Description

Sunburn is inflamed, painful skin that feels hot to the touch. Often appears within a couple of hours of being in the sun for a long time.

You can get relief from sunburn with simple self-care measures, such as taking pain killers for the pain and the cooling of the skin. But this can take days for sunburn will fade away.

To prevent sunburns throughout the year by using sunscreen or the use of other skin-protection of the habits is important for all. This is especially important when you are outdoors, even on cool or cloudy days.

Symptoms

Sunburn symptoms may include:

  • Inflammation of the skin, which appears pink or red on white skin, it can be hard to see in color brown or Black skin.
  • The skin feels hot or hot to the touch.
  • Pain, pain, and itching.
  • The swelling.
  • Small fluid-filled blisters that can break.
  • Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue if the sunburn is severe.
  • Eyes that are in pain or sandy.

Any exposed part of the body — including the lobes of the ears, scalp and lips — you can burn. Even the covered areas may burn if, for example, the clothing has a loose weave that allows the light to ultraviolet (UV) light through. The eyes, they are extremely sensitive to ULTRAVIOLET light from the sun, they also can burn.

Sunburn symptoms usually appear within a few hours after exposure to the sun.

Within a few days, the body can begin to heal itself by the peeling of the skin damaged top layer. A sunburn can take several days to heal. Any persistent changes in the color of the skin usually disappear with time.

When to see a doctor

Consult your health care provider if:

  • To develop large blisters.
  • Develop blisters on the face, hands, or genitals.
  • Experience severe swelling of the affected area.
  • Show signs of infection, such as pus filled blisters or streaks.
  • Experience worsening pain, headache, confusion, nausea, fever, or chills.
  • To worsen in spite of the care in the home.
  • You have eye pain or changes in vision.

Seek immediate medical attention if you are burned by the sun and experience:

  • A fever of more than 103 F (39.4 C) with the vomiting.
  • Confusion.
  • An infection.
  • The dehydration.
  • The cold of the skin, dizziness, or fainting.

Causes

Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) light. The UV light may be from the sun or from artificial sources, such as sunlamps and tanning beds. The GRAPE is the wavelength of the light that can penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and lead to skin damage over time. UVB is the wavelength of the light that penetrates the skin surface and causes sunburn.

ULTRAVIOLET light damages the skin cells. The immune system reacts by increasing blood flow to the affected areas, which causes inflammation of the skin (erythema), known as the sun burns.

You can get sunburn on cool or cloudy days. Surfaces such as snow, sand, and water can reflect the UV rays and burn the skin too.

Risk factors

The risk factors for sunburn include:

  • Have white skin and red hair.
  • Have a history of sunburn.
  • To live or vacation in some sunny, warm, or in the height.
  • Working outdoors.
  • Swimming or spraying the skin with water or baby oil, as the moist skin tends to burn more which makes the skin dry.
  • The mix of outdoor recreation, and the consumption of alcohol.
  • Regularly exposing unprotected skin to the UV rays of the light of the sun or from artificial sources such as tanning beds.
  • Taking a medication that makes it more likely that the burn (photosensitizing medication).

Complications

Intense, repeated sun exposure that results in sunburn increases the risk of other skin damage and certain diseases. These include premature aging of the skin (photoaging), precancerous skin lesions and skin cancer.

The premature aging of the skin

Sun exposure and repeated sunburns speed of the skin's aging process. Changes in the skin caused by UV rays of the light is called photoaging. The results of photoaging include:

  • The weakening of the connective tissues, which reduces the skin's firmness and elasticity.
  • The deep wrinkles.
  • Dry, rough skin.
  • Fine red veins on the cheeks, nose, and ears.
  • Freckles, mainly on the face and shoulders.
  • Dark or color change of the spots (macules) on the face, back of the hands, the arms, the chest and the upper part of the back — also called solar lentigines (len-TIJ-ih-neez).

Precancerous skin lesions

Precancerous skin lesions are rough, scaly patches on areas that have been damaged by the sun. Often found in sun-exposed areas of the head, the face, the neck and the hands of the people whose skin burns easily in the sun. These patches can evolve into skin cancer. They are also called actinic keratosis (ak-TIN-ik ker-uh-TOE-sis) and solar keratoses.

Complications

The excessive exposure to the sun, even without a sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer, such as melanoma. You can damage the DNA of skin cells. Sunburns in childhood and adolescence may increase the risk of melanoma later in life.

Skin cancer develops primarily on areas of the body most exposed to the sun, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, and back.

Some types of skin cancer can appear as a small growth or a sore that bleeds easily, harden, heals and then reopens. With melanoma, an existing mole may change, or a new, suspicious-looking mole may grow.

Consult your health care provider if you experience:

  • A new growth of the skin.
  • An annoying change in your skin.
  • A change in the appearance or texture of a mole.
  • A sore that does not heal.

Damage to the eyes

Too much ULTRAVIOLET light damages the cornea. The damage of the sun in the lens can lead to lens opacity (cataracts). Burnt by the sun in the eyes may feel sore or gritty. The burn of the cornea is also called the blindness of the snow. This type of damage can be caused by the sun, solder, tanning lamps, and broken mercury vapor lamps.

Prevention

The use of these methods to prevent sunburn, even on cold, cloudy or foggy days. Exposure to the sun in cloudy days is decreased by 20%. Be very careful with the water, snow, concrete, and sand because they reflect the sun's rays. In addition, the UV light is more intense at high altitudes.

  • Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun's rays are strongest during these hours, so try to schedule outdoor activities for other times. If you can't do that, limit the time you're in the sun. Seek shade when possible.
  • Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds. To get a base tan does not decrease the risk of sunburn. If you use a self-tanning product to look tan, also apply a sunscreen before going outdoors.
  • Use sunscreen frequently and generously.Use water-resistant, broad-spectrum lip balm, and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Broad spectrum of products that offer protection against both ultraviolet a (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays. No sunscreen can block 100% of the sun's UVB rays. About 30 minutes before going outdoors, generously apply sunscreen to clean, dry skin. The use of at least 2 tablespoons of sunscreen, or 1 ounce, to cover all the exposed surfaces of the skin, except the eyelids. If you are using the spray, sunscreen spray on your hands and then rub it on the skin. This helps to avoid inhalation of the product. Do not use product spray while smoking or near an open flame. If you are using a product that contains physical blockers (titanium oxide, zinc oxide), apply to any other product you are using — except insect repellent. Insect repellent will in the past. Physical blockers provide the most effective protection for sensitive skin. Re-apply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you're swimming or perspiring. If you are going to wear makeup and want to re-apply the sunscreen without having to redo the whole face, one option is to use an SPF of dust on the makeup. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all sunscreen to retain their original strength for at least three years. Check sunscreen labels to the instructions on the storage and expiration dates. Pot of sun protection if it is expired or more than three years of age.
  • Protect babies and young children.Protect babies and children from sunburn with wide-brimmed hats and lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs. Keep cool, hydrated and out of the direct light of the sun. When this is not possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to of the face and the back of the hands. The American Academy of Dermatology, and the FDA does not suggest sunscreen to children under the age of 6 months. If the sun protective clothing and shade are not available, the sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the best choice.
  • The cover-up. When on the outside, other items, such as umbrellas or wide-brimmed hats can offer protection in addition to sunscreen. Dark clothing with a tight weave offers more protection. Consider the use of outdoor gear designed especially to provide protection against the sun. Check the label to your ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), which tells of how a fabric that blocks the sunlight. The higher the UPF number, the better.
  • Wear sunglasses when outdoors. Choose sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. Verification of UV rays on the label when buying new vessels. Darker lenses do not always mean the best UV protection. It also helps to be wearing sunglasses that fit close to your face or have envelopes of the boxes.
  • Be aware of sun-sensitizing drugs and cosmetics. Some points in common with prescription and non-prescription medications can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Examples include antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Talk with your pharmacist or health care provider about the side effects of the medicines that you take. The cosmetics that contain alpha-hydroxy acids also increase sensitivity to the sun.

Use sunscreen frequently and generously. Use water-resistant, broad-spectrum lip balm, and sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Broad spectrum of products that offer protection against both ultraviolet a (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays. No sunscreen can block 100% of the sun's UVB rays.

About 30 minutes before going outdoors, generously apply sunscreen to clean, dry skin. The use of at least 2 tablespoons of sunscreen, or 1 ounce, to cover all the exposed surfaces of the skin, except the eyelids. If you are using the spray, sunscreen spray on your hands and then rub it on the skin. This helps to avoid inhalation of the product. Do not use product spray while smoking or near an open flame.

If you are using a product that contains physical blockers (titanium oxide, zinc oxide), apply to any other product you are using — except insect repellent. Insect repellent will in the past. Physical blockers provide the most effective protection for sensitive skin.

Re-apply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you're swimming or perspiring. If you are going to wear makeup and want to re-apply the sunscreen without having to redo the whole face, one option is to use an SPF of dust on the makeup.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all sunscreen to retain their original strength for at least three years. Check sunscreen labels to the instructions on the storage and expiration dates. Pot of sun protection if it is expired or more than three years of age.

Protect babies and young children. Protect babies and children from sunburn with wide-brimmed hats and lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs. Keep cool, hydrated and out of the direct light of the sun. When this is not possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to of the face and the back of the hands. The American Academy of Dermatology, and the FDA does not suggest sunscreen to children under the age of 6 months.

If the sun protective clothing and shade are not available, the sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the best choice.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of burn usually includes a physical examination. Your health care provider may also ask about your symptoms, medications, UV exposure and sunburn history.

If you have sunburn or a reaction of the skin after a short time in the sun, your health care provider might suggest phototesting. This is a test in which small areas of the skin exposed to measured amounts of UVA and UVB light to mimic the problem. If your skin reacts to phototesting, you are considered to be sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive).

Treatment

Treatment of sunburn to heal your skin, but it can relieve the pain, swelling and discomfort. If in-home care does not help or your sunburn is severe, your doctor may suggest a prescription corticosteroid cream.

For sunburn is severe, your health care provider may admit you to a hospital.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Try these self-care tips for the relief of sunburn:

  • Take a pain reliever. For the relief of pain, take a nonprescription pain reliever as soon as possible after receiving the excess of sun. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Or try a gel pain reliever that is rubbed into the skin.
  • Refreshes the skin. Apply on the affected skin with a clean cloth dampened with cold tap water. Or take a cool bath with added baking soda — about 2 ounces (60 grams) of a hot tub. Refresh the skin for about 10 minutes, several times a day.
  • Apply a moisturizing cream, lotion or gel. Aloe vera lotion or gel or calamine lotion can be relaxing. Try to cool the product in the refrigerator before applying. Avoid products with alcohol.
  • Drink more water for a day. This helps to prevent dehydration.
  • Leave blisters alone. A blister intact can help the healing of the skin. If a blister breaks, remove the dead skin with a clean cloth, small scissors. Clean the area gently with a mild soap and water. Then, apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a nonstick bandage.
  • The treatment of peeling of the skin gently. Within a couple of days, the affected area may begin to peel. This is his body, the way to get rid of the top layer of damaged skin. While your skin is peeling, to maintain the use of the moisturizing cream.
  • Take an anti-itching of the drug. An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, others) may help relieve the itching in the skin begins to peel and heal underneath.
  • Apply a soothing medicated cream. For mild to moderate cases of sunburn, apply the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream on the affected area three times a day for three days. Try to cool the product in the refrigerator before applying.
  • The treatment of sunburn on the eyes. Apply a clean cloth dampened with cold tap water. Do not wear contact lenses until the eye symptoms have disappeared. Do not rub the eyes.
  • Protect yourself from further exposure to the sun. While its cure sunburn, stay out of the sun or the use of other sun protection measures. You can try a product that has moisturizers and sunscreen.
  • Avoid applying '-caine " products, such as benzocaine.These creams can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Benzocaine has been linked to a rare but potentially fatal condition that decreases the amount of oxygen the blood can carry (methemoglobinemia).

Avoid applying '-caine " products, such as benzocaine. These creams can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction. Benzocaine has been linked to a rare but potentially fatal condition that decreases the amount of oxygen the blood can carry (methemoglobinemia).

Do not use benzocaine in children younger than 2 years of age without the supervision of a health care professional. If you're an adult, never use more than the recommended dose, and consider talking with your health care provider before use.

Preparing for your appointment

Most of the burns heal well on their own. Consider the possibility of seeking treatment for severe or repeated sunburns. It is likely that you first consult your primary care provider. Before you go to your appointment, list of medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal and over-the-counter without a prescription. Some medications increase the sensitivity to UV light.

Questions to ask your health care provider about the sun burns include:

  • I use over the counter medications to treat the condition, or do I need a prescription?
  • How soon after you start the treatment, you can expect an improvement?
  • What skin care routines do you suggest, while the burn to heal?
  • What suspicious changes in my skin could I be attentive to?

If the burn is severe or your health care provider notices unusual skin symptoms, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin diseases (dermatologist).

Symptoms and treatment of Sunburn