Preventing And Treating Sunburns

It is a popular belief that sunburns only happen during the summer months when the sun is really hot; unfortunately, this is not true. Sunburns can happen at any time of year and only require you to be in the sun for an extended period of time without any protection.

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we’re all too familiar with the red, painful reminder that the sun can be as harsh as it is warm, and that is why we are committed to your health and well-being, including educating you on protecting yourself from the sun.  If you are dealing with a sunburn, our team is ready to provide the care you need to heal and get back outdoors safely.

Understanding Sunburn

What Causes Sunburn

Sunburn is the skin’s response to excessive exposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Your body signals that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged. This damage triggers inflammation, leading to the redness, heat, and pain on the surface of the skin that is commonly associated with sunburn.

Effects of UV Radiation on the Skin

• Immediate Redness and Pain: The first sign of sunburn is the skin turning red and feeling painful or tender to the touch. This is due to the dilation of blood vessels in response to UV damage.
• Dryness and Peeling: Following a sunburn, the skin often becomes dry and starts to peel. This is the body’s way of shedding damaged cells.
• Long-term Skin Damage: Repeated UV exposure can lead to premature aging, characterized by wrinkles, sunspots, and loss of skin elasticity.
• Weakened Immune System: UV radiation can compromise the skin’s ability to fight off infections by damaging the DNA in the skin cells that play a role in the immune response.
• Risk of Skin Cancer: Prolonged UV exposure significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Identifying Different Degrees of Sunburn

Understanding the severity of a sunburn can help determine the best course of action for treatment:

• First-Degree Sunburn: This mild sunburn affects only the outer layer of the skin, causing redness, pain, and slight swelling. The skin may peel after a few days but generally heals within a week.
• Second-Degree Sunburn: More severe than first-degree, second-degree sunburn affects more profound layers of the skin, leading to intense redness, swelling, and blistering. Healing can take several weeks and may require medical attention if blisters cover a large area or become infected.
• Third-Degree Sunburn: Although rare, third-degree sunburn penetrates the deepest layers of skin, causing widespread blistering and possibly numbness due to nerve damage. This level of sunburn requires immediate medical care.

Preventing Sunburn

The Significance of Using Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn’t just another item on your packing list; it’s your first line of defense against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

• How to Choose the Right SPF: Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. This type will protect you from UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays) sunlight. For extended outdoor activity, opt for water-resistant formulas.
• Correct Application and Reapplication Techniques: Apply sunscreen generously on all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors. Remember easily missed spots like the tops of your feet, neck, and ears. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.

Protective Clothing and Gear

Your clothes can be a physical barrier between your skin and the sun.

• Types of Sun-Protective Clothing: Look for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which indicates how well the fabric blocks UV radiation. A UPF of 50 means only 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays reach your skin.
• Benefits of Hats and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat can protect areas often exposed to the sun, such as your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. Sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection help safeguard your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

Seeking Shade

Strategic timing and shade are effective ways to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing UV exposure.

• Timing Outdoor Activities to Avoid Peak UV Hours: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan indoor activities or seek shade during these hours to reduce your risk of sunburn.
• Using Umbrellas and Canopies for Protection: When shade is scarce, create your own with umbrellas, canopies, or pop-up tents. These are especially handy for beach days or picnics.

Understanding the UV Index

The UV Index forecasts the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet rays for the day.

• Educate yourself on reading the UV Index, which ranges from 1 (low) to 11+ (extreme). The higher the number, the greater the need for sun protection.
• Various apps and websites allow you to check your location’s daily UV Index. Use this information to plan your outdoor activities more safely.

Natural and Safe Treatments for Sunburn

Immediate First Aid Steps for Sunburn Relief

The moments after realizing you have a sunburn are critical. Acting quickly can lessen the discomfort and reduce the burn’s severity.

• Cooling the Skin with Water: Rinse the affected area with cool (not cold) water or take a gentle shower to help dissipate the heat. Avoid using ice directly on sunburned skin, as this can cause further damage to your already fragile skin.
• Gentle Skin Care Practices: Pat your skin dry with a soft towel but do not rub. Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to the affected areas. These ingredients can provide a soothing effect. Avoid lotions containing petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine, which can trap heat in your skin or cause irritation.

Hydration

A sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body. Rehydrating is crucial for the healing process.

• The Role of Drinking Water in Treating Sunburn: Increase your water intake to help counteract the drying effects of a sunburn. Keeping well-hydrated helps your body recover faster.
• Moisturizing the Skin Externally: A moisturizer can help lock moisture into your skin, in addition to drinking water. Choose a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic product to avoid potential irritation. For an extra cooling effect, refrigerate your moisturizer before application.

Soothing Remedies

Nature has provided us with some of the best medicine for treating sunburns. Here are a few natural remedies to help ease the discomfort:

• Aloe Vera: Widely known for its soothing and cooling properties, it is a go-to for sunburn relief. If you have an aloe plant, apply the gel directly from its leaves. Store-bought pure aloe vera gel is also effective.
• Cool Baths or Showers: A cool bath or shower can provide immediate relief. Avoid using harsh soaps, which can irritate your skin further. You can also add a cup of apple cider vinegar to the bath to help balance the pH of your sunburned skin, promoting healing.
• Application of Cool Compresses: Soak a cloth in cool water and gently apply it to the sunburned areas. This can help reduce inflammation and cool your skin. You can do this several times daily, but ensure the cloth is clean each time to avoid infection.

At TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track, we understand how uncomfortable sunburn can feel. These natural and safe treatment tips can alleviate discomfort and encourage your skin to heal. Remember, severe sunburns might require more than just home care. If your sunburn blisters over a large area or you experience fever, chills, or severe pain, it’s essential to seek professional medical attention.

When to Seek Professional Help

Symptoms that Require Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to consider professional medical care:

• Severe Pain and Swelling: While some pain and swelling will occur with a sunburn, extreme discomfort that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers or after a few days might indicate a more severe burn.
• Blisters Covering a Large Area: A few small blisters may not be alarming, but if a significant portion of your skin is blistering, it increases the risk of infection and dehydration.
• High Fever: A fever of 101°F (38°C) or higher can be a sign of sun poisoning, a more severe reaction to sun exposure that requires medical attention.
• Nausea, Chills, or Dizziness: These symptoms could indicate heat exhaustion or dehydration, both of which can accompany a severe sunburn and necessitate medical intervention.
• Headache, Confusion, or Fainting: Any signs of heat stroke, a serious condition that can occur alongside severe sunburn, require immediate medical attention.
• Signs of Infection: If your sunburned skin becomes increasingly painful, starts to drain pus, or develops red streaks leading away from the blisters, these could be signs of an infection.

Complications Associated with Severe Sunburns

Ignoring severe sunburn can lead to complications that extend beyond immediate pain and discomfort:

• Dehydration: Severe sunburn can cause the body to lose fluids and electrolytes, making dehydration a serious concern. Symptoms include dry mouth, increase thirst, reduced urination, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Infection: Open blisters can become entry points for bacteria, leading to diseases that may spread and require antibiotic treatment.
• Heat Exhaustion: Alongside sunburn, you might experience heat exhaustion, characterized by heavy sweating, weakness, clammy skin, fainting, or vomiting.
• Sun Poisoning: This severe reaction to sun exposure includes symptoms like rash, fever, chills, nausea, and dizziness. It’s a more severe form of sunburn and can have long-term health implications.

Frequently Asked Questions