Summer is really fast approaching. Go out with you skin protected from UV rays.
Sunburn results from overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun.
Frequent overexposure to the sun can cause long-term damage to the skin, resulting in premature aging, wrinkling, and skin cancer.
There are two types of UV rays that can damage skin. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays don’t cause sunburn, but they penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are rays that burn your skin.
Symptoms
First-degree sunburn:
• Skin that turns bright red
• Hot skin
• Burning sensation, pain
• Itch
• Peeling skin
Second-degree sunburn:
• All the symptoms of first-degree sunburn
• Swollen skin
• Blisters that weep
Third-degree sunburn (rare):
• All the symptoms of first and second-degree sunburn
Causes
• Overexposure to the sun. The time it takes to sustain a sunburn varies, depending on the age of the person, skin color, geographical location, altitude, time of day, time of year, and environmental factors.
• Sun lamps
• Some medications (e.g., antibiotic doxycycline) can make a person more susceptible to sunburn.
Complications
• Eczema (skin rash)
• Swelling (edema) of the skin, especially in the legs
• Premature wrinkling and aging of skin
• Malignant melanoma
• Skin cancer
• Cataracts
How to Prevent Sunburn
• If you plan to be out in the sun when it is hottest, make sure to apply sunscreen thoroughly to all exposed skin. Especially around the eyes, mouth, ears, and bald or thinning areas head. Use sunscreen that has at least SPF 15.
• Avoid too much sun, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and in midsummer.
• Apply sunscreen 45 minutes before you go outside for maximum protection. Apply it to dry skin. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, if you stay outside for a long period.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. They damage the skin.
• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
• Thickly applied zinc oxide products block all the sun’s rays and offer good protection for lips and nose.
• Use lip balm with the sunscreen to prevent sunburned lips.
• Wear UV-opaque sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Wear something comfortable and use hats or umbrellas for additional protection.
• Some medications can cause you to burn even with a little exposure to the sun. Among these are doxycycline and sulfa antibiotics.
Precaution
• Do not wash burned skin with harsh soap.
• Do not apply ointment, petroleum jelly or butter on the sunburn. It would make the symptoms worse and can impede healing.
Things You Need to Do
• Apply soothing lotion on the skin.
• Mix baking soda, Cornstarch, or oatmeal in the water may help relieve the pain.
• Apply cool baths or cool compresses for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day on the area.
Now you are ready to face the summer with this easy protection tips. If other symptoms persist consult your doctor.
