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Sunburn, which is reddening of the skin, occurs after you are exposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light for a prolonged duration. Excessive exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light source which exceeds the body's ability to produce a pigment called melanin to protect the skin will cause sunburn. Therefore a very light-skinned person may experience sunburns in less than 15 minutes of sun exposure, while a dark-skinned person may tolerate the same exposure for hours.
To treat sunburn, you should take the following steps:
- Immediately take a cool shower making sure to apply cold water to the areas affected
- If it isn't possible to have a shower, cover the affected area with a cloth soaked in cold water.
- Avoid applying products containing chemicals like benzocaine, lidocaine, or petroleum
- If the skin has not blistered, a moisturizing cream may be applied for some relief
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated as dehydration is frequently a by-product of sunburn.
If, in addition, your skin has blistered, you should also do the following:
- Not attempt to directly touch or pop the blisters
- Apply an antibiotic in case the blister ruptures
- If pus, swollen lymph nodes, or fever develops, immediately consult a physician.
Some home remedies to hasten the healing process are:
- Aloe Vera is said to be an extremely good solution for treating sunburns. Easily available in the form of over the counter gels, it helps cool the skin and eases pain from the burn. The affected area should first be washed before application of Aloe Vera gel.
- Cold yogurt can also be applied to the affected areas for some temporary relief. Leave it on for about 15 minutes and then wash it off.
- White wine vinegar can be applied to the skin to instantly cool it. To apply, just take a cotton ball or swab, dip it into the vinegar and rub it gently over the affected areas.
- Also remember to stay out of the sun till the skin has completely healed.
Prevention is of course always better than cure. Severe sunburns can be prevented by taking some simple steps:
- Make sure you wear a sunscreen product when out in the sun especially if you burn easily. Be sure to wear an SPF of at least 30 or higher and try avoiding the sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Hats and additional clothing will help shelter your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays
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