Sunburn: Can You Identify the Best Remedies and Prevention Tips?

Spending more time outside in the sun may have caused you to become tanned. It is a mild consequence of exposure to sunshine. However, increasing your exposure to sunshine can lead to sunburn, a serious condition that causes painful, inflamed skin that feels hot to touch. It burns the skin, causing injury. Numerous consequences, including skin cancer, could result from it.

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is a red, painful, damaged skin from being out in the sun for too long. Sunburn is caused by the ultraviolet rays from the sun burning the skin. There are three main types of sunburn.

First-degree sunburn: It is the damage to the outer layer of your skin. It heals on its own within a few days to weeks.

Second-degree sunburn: It is the damage to the middle section of the skin, which is the dermis. Blisters are formed on the sunburned skin. It may take weeks to heal.

Third-degree sunburn: It is a very rare stage that requires immediate treatment. It severely damages all the layers of the skin, including the fat layer beneath the skin. It damages the nerve endings. It leads to severe damage and complications.  

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

The symptoms of sunburn depend on the severity of sun exposure. They may include:

First-degree sunburn

• Redness on lighter skin
• Tight skin
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Peeling of skin
• Swelling
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea

Second-degree burn

• Extremely red skin
• Blisters on top of the skin
• Swelling over a larger area
• Wet-looking skin
• Pain
• White discolouration within the burn
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Fast breathing
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Shivering
• Nausea  

Third-degree burn

• Leathery-looking burn
• Numb skin
• Dull skin
• Muscle cramps
• Fever
• Shivering

How are sunburns caused?

As mentioned earlier, sunburns are caused by the ultraviolet rays from the sun. There are two types of ultraviolet rays: Ultraviolet rays A and B. Both types can cause skin burns. Anyone of any age can get a sunburn, but your chance of getting it increases depending on:

• Duration of sun exposure
• Intensity of UV rays
• Ozone depletion
• Skin type and colour

How can sunburn be treated?

Most of the time, first-degree and second-degree sunburn can be treated at home by taking certain steps to cure. They involve:

• Covering the sunburned region of your skin while going outside
• Using topical cooling and hydrating gels and creams to maintain moisture
• Use antibiotic ointments and creams to cure infections
• Drinking plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated
• Taking cool shower
• Taking pain relief medications to decrease the intensity of pain
• Leaving blisters alone until they heal  

What are the preventive methods of sunburns?

Sunburns can be prevented if you follow certain methods:

• Use sunscreens every day and apply for every two hours after sweating or swimming.
• Seek shade during peak sun hours.
• Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, hats and sunglasses, which cover the skin and prevent UV rays from entering directly in your skin.

Conclusion

To conclude, sunburns are painful, damaged skin caused by extended exposure of skin to sunlight. It affects the skin, causing swelling, pain and damages all the layers of the skin. It can be prevented easily when the right methods are followed and practised.