Sunburn

What is a sunburn?

A sunburn is a type of burn that occurs when parts of the body are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation or artificial sources like tanning beds. UV rays can damage skin cells, resulting in a burn, and sunburns can happen in any season. These rays penetrate multiple skin layers, causing spots, wrinkles, and potential harm to your eyes.

Symptoms of sunburn

Sunburns vary from mild redness to painful blisters and swelling. Additional symptoms may include:

  • Dizziness or confusion

  • Weakness and fatigue

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Hot, tingling, or stinging sensations on the skin

  • Nausea

  • Pain and sensitivity in the affected area

  • Cold sensations and chills

  • Redness on areas like the face, lips, shoulders, thighs, neck, and back

  • Swollen skin in affected areas

  • Thirst and dehydration

Severe cases may lead to blister formation, indicating a second-degree burn with infection risks. Signs of infection include swelling, red streaks, or pus.

How are sunburns treated?

Home remedies to alleviate sunburn pain include:

  • Adding colloidal oatmeal to baths to reduce inflammation and itching.

  • Allowing blisters to heal undisturbed to prevent infection.

  • Using anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.

  • Applying a cold, damp towel to cool the affected area.

  • Avoiding creams with petroleum-based ingredients or anesthetics.

  • Skipping soap when washing sunburned areas to prevent dryness.

  • Taking cooling showers or baths to relieve pain and inflammation.

  • Using moisturizers with aloe vera or soy to soothe sunburns.

  • Staying well-hydrated to prevent dehydration.

How can sunburns be prevented?

Preventing sunburn is crucial. Consider these strategies:

  • Avoiding direct sunlight, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM.

  • Minimizing or avoiding sunlamps and tanning beds.

  • Wearing tightly woven fabrics to block UV exposure.

  • Wearing sunglasses with 100% UV ray filtering.

  • Using sunscreen with a minimum SPF rating of 15 or higher.