What is Good for Sunburn?
Sunburns are a condition that occurs when a person is exposed to UV rays of the sun or UV light from artificial sources. First and second degree sunburns can usually be treated at home under the supervision of a doctor. Third-degree sunburns in humans are very rare but require immediate medical attention. Sunburn can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. It is important to first check with a doctor against sunburn. Washing the skin with cool water and applying a moisturizing lotion or aloe vera gel under the supervision of a doctor may be beneficial. At the same time, increasing water drinking and keeping the body well hydrated can alleviate the effects of sunburn. Applying a cold compress can also be soothing. Taking sun protection measures can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn.
What is Sunburn?
Sunburn is a condition that occurs due to staying in the sun for too long, leaving the skin red, painful and damaged. When the skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, skin cells can be damaged and sunburn can occur. The best protection against sunburn is to use natural sunscreens and avoid staying outdoors for long periods of time during peak sun hours.
What Causes Sunburn?
Sunburn is a type of skin burn that occurs as a result of excessive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays, an invisible component of sunlight, cause tanning by stimulating melanin production, but can also cause damage by burning the skin with overexposure. Prolonged exposure to the sun, often without protection, can cause sunburn. Some common causes of sunburn include:
- Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) Rays: Sunlight contains two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. When the skin comes into contact with these rays, the risk of sunburn increases, especially in case of long-term exposure.
- Skin Type and Color: People with fair skin and skin types that produce less melanin are more prone to sunburn. Melanin is a pigment that protects the skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
- Being outdoors during peak sun hours: Being outdoors for a long time during noon hours, when the sun is at its peak, may increase the risk of burns. Getting into the shade and using protective clothing is important for protection.
- Use of Sunscreen: Not using sunscreen or using it inadequately can cause a weakness in protecting the skin against UV rays. Natural sunscreens with protective properties suitable for your skin type should be preferred.
- Skin Type: Some people may be more susceptible to sunburn due to skin sensitivity or certain skin diseases. These situations may require taking extra precautions in sun protection.
- High Altitudes and Snow Reflection: The risk of sunburn may increase at high altitudes or in areas with snow reflection. Because in these areas, UV rays can reach the skin further by reflection.
What are the symptoms of sunburn?
The symptoms of sunburn occur as a result of excessive exposure of the skin to the sun. Sunburn symptoms may vary depending on the degree of burn to the skin tissue. Symptoms may include:
First degree sunburn symptoms
- Redness on light skin (Redness from sunburn may be more difficult to see on people with darker skin unless the skin peels or blisters.)
- Feeling of skin warmth or tightness
- Pain and tenderness
- Swelling
- Peeling of the skin (after a few days)
- Tiredness
- Fire
- Headache
- Nausea
Second degree sunburn symptoms
- extremely red skin
- bubbles
- Swelling over a larger area
- Wet looking skin
- Pain
- White discoloration within the burn
- confusion
- dizziness
- Fatigue
- rapid breathing
- Fire
- Headache
- muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Shake
Third-degree sunburn symptoms in addition to other symptoms
- Leathery looking burn
- numb skin
- White or dull skin color
What is Good for Sunburn?
Questions such as “What is good for sunburn on the face?” and “What is good for sunburn in the sea?” are among the questions that people frequently encounter in their search for treatment. Sunburn often presents with symptoms such as redness, tenderness, swelling and pain. In mild cases, this disorder heals spontaneously over time under the supervision of a doctor, but various treatment methods are available under the supervision of a doctor to relieve the symptoms and accelerate the healing process. Some of these methods are:
- Drug Treatment: In the treatment of sunburn, drugs prescribed by the doctor are used to relieve pain, reduce itching and provide relaxing effects. Painkillers can control sunburn-related pain. Antihistamine medications can also be effective in soothing the skin by reducing itching and irritation. In cases of severe redness and inflammation, creams containing topical corticosteroids prescribed by the doctor can be used.
- Cold Compress: Washing the sunburned area with cool water can help calm the skin. Additionally, applying a compress with a clean cloth dipped in cold water can reduce the pain and swelling caused by the burn.
- Use of Fluid Supplement and Moisturizer: Drinking adequate amounts hydrates the body from the inside out and helps prevent dehydration. Using a light, water-based moisturizer can support the healing process by preventing the skin from drying out. It may also be beneficial to regularly moisturize the burned area with a hypoallergenic, alcohol-free and perfume-free moisturizing cream prescribed by the doctor.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel can be an effective natural remedy for treating sunburn. When applied to the skin by gentle massage, it can calm the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Shade and Light Clothing: It is important that the burned area is not exposed to the sun. Staying in the shade or wearing light clothing that blocks sunlight can prevent further skin damage.
- Foods Containing Vitamin C: Consuming fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C can accelerate the healing process by strengthening your skin from within.
Sunburn Risk Factors
Sunburn is a condition caused by excessive exposure of the skin to the sun and can be affected by a number of risk factors. These factors may increase individuals’ susceptibility to sunburn and require protective measures. Some of the sunburn risk factors include:
- long-term sun exposure
- to be white skinned
- Living in a hot or high altitude place
- Working outdoors for long periods of time without protection
- Exposing unprotected skin to UV sunlight or light from artificial sources, such as a tanning application
Frequently asked Questions
Sunburn can cause extreme discomfort to people, depending on the severity of the burn. Pain and redness may occur in the burned area.
How Long Does a Sunburn Last?
The duration of sunburn may vary from person to person, but generally mild sunburns can heal within a few days. However, in case of severe burns, blisters or skin peeling, the healing process may take longer and should be under the supervision of a doctor.
Does Sunburn Cause Skin Cancer?
Sunburn may increase the risk of skin cancer in the long term due to possible DNA damage. Therefore, taking sun protection measures and preventing sunburns can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Sunburn is a painful condition that negatively affects a person’s daily life. People experiencing sunburn symptoms can start treatment by making an appointment at the dermatology department of hospitals.
