If you enjoy being outdoors, or basking at the beach, you run the risk of acquiring second degree burn from overexposure to the sun. Everyone has forgotten to use sunscreen once in a while or has spent a day outside on an overcast day assuming they were protected by the clouds. But cloudy days, especially at the beach, often result in
severe sunburns
to the unsuspecting person.
A second degree burn occurs when both the top layer of the skin, called the epidermis, and the deeper layers of the skin, called the dermis, has been injured. Such burns are most often caused by contact with fire, hot liquids and
severe sunburn.
You will know you have a second degree scald when the skin
blisters.
It is extremely painful and depending upon the amount of skin damaged can cause an elevated pulse rate and in extreme cases shock. Shock is most often experienced as fainting, rapid pulse and breathing, weakness, vomiting, and pale or moist skin. If this occurs, seek medical attention immediately. Also seek medical attention if the face or hands are seriously affected or major portions of the body. Proper treatment can prevent or minimize scaring.
When dealing with serious sunburn, you may experience
swelling,
pain and blisters. Blisters are always a sign that the burn has gone beneath the epidermis and has injured the dermis. The blisters will produce fluids as a reaction to the skin damage. When the blisters rupture they are more prone to bacteria and infection. Therefore, it is necessary to treat a serious burn effectively.
It is not uncommon to experience headache, fever or nausea with serious sunburn. The first thing to do is take a cool shower or bath. This will cool down the skin and ease the pain. Tylenol and Lidocaine can help diminish the discomfort as well.
There is no question that avoiding overexposure to the sun is the best way to avoid a serious
sun burn.
But should you experience a second degree burn you will find relief by following the suggestions in this article. Not only will these steps diminish your discomfort, they will aid the healing process and help to avoid the occurrence of scaring and long term skin damage. If you develop a fever or other complications, seek the advice of a medical practitioner promptly.
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