Sunburn Remedies: Attitudes to sun
exposure, tanning and sunburn have changed greatly over the past few decades,
mostly in recognition of the damage done to skin from excessive exposure to the
sun. Once an accepted part of a day in the sun, sunburn is now a major cause
for concern and actively avoided by many people.
Sunburn
Causes:
Sunburn results from
damage to the skin by ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two frequencies of UV
radiation, UVA and UVB. The Sunburn cause is UVB rays, while UVA rays penetrate
deeper into the skin and are responsible for premature aging and skin cancer.
Limited sun exposure is beneficial as the skin starts to produce Vitamin D. Ten
to fifteen minutes sun exposure two to three times a week is sufficient for
this production of Vitamin D.
Although sunburn can be
sustained in as little as fifteen minutes, the symptoms take several hours to
develop. Some drugs including certain antibiotics, tranquilizers and
contraceptives can increase susceptibility to sunburn. Symptoms vary with the
severity of the sunburn, beginning with redness and heat in mild cases. The
sunburned skin will be tender to the touch and may blister and peel.
Sunburn is often
accompanied by dehydration and heat exhaustion. Symptoms of these conditions
include nausea, dizziness, rapid pulse or breathing, and extreme thirst with
little urine output. These are serious conditions and require immediate
attention.
Sunburn
Remedies
The best remedy for
sunburn begins with prevention. If you are going to be in the sun, make sure
you protect as much of your skin as possible. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen
which blocks both UVA and UVB rays. This is most effective if we apply it
before sun exposure, and then reapply at regular intervals especially after
swimming or sweating. Each sunscreen product will have recommendations on the
label for the timing of reapplications.
Covering skin with
clothing, wearing a broad brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses will also help
protect from sunburn. Where possible avoid the sun during the middle of the day
as UV radiation is strongest from about 10 am until 3pm.
Much of the discomfort of
sunburn comes from the heat of the affected area. We can reduce this with cool
baths or showers, or cold compresses. Taking over the counter pain relief such as
acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen can help. Stay out of the sun until we
recover from sunburn completely to avoid further damage.
Conclusion
Once skin suffered from
sunburn, there is no cure but time. The skin will have to heal itself. Remedy
is just for reducing pain and discomfort. Work on hydration, both of the body
and the skin. Drink lots of water and apply hydrating lotions to the sunburned
area. Aloe Vera is very good for this, and there are many lotions and sprays
you can use after sun exposure which contain Aloe.
Further Reading:
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