Not too long ago a suntan or even a sunlight burn was considered a sign of good health. Now we know it's the body's attempt to protect itself from the sun, and a sign of skin damage.
That's because of some rays of the sun called ultraviolet A and B that damage the skin cells. If you are out in the sun year after year, even if you never burn, the result is wrinkles and perhaps even skin cancer.
Sunburn raises the risks. People of all skin colors can get sunburn, but those with fair skin are the most likely to get long term skin damage or skin cancer from it.
Sunburn Symptoms:
- Red 'burned' skin (even in dark skinned people)
- Pain and sometimes blisters on the skin
Prevention of sunburn:
- Apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before you go out
- Reapply sunscreen every2 hours, even if it's waterproof. Sunscreen are said to protect the skin only for 80 minutes
- When possible, avoid being outdoors between 10AM to 2PM, when the suns rays are most intense
- Wear protective clothing and a hat with a wide brim
- Don't go to tanning salons, they use harmful ultra violet rays
- Don't use sun tan oil; it doesn't protect your skin
Home remedies for sunburn:
- Soothe the burned skin with a cool bath or compress
- Try ice for pain. Take one cube and melt it slightly so that it has no rough edges. Glide it over the burn until it melts, keeping it moving to avoid skin damage
- Try lotions or get gels with aloevera to soothe pain and speed healing
- Use an over the counter painkiller. Aspirin works best because it blocks a chemical the body makes in response to burns
- Consider a lotion or spray that contains benzocaine for pain relief
- Watch for signs of dehydration- dry mouth, sticky saliva
- Watch out for sunstroke. Don't give water to a person affected by sunburn
- If skin peels, use a lotion to add moisture and ease itching. Lotions with aloevera are soothing at any point
- If you must go back into the sun, keep the burn from getting worse by covering up and using sunscreen with an SPF of atleast 15
When to call for help?
- Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away if you see signs of heat stroke.
- Call for advice if the skin blisters. Don't cover the blisters
