Alleviate sunburn - effective tips for faster recovery

Sara

Leg. Doctor

Relieve sunburn and itchy sunburn | Recetas Medicas

Summer, sun and warmth are something that many of us long for during the darker months of the year. But the sun's rays not only bring heat and light, but also UV radiation that can cause both short- and long-term damage to the skin. A common consequence of too much sun is sunburn, which can lead to pain and burning in the skin. Here we go through what happens to the skin when you burn in the sun, how you can relieve the symptoms when the damage has already happened and what you can do to speed up the healing process.

What happens to the skin when we burn?

When our skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, especially the UVB rays, a series of processes starts in the body that can lead to us burning. The UVB rays are strongest in the middle of the day. They can penetrate the upper layers of skin and cause direct damage to the skin cells. To defend itself, the skin starts producing more of a pigment called melanin. Melanin helps protect the skin by absorbing and scattering the harmful rays. When that happens, the skin darkens. The fact that we get tan when we sunbathe is actually a sign that the body is trying to protect itself against UV damage.

If the sun is too strong or if the skin is exposed to the sun for too long, the body cannot handle it. The result is that we burn, which is actually a form of inflammation. The inflammation causes redness, swelling and that characteristic heat and pain that many people experience with sunburn. Within a few days, the damaged skin layers may begin to flake and peel. It is the body's way of clearing out damaged cells and replacing them with new, healthy skin.

Getting a lot of sunburns, especially when you're young, can increase your risk of skin problems later in life, such as wrinkles and skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to think about how much sun you get and to use sunscreen or covering clothing to protect the skin.

Common symptoms of sunburn

The most common signs that you have burned yourself in the sun are:

• Redness: The skin becomes visibly red or pink, especially in the areas exposed to the most sun. The redness is a sign of inflammation and that the skin cells have been damaged.
• Heat: The affected skin feels warm or hot to the touch. This is due to increased blood flow to the area as part of the body's inflammatory response.
• Pain and burning: The skin may hurt or burn to the touch. The pain can vary from mild to very intense depending on the severity of the sunburn.
• Swelling: Some people also get swelling where they burned themselves, which is another sign of inflammation.
• Itching: After a few days, the sunburned skin may begin to itch as it heals and new skin cells form.
• Flaking and Flaking: As the skin begins to heal, the upper, damaged skin layers may begin to flake or peel. This is a natural part of the healing process where the body tries to get rid of damaged cells.

In more severe cases of sunburn, additional symptoms such as blisters, general malaise, fever and even chills may occur.

First aid for sunburn

When you notice that your skin has become red and sore after a day in the sun, there are some steps you can take right away to reduce the discomfort:

• Seek shade and avoid further sun – The first and most important step is to immediately avoid further exposure to the sun. Find a shady spot or go indoors.
• Cool the skin – Use cold compresses, take a cool shower or bathe in cold water to cool the skin and constrict blood vessels, which can reduce redness and swelling.
• Rehydrate – Drink plenty of water to help your body recover from heatstroke and dehydration, which often accompanies sunburn.
• Over-the-counter medications – Cold balms or ointments with hydrocortisone can reduce itching and inflammation. Cortisone ointment should not be used by children under two years of age without a doctor's recommendation.
• Moisturize the skin – Use emollient skin cream to aid healing.
• Avoid further irritating the skin – Wear loose fitting, soft cotton clothing that does not irritate the skin. Avoid touching or scratching the sunburned areas.

Do you need to seek treatment for sunburn?

Milder sun damage heals on its own. Seek care if you get a severe burn where blisters form on the skin. You should also seek care if you notice a skin change anywhere on your body, especially if it changes in appearance, grows or bleeds. Seek emergency care if a child under one year has suffered sun damage or if you or someone close to you shows signs of heatstroke, such as high fever and chills.

Solar eczema or sunburn?

It can sometimes be difficult to know whether you have burned yourself or have so-called sun eczema, because the symptoms are similar. Solar eczema usually appears as an itchy rash and can affect both areas that have been exposed to the sun and those that have been covered by clothing. Sunburn is rather characterized by a clear redness and pain where the skin has been exposed to the sun. If you suspect that you have sun eczema, you can read more about it here.

Prevent sunburn - best tips

No one wants to experience the pain and discomfort of a serious sunburn. Here are some tips to protect your skin:

• Use sunscreen with a high SPF: Always use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 30 or higher) and that provides both UVA and UVB protection.
• Reapply sunscreen regularly – Don't forget to reapply sunscreen every two to three hours, and immediately after swimming or if you sweat a lot.
• Wear protective clothing – Sun hats, sunglasses, and clothing made from UV protective materials can provide extra protection from the sun's harmful rays.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the sun without worrying about the negative consequences. Taking care of and protecting your skin is an important part of being able to continue enjoying sunny days safely.