Anyone can get sunburned, regardless of their skin colour. While darker skin tones may get darker, lighter skin usually turns pink or red.
Sunburn is caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other sources, such as tanning beds or sunlamps. The severity of sunburns can vary.
Melanin pigmentation is altered as a result of inflammation caused by UVA and UVB radiation. When exposed to the sun for an extended period, the top layer of the epidermis expands because the sun causes greater skin cell replication and melanin formation.
Source: Doctor O’Donovan
Although each person experiences sunburn differently, those who get severe sunburn may need medical assistance. Severe heat exhaustion or, worse still, heatstroke can happen.
The following should prompt someone to seek medical attention right away:
- Low Blood Pressure
- Dizziness And Fainting
- Quick Heartbeat
- Severe Weakness
- Severe Pain Throughout The Body
- Shallow Respiration
- Alterations In Behavior, Including Agitation, Disorientation, Trouble Thinking, Or Hallucinations
How To Treat Sunburn
General Tips
- To provide calming comfort, apply a cold compress with a flannel soaked in cold water or take a cold shower.
- To prevent the skin from drying out, apply a cooling, moisturizing cream or gel. Top up your moisturizer every few hours to keep your skin hydrated and pleasant.
- Do not apply oil to your skin because it will build a seal and trap heat underneath, prolonging the sunburn.
- Increase your fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Your body will redirect moisture from other organs to your skin to hasten healing. So, help it out by consuming plenty of water and other hydrating fluids, such as fresh coconut water.
- You can minimize inflammation by taking pain relievers. Ibuprofen works well.
- Wear loose garments to prevent further irritation.
- If you can, stay out of the sun until your skin is completely healed.
If the blisters are really large and oozing fluid, consult a doctor or chemist for help.
Natural Remedies
Aloe vera
For ages, the gel contained within this succulent plant has been used to treat a variety of diseases, including upset stomachs and kidney infections. It is also the most widely available over-the-counter sunburn remedy.
Breaking off a piece of the plant and applying the gel straight to the skin offers rapid, calming relief from the pain of slight sunburn. If you cannot get your hands on a plant, try a pure aloe vera gel. You can find this at most pharmacies.
Baking soda and oatmeal
To reduce sun damage, add several generous tablespoons of baking soda to a bathtub filled with cold water and let the mixture soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid exfoliating your skin while taking a bath or right after. Instead of rubbing, use a towel to dab yourself dry.
Witch hazel is often used in skin products because it improves healing, is anti-inflammatory, and reduces redness.
The plant’s bark contains tannins, which aid with swelling and redness and can fight bacteria. To treat sunburn, soak a clean cloth in three to four tablespoons of witch hazel liquid and apply it to the damaged region.
Oatmeal is another natural remedy that has anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for inflamed or burnt skin.
Oatmeal helps to restore your skin’s natural barrier and improves hydration, which is why it is commonly included in lotions and treatments for dry, itchy skin. You may buy oatmeal bath mixes or make your own at home.
Place one to two cups of whole rolled oats in a food processor and process until finely ground. Run a cold bath and add the mixed oats. It should turn a milky white hue. Soak in the bath for 15 minutes, then pat dry.
Coconut oil is a popular natural moisturizer that has evident moisturizing properties for red and dry skin.
Be careful not to use it too soon. The advantage of coconut oil is that it retains moisture, but it also retains heat. If used too soon, it will exacerbate the symptoms. Wait a few days until the heat of the sunburn has subsided before applying.
Lavender Oil
Sunburn can be effectively treated using a variety of essential oils if you are an advocate of using them. Lavender oil tops the list due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and therapeutic effects.
If you are concerned about sunburn or sun damage to your skin, lavender oil is a popular stress and anxiety reliever. Lavender oil can be used in a variety of ways, including adding it to a bath or preparing a cool compress with it.
Sunburn occurs despite our best efforts. Nobody is immune to the ferocity of a scorching sun. Everyone has had scorched skin at some point in their lives, whether it was due to a careless moment, unintentional sun exposure, or an unregulated UV index.
The good thing is that sunburn is avoidable, so the next you plan to step out prepare yourself. Shop your favourite sunscreens and keep bottles in your bag, purse, and other important places.
Then do not forget to use it a lot and often. It is suggested to apply sunscreen every two hours. Finally, remember to stay covered when you go out, stay hydrated, and keep yourself cool at all times.
