Sunburn blisters are raised bumps on the skin due to over exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Usually fluid-filled, the blisters are also uncomfortable, as evidenced by pain and pruritus or itch. Some cases revealed that the blisters result to skin infections that cause swelling, fever, and pain.
Causes and Epidemiology
According to NHS UK, sunburn is caused by ultraviolet rays or UVR and it causes the skin to become red, warm, sore, tender, and sometimes itchy for one week. As per the publication, the people who have higher risk of getting sunburn are people who have pale, white, or light brown skin; have freckles, red , or fair hair; tend to burn instead of tan; have many moles; have skin problems associated to a medical condition; are only exposed to intense sunlight occasionally, such as on holidays; are in a hot country with intense sunlight; and have a family history of skin cancer. As per the publication, people who stay a lot under the sun also have higher risk of developing skin cancer, if they do not take proper precautions.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC, as cited by EMedicine, that in 2012, more than 50 percent of all adults reported at least one sunburn in the past year and more than 65 percent of the population aged 18 to 29 years old reported at least one sunburn in the past 12 months. On a global scale, the risk of sunburn is higher in areas near to the equator and higher in altitude, as per the publication.
Signs and Symptoms
Sunburn presents a number of symptoms. Aside from the small fluid-filled blisters, which may break, as per Mayo Clinic, other symptoms of sunburn include pinkish or reddish skin, which is also warm or hot to touch. The person may also experience pain, itching, and tenderness, along with swelling of the affected area. Headache, fatigue, fever, and chills may also be present of the sunburn is severe.
According to NHS UK, medical consult should be done if a young child or infant has sunburn, as their skin is more fragile than that of the other people across the life span. Severe sunburn symptoms should also be noted, such as blistering, chills, fever, headache, and dizziness.
Home Remedies
Although medical treatment is available, home remedies can also be done to manage sunburn.
Cold Compress
Cold compress is one of the remedies for sunburn blisters. As per Enkivillage, the compress serves as a great method to reduce pain and inflammation related to sunburn blisters. The person just has to soak a towel using cold water and then wring out the excess. Next, he lays the towel on top of the blisters. The procedure is done several times to relieve the pain, itch, and tenderness. It is vital to know that ice should not be directly applied to the blisters, as doing so will worsen the condition. Moreover, cool baths is preferred over warm bath to relieve pain.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a notable plant-based remedy for sunburn blisters. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, The plant is used as a natural cure for minor burn injuries like sunburn and it helps reduce pain while rehydrating the burned skin, which hastens the healing process. As per the publication, the person cuts aloe vera leaf and removes the gel. Next, the gel is applied on the sunburn blisters and is allowed to dry and be absorbed by the skin.
Cucumber
Cucumber also serves as a sunburn blister remedy. According to Medicine Net, cucumbers have natural analgesic and antioxidant properties. This means it helps with pain reduction and skin integrity preservation. To prepare, as per the publication, the person chills the cucumbers and then mashes them in a blender to create a paste. Next, the paste is applied to the affected areas, which include the face. Furthermore, the plant can also be used to soothe the peeling skin after sunburn.
Sunburn blisters are not as serious as cancer; however, failure to manage it may result to skin cancer. Thus, medical consult should be done for proper assessment and treatment.
