Treating Sunburn

When the skin is exposed to too much sun the result is sunburn. The cause of the burn is mainly ultra violet (UV) radiation from the sun. The UV radiation results in an inflammation in the skin. It takes only thirty minutes from the start of the exposure to the burn to start. However, sunburn is not a serious condition when the exposure is mild but can cause general discomfort and can sometimes be painful. Symptoms for sunburn can be easily detected. The skin turns red and tender to the touch in the early stages. The skin also feels warm and is mildly irritated. In extreme cases sun poisoning can result. Sun poisoning is a fatal condition that hinders circulation resulting in death in extreme cases. Being out in sun too long can also lead to dehydration, chills, fever and flulike symptoms.

After the burn, the skin will then start to blister forming large water filled blisters with a red and tender skin beneath. After a few days the skin starts peeling.

Curing sunburn starts with skin in a healing . The first step in treating sunburn is to remove the cause of the burn; get out of the sun or the tanning bed. If this is not possible cover the exposed area preventing it from further damage. If the sunburn is painful, take pain relievers to manage the discomfort. Natural home remedies using compresses of cool water and milk (half water and half milk). The mixture forms a protein film over the skin which is said to protect the skin. The lactic acid in the mild also acts as anti-inflammatory agent. Another home remedy uses white cider vinegar solution (half water and half vinegar). This mixture is said to reduce the inflammation of the sunburn.

There are also commercial solutions available at the store can help cool the skin. Using lotions that contain aloe vera can also have a soothing effect. The aloe and other products like it (vitamin E) serve to either rehydrate the skin or reduce the inflammation. Taking a cool shower and drying with soft towels can help with the discomfort (avoid rubbing the towel on the irritated skin). In the case of extreme sunburn, seek medical treatment. The physician may recommend medications such as oral steroids or stronger pain-relieving medications.

Lidocaine and Benzocaine can be used to relieve some of the discomfort associated with the burn. These products are dispensed as either creams or sprays. Some home remedies recommend using butter; this is not an effective way to treat sunburn. Experts recommend avoiding lotions with perfumes since the burn acts as an open wound; these compounds may irritate the skin further. Antibacterial solutions can be used to prevent infections from spreading in the damaged tissues.

Prevention is the best way for treating sunburn. Wearing appropriate clothing like long sleeved shirts, brimmed hats and long pants can help protect your skin. Using commercially available sunblocking agents can help protect skin from sun damage. It is important to avoid sunburn since UV radiation exposure is implicated in increasing an individual’s risks to developing skin cancer. UV radiation not only damages the skin tissues but also causes DNA damage which leads to skin cancer. Top.