Second Degree Sunburn First Aid

When you spend a lot of time in the sun, you are putting yourself at risk for sunburn. Sunburns occur when the skin has prolonged exposure to the sun's ultra violet rays and are classified as either first or second degree. Second-degree sunburn is the worst and can be cause for medical attention.

Sun Exposure

The type of sunburn you are prone to will depend on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, skin type and length of exposure. Below are some conditions that leave you at more risk for severe sunburn.

1. Time of Day - There is certain times of day when the sun is strongest. During the height of summer, the prime time for severe sunburns is between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. This includes days when the sky is overcast because the harmful rays are UV and they can pass easily through most cloud cover.

2. Reflective Surfaces - If you are near any reflective surface they can intensify the sun's rays and increase your chances of receiving second degree sunburn. White sand, water, snow and concrete are all examples of reflective surfaces.

3. Season-The time of year is as important a determinant in sunburn activity as the time of day or any other factor. The sun is stronger in the summer because it is nearer the earth's surface.

4. Equator- Where you live in respect to the equator will increase your chances of severe sunburns. The sun is always nearest to the earth at the equator, no matter which season. Therefore, southern states have a higher incidence of second degree sunburn than say Maine.

5. Skin Type - Fair-haired individuals or those with many freckles have skin that is more sensitive and are therefore more prone to sun damage. If you are light skinned or have many freckles you should always wear sun block when going out.

Protection

Sun block is the best protection against second-degree sunburn damage. For most sun exposure, you should use a SPF 50 sun block for maximum protection. You can also wear broad rim hats, light colored tee shirts and other clothing covers to protect delicate skin from sun damage.

First Aid

Blisters, swelling and intense heat evidence second-degree sunburn. To treat this kind of severe sun damage you have several options beginning with tried and true home remedies and in extreme cases prescription medication. Most people begin treating sunburns with home remedies such as:

* Aloe Vera has long been the go to remedy for all kinds of burns including sunburns. The remedy has worked so well in fact that popular over the counter sun burn treatments now contain Aloe Vera.

* Vinegar is another remedy that has been around for quite some time. After a cool shower or bath, apply vinegar to the burned portions of your skin. This remedy has been a favorite for more than 30 years.

* Medication - There are times when sunburn is too severe for home remedies and you will have to seek medical attention. The most commonly prescribed medication for burns is Silvadene or silver sulfate cream. This is the wonder drug of all burn treatments; if you have a burn this cream will not treat, you are in very bad shape.

Prevention of course is the best medication for sunburn symptoms especially since repeated sunburns have been linked to several skin cancers. However if you forget the sun block at home you can use any of the above for first aid.