No One Wants To Deal With a Bad Sunburn

Sunburns affect more than 70% of children and adults, and they usually cause discomfort and other adverse effects. Sunburn is a radiation burn caused by being overly exposed to ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, including welding arcs and tanning lamps. It burns exposed skin, such as the lips and scalp, and covered skin if one wears loosely-weaved clothing.

If a person gets sunburned, they experience pain, mild dizziness, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. In addition, the skin becomes red or pinkish, then starts peeling, swelling, blistering, and itching.

Sunburn symptoms appear hours or days after exposure. The sunburn's severity depends on skin type. Black and brown skin doesn't burn readily, whereas albino and white skin burn easily. Other factors include time spent in the sun and the sun's intensity. The body naturally starts healing by peeling, but the skin may change pattern and color temporarily.

Potential Long-Term Damage

Excessive sun exposure can have long-term effects which may be life-threatening in extreme circumstances. The effects include direct DNA damage, which leads to type I cell death. Also, it causes premature aging of the skin by weakening skin elasticity and strength, causing deep wrinkles, drying out or roughening skin, and making discolored and dark spots.

In addition, sunburn causes precancerous lesions, which appear as rough and scaly whitish, tan, brown, or pink patches on sunburned skin. The sun also burns the eyes, which destroys the eye lens, cornea, and retina, causing cataracts and eye clouding.

Sunburns suppress the immune system by affecting white blood cell distribution, making the cells unable to fight infections easily. Another long-term effect is skin cancer (melanoma). Repeated sunburns, especially during childhood, increases cancer risks.

It develops on the scalp, ears, hands, legs, neck, and chest areas, and appears as a skin growth, a mole that changes in appearance or texture, or unhealing sores. Sunburn causes either basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, or squamous cell carcinoma.

Sunburn Prevention

Be careful when going around snow, sand, and water to prevent sunburn because they reflect sun rays. Also, UV light is excessive in high-altitude areas. One should use sunscreens often and apply generously. For adequate protection, use water-resistant with an SPF 30 or higher. Remember to apply lip balm also. With waterproof sunscreen, reapply after swimming or sweating. Throw away any sunscreen that has been there for more than three years.

In addition, avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. because that is when the sun rays are most intense. Schedule outside activities before and after that time, and when going outside, seek shade if possible. When going outside, wear wide-brimmed hats and dark clothing that covers even the arms and legs. Tightly woven clothing and fabrics with a high ultraviolet protection factor protect people too. Other prevention measures include:

• Avoiding sun tanning and tanning beds.
• Using sun prevention products with physical blockers, such as zinc oxide, for minimal skin irritation.
• Avoiding sun-sensitizing medication.
• Wearing dark lens and wraparound frame sunglasses.

Sunburn Treatment

To treat sunburns, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. They can also reduce pain and skin redness. Antihistamines minimize itching. Prescription creams help in quickening the healing process. In addition, treat symptoms at home by taking cold baths, showers, and applying cold compresses for pain relief.

Soaking in cider vinegar, baking soda, or a cornstarch bath lessens pain, itching, and inflammation. Avoid popping blisters to heal effectively and prevent infections. Clean them with mild soaps. Also, rehydrate the body with juice, sports drinks, and water. Another treatment is moisturizing with aloe vera, to soothe sunburned skin. More treatment options include:

• Wearing loose-fitting, skin-covering clothing
• Avoiding the sun before blisters heal
• Using witch hazel, oatmeal, tea, and coconut oil as soothing remedies
• Using rash-relieving creams to prevent skin dryness and itching
• Applying talcum powder on bedsheets to minimize chafing
• Avoiding peeling the skin to prevent further damage