
- Soothe your skin with chilled moisturizer, lotion, or gel, like aloe vera or calamine lotion. Avoid products with alcohol. If your skin begins to peel, apply moisturizer.
- Keep blisters intact so your skin can heal faster. Clean them with mild soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Avoid additional sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and gear if you need to go outside.
