How to treat skin burn from the sun. Sunburn treatment at home. Stages and symptoms
![How to treat skin burn from the sun. Sunburn treatment at home. Stages and symptoms](https://i0.wp.com/zdravotvet.ru/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/kbdbfy.jpg)
Update: October 2018
Every person has probably experienced a sunburn. Just lie in the sun for a little while or just get exposed to the sun's rays at the peak of their activity - and now the skin begins to “burn” and acquires a typical reddish tint (see).
If you are severely sunburned, the first symptoms begin to bother you within half an hour, and within 24 hours a full clinical picture develops, including:
- focal or general redness of the skin, the skin feels hot and dry to the touch
- swelling, tenderness and increased sensitivity of the skin
- blisters on the skin of different diameters
- hyperthermia
- fever, chills
- skin infection (secondary infection)
- headache
- to the point of shock
Children, especially young ones, are characterized by changes in behavior - weakness and drowsiness or increased excitability. If a person has a sunburn, treatment should begin as soon as possible.
Degrees of sunburn
There are 4 degrees of sunburn:
- Redness of the skin without blisters.
- Redness of the skin with papules, blisters and general symptoms - headache, hyperthermia, fever.
- Violation of the structure of the entire dermis with damage to 60% of the skin.
- Complete dehydration with suppression of kidney and heart function, including death.
What not to do if you are burned
Treatment of sunburn in the vast majority of cases is carried out at home and independently. If the injured person acts correctly, then the unpleasant symptoms will soon remain only a memory, but inept actions can significantly complicate the situation when it is no longer possible to do without the help of doctors.
- A common mistake is to apply ice cubes to damaged skin. Temporary relief will result in a sad picture of the death of the epithelium and a long recovery period, possibly with cosmetic defects in the future.
- If your skin is sunburned, you should not wash the damaged areas with alkaline soap, which destroys the protective skin layer, or rub the skin with a washcloth or cleanse with scrubs, since any maceration increases the inflammatory reaction.
- In case of sunburn, treatment cannot be carried out by applying alcohol-containing products to the damaged skin, because alcohol causes additional dehydration.
- Burns in the acute period should not be treated with Vaseline-based products, because Such products seal the pores and prevent the skin from breathing. It is also not advisable to apply lamb, pork fat, etc. during the acute period.
- In no case should you pierce blisters and papules, because... this is a direct path to skin infection.
- During the entire recovery period, you should not sunbathe or be in direct sunlight with unprotected skin (if necessary, only in closed clothing).
- You should not drink alcoholic beverages, strong coffee and teas, as this aggravates the dehydration condition.
First aid for sunburn
The first life-saving measures for the skin and body should be started immediately for any degree of burn, especially since the degree of skin damage cannot be initially determined. The general first aid plan is as follows:
- If your face or other part of your body is sunburned, you should immediately take shelter from direct sunlight. It is ideal if it is a cool room, but if this is not the case, the shade of trees or a canopy will do.
- Adequately assess your condition. If you feel chills, severe headache and dizziness, nausea and weakness, you should call an ambulance, as these symptoms indicate a severe burn and possible
- If your general condition is not affected, you should actively help your skin and body cope with the damaging effects of the sun:
Carefully place sterile gauze or clean pieces of cloth soaked in cool water on the damaged areas of the skin and change them as they warm up after 15-20 minutes. You can wrap yourself in a wet sheet. Actions should be gentle, without pressure and maceration. Such lotions have a double effect - they reduce pain and burning, and also moisturize the skin, preventing further destruction of its layers.
- If conditions exist, you can take a general cool shower.
- If the burn is local, you can use a bath of cool water and immerse the damaged part of the body there.
- At the same time, it is necessary to take a sufficient amount of liquid to prevent dehydration, for example, still mineral water or regular drinking water, but in no case ice water.
- To relieve pain, you can take a painkiller, for example, analgin, baralgin or aspirin.
Further actions relate to therapeutic measures and are aimed at preventing infection of damaged skin and its speedy restoration. In some cases, with mild overheating, the above measures are sufficient to improve the condition. But even if in the morning there is not a trace of yesterday’s redness left, there is no need to rush to the beach, since the skin is still under stress and needs protection from the sun.
You can independently cure sunburn on the back, face and ultraviolet damage to other localizations with satisfactory general condition and 1-2 degree burns. In all other cases, you cannot do without the help of doctors. All therapeutic measures can be divided into the following groups:
- Therapy with drugs for internal use;
- Treatment with external means (creams, ointments, sprays, etc.);
- Folk methods.
Preparations for internal use
Group of drugs | Action | How to use |
|
Promotes rapid skin regeneration, prevents malignant cell degeneration | Take according to instructions for 10-30 days. |
|
Reduce the severity of the inflammatory reaction, relieve swelling and eliminate pain | 1 tablet every 4-6 hours during the acute period |
|
Reduce itching and burning, relieve swelling, and also prevent a possible allergic reaction to external therapy (see) | According to instructions |
What to apply to the skin - ointments, creams, sprays
DexpanthenolPanthenol (spray for sunburn 160 rubles, cream 200 rubles), Bepanten (340 rubles), D-Panthenol (170-250 rubles), Dexpanthenol (90 rubles) Pantoderm (170 rubles). |
Panthenol Vialine after sun |
Libyan aerosolLibyan - combination drug - 210 rubles. The composition includes linetol, fish oil, lavender oil, sunflower oil, a-tocopherol acetate, anesthesin, cyminal, a mixture of freons. It accelerates metabolic reactions, has an antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. |
![]() |
Elovera ointmentElovera – extract and vitamin E Application: 2-4 times a day, apply a thin layer to the affected areas until recovery |
![]() |
Carotoline solution, extract (betacarotene)Carotolin regulates cellular metabolism and neutralizes the damaging effects of free radicals. Betacarotene protects cells from damage, has antioxidant properties, and protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Application: 1-2 times a day on sterile napkins, and then applied to damaged skin until recovery |
![]() |
Vinyl balm (polyvinyl butyl ether)Vinylin (price 50 g 200 rubles, 100 g 300 rubles). It has an anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic effect, accelerates the regeneration and epithelization of wounds. Used as an antiseptic - disinfectant. Apply: 2-4 times a day in a thin layer directly to the affected areas or on sterile wipes until recovery |
![]() |
Zinc Ointment (Zinc Oxide), Desitin, Calamine LotionDesitin (200-230 rubles), Calamine (780 rubles), zinc paste 40 rubles, ointment 30 rubles. Prevents infection of damaged skin, has a drying, slightly astringent effect, therefore it is used as a protective and anti-inflammatory agent for minor burns. Use: 2-3 times a day on damaged skin until recovery |
![]() ![]() |
Sea buckthorn oilSea buckthorn oil altaivitamins (100 ml 250-350 rubles), Sea buckthorn oil cosmetic 40 rubles. It has an antibacterial effect, activates reparative processes and promotes healing. It has a general strengthening effect, cytoprotective, antioxidant. Use: 2-4 times a day on sterile wipes until recovery |
![]() |
Olazol aerosol (combined drug)Olazol (price 170-200 rubles) Contains: boric acid, benzocaine, chloramphenicol, sea buckthorn oil. It has a bacteriostatic effect, stimulates regeneration and promotes skin healing. To apply: before use, shake the can of anti-burn spray well, spray it on damaged skin 1-4 times a day until it heals. |
![]() |
Solcoseryl gel and ointment (biological preparation)Solcoseryl (160-200 rubles). Composition: deproteinized dialysate from the blood of dairy calves. Stimulates collagen formation, accelerates the growth of granulation tissue. Gel: 2-3 times a day on cleansed skin until tissue granulation; Ointment: 1-2 times a day on healing burns until complete healing |
![]() |
Psilo-balm (diphenhydramine)Psilo-balm (160-200 rubles), Reduces hyperemia, pain and itching, reduces swelling, reduces increased capillary permeability, has a local analgesic effect, and has a pleasant cooling effect. The gel base leaves no residue and protects the skin. Apply the gel: 3-4 times a day to the affected surface until the skin heals. It helps a lot if your skin itches after being in the sun. |
![]() |
Actovegin ointment (biological preparation)Actovegin ointment 90-120 rubles, cream 110-140 rubles, gel 150-180 rubles). Stimulates skin regeneration and improves local blood supply. At the beginning of use, slight pain may be felt, which then passes. Use: Twice a day on healing burns, duration of use 10-12 days |
![]() |
Flucinolone - glucocorticosteroids (hormonal ointment)Sinaflan (price 40 rubles) Flucinar gel and ointment 200 rubles. Reduces inflammatory and allergic reactions, has an antipruritic effect. Since this is a hormonal drug, its use is possible only as prescribed by a doctor, for a short course, with gradual withdrawal of the drug. Use: 2-4 times a day on disinfected skin areas or on dressings for no more than 5 days. |
![]() |
Floceta (gel price 150-200 rubles, spray 250-300 rubles), containing chamomile extract, aluminum acetotartrate. Eliminates itching and redness of the skin, has a bactericidal and wound-healing effect, cools the skin. Use: 2-3 times a day |
![]() |
Eplan (price 150 rubles). The drug has a regenerating, softening, wound-healing, antibacterial, analgesic, and protective effect. Accelerates the healing of wounds and thermal burns, made on the basis of polyoxy compounds and lanthanum salts. Application: lubricate the affected area of the burn as it absorbs and dries several times a day. |
![]() |
Radevit (price 320 rubles) Composition: ergocalciferol, retinol palmitate, α-tocopherol acetate. Improves the protective function of the skin, has antipruritic, reparative, softening effects. Application: apply a thin layer 2 times a day. |
![]() |
Fenistil gel (250 rubles), the active ingredient Dimetinden, is an antihistamine, has antipruritic, antiallergic, and analgesic effects. The effect of the gel occurs a few minutes after application to the skin. Apply 2-4 times a day. |
![]() |
Sudocrem has a complex composition: lanolin, synthetic wax, citric acid, lavender oil, liquid paraffin, benzyl cinnamate, benzyl benzoate, zinc oxide, benzyl alcohol, linalyl acetate, propylene glycol, butylated hydroxyanisole. It is used on burns as a wound-healing, anesthetic, and emollient. |
![]() |
Folk remedies
Folk method | Action and effect | Application |
|
Cools, prevents skin from drying out and reduces pain | At the first symptoms, apply napkins to the damaged skin and change them as they dry. |
|
Cools and soothes the skin, reduces pain and redness | Place the ice at a distance of 5-10 cm from the damaged skin and hold until relief occurs. |
|
Eliminates pain, soothes the skin, prevents dry skin | Apply cooled protein to damaged skin until dry, then reapply |
|
Eliminates pain, soothes skin | Apply to affected skin without letting it dry out |
|
Eliminates redness, pain, prevents infection | Apply to a sterile napkin and apply to the burn for several hours |
|
Eliminates pain and itching, relieves swelling of the skin | Freshly squeezed juice is used as a lotion on damaged skin or soaked in napkins and applied to burns. |
|
Eliminate pain and itching, soothe and cool the skin, prevent infection | |
|
Has an astringent effect, reduces pain and burning, eliminates itching | Apply to affected skin or use as compresses |
|
Have an antiseptic effect, promote skin regeneration | Apply to a sterile napkin and apply to the affected areas |
|
Have an antiseptic effect, eliminates itching and burning, reduces swelling | Lubricate the affected areas or apply in the form of compresses on sterile napkins |
|
Eliminate pain and itching, prevent infection | Apply to affected skin until dry |
|
Relieves pain, promotes skin regeneration and prevents the formation of blisters | Soak a clean cloth and apply to the affected areas, not allowing the cloth to dry. |
|
Prevents infection, promotes skin regeneration | Apply the solution to the damaged areas after 3 hours |
Based on the above, it is clear that if a sunburn occurs, what to apply is an individual choice for everyone. In any case, time will be an assistant in treatment, since not a single drug or folk method can help in a few hours.
Who shouldn't sunbathe?
- babies under 1 year old
- To old people
- pregnant women
- persons taking certain medications (antibiotics, corticosteroids, antidepressants, NSAIDs, etc.) that can cause photosensitivity (photodermatoses, see)
- persons sick), tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases,.
Prevention
In order not to get sunburned, it is enough to completely eliminate contact with the sun's rays, but this is practically impossible and unnecessary, because it is thanks to these rays that our skin is able to produce vitamin D. How not to get sunburned and at the same time get a beautiful tan - this question is especially relevant in summer season.
Initially, you should proceed from the capabilities of your skin, since not a single cream will save you if your skin is susceptible to sunburn and tans very poorly. Such “aristocratic” skin requires constant protection with clothing and creams, and if you had to sunbathe, then you need to do it in the shade, under reflected rays. For people who tolerate the sun well, tips for safe tanning are no less relevant, since they are the ones who most often become victims of the sun, unnoticed by sunburn and without feeling the symptoms of burns for a long time.
When choosing a tanning cream, the main purpose of which is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, you should look at the protection factor, since it is this that is decisive, and not the brand of the cosmetic product. Children and people with pale skin need to choose creams with a protection factor of 30-50 SPF, and only then switch to products with protection 15-30 SPF, which are recommended for tanning for the majority of the population.
The cream should have an ultraviolet blocking effect. There are also shielding creams, but their protection is worse and they often cause allergic reactions. It is important that the cream adheres well to the skin and does not wash off at the slightest contact with water.
A bottle of drinking water not only saves you from thirst, but also prevents dehydration, so you shouldn’t forget about your drinking regime.
The most important recommendation is moderation. Contact with the sun's rays should begin with a short time period of 5-10 minutes and gradually increase it, avoiding hours with high solar activity (12-15 hours of the day).
Let your tan be beautiful and your skin healthy!
Sunburn is a common occurrence, especially in the hot summer when many people like to sunbathe on the beach. However, you should be extremely careful, especially for the first time, when the skin is still tender after wintering.
Just lie a little under the baking sun, and you will immediately develop a sunburn - the skin on your face, back and other parts of the body begins to burn and acquire a characteristic reddish tint. After all, a sunburn is literally a skin burn caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The result of such damage is inflammation of the skin.
If you have received a severe sunburn, the first signs will begin to appear within a few hours, and a day later the full clinical picture will appear - itching, swelling, redness, soreness, dehydration and other “joys” of a sunburn.
In this case, you must immediately provide first aid to relieve the effects of sunburn. As a rule, treatment is carried out at home using pharmaceutical ointments, creams, sprays, as well as time-tested folk remedies.
Symptoms of sunburn
Sunburns, like thermal burns, are divided into three stages: solar erythematous dermatitis, blistering stage and necrotic stage.
The severity of the burn is affected by skin type, amount of time spent in sunlight, and health status. For example, it is much easier for people with fair skin to get a severe sunburn, and it will take longer to heal.
Most often, skin damage as a result of exposure to ultraviolet rays is manifested by redness and soreness of the skin, and blisters may also appear, grouped into blisters, with serous contents.
- With a mild burn, the skin becomes inflamed, red, and even a light touch causes pain. After a few days, the skin begins to peel off and the sunburn goes away without leaving visible marks.
- Severe sunburns are complicated by severe burning of the skin, blistering, severe dehydration, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and possible infection.
In addition to the above symptoms, the following are also observed:
- chills;
- temperature;
- nausea and/or vomiting;
- symptoms resembling vomiting;
- blistering;
- skin loss observed 4-7 days after the burn.
Other problems that may occur along with a sunburn include:
- heat or sunstroke, or other problems associated with general overheating;
- allergic reactions to exposure to the sun or sunscreens;
- eye disorders, such as burning pain, decreased, partial or complete loss of vision.
Your skin type determines your susceptibility to tanning and sunburn. People with fair or freckled skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes appear to be especially sensitive.
What to do if you have a sunburn?
Every person should know what to do if a sunburn occurs. This will ease your symptoms and get better sooner.
- First of all, after you have received a sunburn, you need to go into a room where ultraviolet rays do not penetrate.
- Next, it is important to understand how severe the burn was and whether blisters have appeared. If they are present, it means that the degree of skin damage is significant, which requires urgent medical attention.
- You can temporarily relieve pain with a cold shower or compress.
- Apply a cream with a soothing effect to the damaged area; chilled aloe juice is also suitable. It is important to remember that applying oils, both creamy and vegetable, to burned skin is strictly prohibited.
First aid
When the burn is not too severe, you can treat yourself. Be sure to consult a doctor if you have received a severe burn and have the following symptoms:
- strong pain;
- large blisters;
- headache, nausea and vomiting;
- confusion, weakness.
Providing first aid is aimed at reducing the temperature, providing the epidermal cells with moisture, removing redness, and reducing the sensation of pain.
How to treat? To do this, you can use compresses and lotions made from chilled black or green tea, chilled decoctions of medicinal herbs that have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects (for example, chamomile, calendula, lavender). Remember to drink enough water to prevent dehydration.
Cooled skin must be moisturized, otherwise immediately after cooling it will dry out and become even more inflamed. After-sun ointments or anti-sunburn aerosols will do the job well. Folk remedies are also suitable - kefir, sour cream, milk, egg white; you can spread these products on yourself at home.
To relieve pain, you can take – Imet, etc. or take a cool bath or shower. Suitable for relieving itching and burning. Further actions relate to therapeutic measures and are aimed at preventing infection of damaged skin and its speedy restoration.
How to treat sunburn at home
If the skin is damaged by the sun, you need to avoid exposure to ultraviolet radiation for several days, that is, let the skin calm down and rest without appearing in the sun.
Treatment at home involves the use of folk remedies, they will help relieve sunburn of the skin.
- One of the oldest methods, simple and accessible: you need lubricate the burned areas with sour milk, kefir, natural yogurt (without fruit additives and sugar). Sometimes sour cream is included in this list, however, due to its fat content, it creates a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms on injured skin.
- For sun-damaged skin areas you need add a piece of raw peeled potato, hold for several minutes, periodically renewing the applied slices.
- In case of mild thermal external burns, apply thick white separated from the yolk and apply it to the treated skin surface. The resulting film should not be removed; it should fall off on its own.
- Need to cut a fresh aloe vera leaf down the middle to extract the juice. Apply aloe vera juice to sunburn blisters, allow it to dry and absorb into the skin. If fresh aloe vera leaf is not available, you can use aloe vera gel, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
- Necessary pour a tablespoon of dry chamomile with a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes. And when it cools down, make a compress from the infusion, applying a piece of moistened gauze to the burned areas.
- White cabbage leaves washed and doused with boiling water for greater softness. They are then cooled and applied to the burns, secured with a bandage and worn throughout the day. This simple method helps reduce pain and swelling.
Try these folk recipes, they will help reduce symptoms and relieve sunburn in a short time.
How to apply sunburn at home
Above we have listed how you can lubricate a sunburn at home using traditional medicine. What else helps well in this case?
This part will present effective pharmaceutical products - ointments, aerosols and burn creams. Before lubricating a sunburn, it is very important to make sure that the skin is intact and under no circumstances open the blisters.
- in aerosol form (spray) - relieves inflammation of the skin well, covering it with a specific protective film.
- , 0, 05 or 1% depending on the age of the victim and the degree of damage to the epidermis.
- For erosive lesions after burst blisters, Dermazin or.
- or - these remedies help not only relieve pain, but also relieve swelling, which is sometimes very pronounced.
- in the form of an ointment or cream, an antimicrobial, analgesic and regenerating drug.
- Cooling gels containing menthol and anesthetics.
These medications will help relieve the symptoms, and after a few days the sunburn will no longer bother you.
Contents:
At what time of the day can you sunbathe, that is, be in the open sun, and at what time can you not sunbathe?
Try to organize your holiday in such a way that you are only in the sun BEFORE 10 am and AFTER 3 pm. It is better to spend the period between 10 and 15 hours indoors, in the shade or completely protecting the skin with clothing.
Since at different latitudes the height of the sun and, therefore, the strength of the sun's rays at the same time of day may differ, the length of your shadow can be a convenient guideline: if the length of the shadow is greater than your height, you can spend a certain time in the sun, which depends on its sensitivity (see below), if the length of the shadow is shorter than your height, it is better for you to go into the shade or indoors or cover your skin with clothing to avoid exposing your skin to too much radiation.
How long can you sunbathe?
When going to the beach or swimming (during the above periods of the day), be guided by how your skin and the skin of your loved ones usually reacts to the sun.
If you have fair skin and you know it burns easily, or if you haven't sunbathed for a long time, try to be exposed to direct sunlight for no more than 15-20 minutes a day. The rest of the time, try to spend in the shade, indoors or covering your skin with clothing.
If you have dark skin and are not prone to sunburn, or if you are already tanned, you can spend more time in the sun (30 - 45 minutes). However, this will not increase your benefits from sunlight (see below for the health benefits of sunshine).
Is it possible to sunbathe in the shade?
Scientific research shows that people with fair skin can get very tanned even in the shade, especially if the shade is created by thin material or tree canopy.
What clothing should you wear to protect your skin from the sun?
To cover your skin with clothing, use things that do not allow sunlight to pass through well. The type of fabric and color of things don't really matter. Clothing should cover the skin as much as possible.
To protect your face, ears and neck, you must wear hats with a brim of at least 10 cm.
To protect areas of your skin that you cannot cover with clothing or a hat, use sunscreen as described below.
If you have very fair skin that burns easily in the sun even under clothing, you may want to apply sunscreen to areas of your skin that will be covered by clothing.
Do not use sunscreen to prolong your time in the sun. Even using sunscreen, you can get burned.
When using sunscreens (regardless of what SPF they have), you cannot spend more time in the sun than indicated above(that is, more than 15-45 minutes).
Never use sunscreen (creams or sprays) to prolong your exposure to direct sunlight.
Modern sunscreens are not able to provide reliable protection for the skin from sun rays and do not reduce the risk of sunburn.
Many people who use these products have a strong exaggerated sense of protection. Because of this, they spend much more time in the sun than is recommended for their skin type and get severely burned.
In other sources outside of our resource, you can find completely different recommendations regarding the use of sunscreens, for example, that you can spend several hours in the sun if you regularly apply a strong sunscreen to your skin. However, all such recommendations are incorrect and are currently harshly criticized by official medical organizations studying the causes of skin cancer and fighting this disease.
This is because prolonged exposure to the sun, even when using sunscreen, increases the risk of developing skin cancer (more on this below).
When can sunscreens be useful?
It may be a good idea to use sunscreen to protect areas of your skin from the sun that you cannot cover with clothing or that get very sunburned (for example, the face (especially the nose and lips), ears, hands).
You may also want to use sunscreen if you know that you burn very easily even after short periods of sun exposure, or if your skin has burned even under clothing in the past. In this case, you can apply sunscreen first and then get dressed.
You can also use sunscreen when you know you'll be spending a certain amount of time in strong sun where there may be no shade (for example, if you're going on an excursion).
Try to choose a sunscreen that provides protection against UVA and UVB with an SPF factor of at least 15
On packaging with various sunscreens you can see marks such as UVA, UVB and SPF.
UVA and UVB marks mean that this product protects against UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays.
Scientific studies have found that UVB rays cause tanning and can cause burns.
UVA rays do not cause tanning, but can penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays and contribute to the appearance of wrinkles.
Both UVA rays and UVB rays are carcinogenic (meaning they can increase the risk of developing skin cancer).
Although many modern sunscreens are labeled UVA and UVB, this does not mean that they provide complete protection against these types of rays. This is wrong. In particular, the degree of protection against UVA rays can be no more than 25%.
The degree of protection against UVB rays is defined as SPF and is usually expressed as a numerical value, such as 15 or 30.
Many people believe that products with SPF 30 are twice as effective as products with SPF 15. This is not true. In laboratory tests, products with an SPF rating of 15 block about 93% of UVB rays, while products with an SPF rating of 30 block about 97% of UVB rays.
Although sunscreens can provide fairly high protection against UVB rays in laboratory conditions, they are much less effective under normal conditions, as people typically apply less than recommended, rinse off partially, and towel off when swimming. .
Relaxing near the water and swimming can increase the sun's effects on the skin.
It is well known that the surface of water reflects part of the sunlight falling on it. For this reason, the skin of people who are near bodies of water or swimming in sunny weather receives more solar radiation.
This is important to consider if your skin is very sensitive to the sun and burns quickly. In this case, it is a good idea to apply sunscreen before swimming and immediately go into the shade after swimming.
Follow the recommendations for skin protection even in cloudy weather.
It has been established that clouds block no more than 20% of sunlight. For this reason, the skin protection rules described above should be followed even in cloudy weather.
The sun, tanning bed, or any other source of ultraviolet light can cause the skin to burn or become red and painful. It is better to prevent a burn than to treat it because the skin will be permanently damaged. But if you do get burned, there are ways to speed up healing, prevent infection and reduce pain.
Steps
How to reduce pain and discomfort
- Do not use soap, shower gel or other detergents. Such hygiene products irritate the skin and can even worsen the burn.
- If your skin develops blisters, it is preferable to take a bath instead of a shower. The pressure from the shower water can cause the blisters to burst.
-
Apply a cold compress to the skin. Dampen a cloth with cold water and apply to the damaged area for 20-30 minutes. Re-wet the cloth in water as needed.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. The most common drugs are ibuprofen and aspirin. They will help reduce inflammation around the burn and relieve pain, but not in all cases.
- Do not give aspirin to children. Instead, choose a medicine specifically designed for children, such as paracetamol in pediatric dosage. Baby ibuprofen can relieve inflammation.
-
Apply ointment to the wound. Pharmacies also sell sprays that soothe red and irritated skin. These products usually contain benzocaine, lidocaine or pramoxine - they cause mild numbness and dull pain. However, these substances can cause allergies, so it is better to first test the product on a healthy area of skin to see if it causes itching or redness.
Wear loose cotton clothing over the burn. Baggy T-shirts and loose, light trousers are best for the recovery period. If you can't afford to dress like this, at least choose cotton clothing (this material allows the skin to breathe) and, if possible, do not tighten or button them.
- Wool and some synthetic fabrics can cause irritation due to the scratchy fibers or heat that the fabric does not release.
-
Use cortisone cream. This cream contains steroids that can reduce inflammation, although they have not been shown to be very effective in treating burns. If you do decide to try it, look for a cream that contains a small amount of steroids, which can be purchased over the counter. Hydrocortisone or something similar will do.
Take a cool bath or shower. Take a cool bath (the water should be a little warm, but not so much that your teeth chatter from the cold) and lie in it for 10-20 minutes. If you decide to take a shower, do not use high pressure to avoid further irritation of your skin. Dry naturally or gently blot the water with a towel to avoid damaging the skin.
How to prevent re-burn and complications
Try to spend as little time in the sun as possible. Ideally, you should stay in the shade or cover your burns with clothing if you need to go out into the sun.
Apply sunscreen. You should use a product with a filter of at least SPF 30. Reapply it either every hour, or if the cream was washed off with sweat or water. Follow the instructions on the package.
Drink more water. Sunburn can cause dehydration, so it's important to balance this with plenty of fluids. During treatment, it is recommended to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day (240 milliliters per glass).
As your skin begins to heal, apply a fragrance-free moisturizer. Once the blisters have healed or the redness has subsided, you can begin applying moisturizer to your skin. Apply a generous amount of unscented cream to the affected areas for several days or weeks to prevent skin irritation and peeling.
When to seek medical help
- Weakness that prevents you from standing
- Confusion and inability to think clearly
- Loss of consciousness
-
Call a doctor if you have symptoms of sunstroke or dehydration. If you experience the following symptoms after sun exposure, consult your doctor. If symptoms worsen, it is better to call an ambulance rather than wait for a doctor to come to you.
- Weakness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache or pain that is not relieved by painkillers
- Increased heart rate or breathing
- Extreme thirst, swollen eyes, difficulty urinating
- Pale, clammy, or cold skin
- Nausea, fever, chills, or rash
- Eye pain and photophobia
- Large, painful blisters (especially if they are larger than 1 centimeter)
- Nausea or diarrhea
-
Watch for signs of infection. If you have the following symptoms, especially around the blister, your skin may have an infection. In this case, it is important to see a doctor.
- Severe pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in the burn area
- Red stripes that radiate away from the burn
- Accumulation of pus in a burn
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
-
In case of a third degree burn, call an ambulance. Third degree sunburn is rare, but not impossible. If the skin becomes crusty black, feels stringy, changes color to white or dark brown, or has swelling on the skin, call 911 immediately. Position the affected area above the level of your heart while you wait, and move clothing away from the burn to prevent it from drying out, but do not undress.
If the burn is severe, call an ambulance. Call emergency number 03 if you or a friend has the following symptoms:
How to treat blisters
- If you are unable to move without damaging the blisters, ask your doctor to puncture them in a clean, sterile area.
-
Cover the blisters. Wash your hands with soap and then bandage with clean hands. Small blisters can be covered with adhesive tape, and large ones with gauze or a sterile bandage (they can be secured with a band-aid). Change the bandage daily until the blister heals.
Try applying antibiotic ointment if there are signs of infection. Apply antibiotic ointment (polymexin B or bacitracin) to the blisters if you suspect an infection. Signs of infection include a foul odor, yellow pus, severe redness and irritation of the skin. It is best to see a doctor to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms.
- Remember that some people are allergic to these ointments, so test the product on a healthy area of skin first.
-
Heal the broken blister. Do not tear off the pieces of skin remaining from the blister - they will soon fall off on their own. Otherwise, you risk increased pain and inflammation.
Seek medical attention. See a doctor right away if your skin develops blisters from the sun. This is a sign of a severe burn, and blisters should be treated under the guidance of a doctor as they can become infected. While you are waiting for your appointment, or if your doctor does not prescribe any special treatment, follow the recommendations below.
Don't touch the blisters. If your burn is severe, blisters may form on your skin. Do not try to pierce them, do not rub or scratch them. If you puncture a blister, you can get an infection there, and a scar will remain in place of the blister.
Folk remedies
- Try to do this before bed and leave it overnight.
- Remember that tea leaves stains.
-
Eat foods high in antioxidants and vitamin C. If your burn is recent (still red and without peeling skin), try eating more foods with antioxidants and vitamin C, such as blueberries, tomatoes and cherries. One study found that this reduces the body's need for fluid, which reduces the risk of dehydration.
Buy calendula ointment. This ointment is suitable for treating severe burns with blisters.
Use them at your own risk. The effectiveness of the following remedies has not been scientifically proven, and they cannot replace all other remedies. Methods of treatment, not listed below, can slow healing and worsen infection. Do not use egg whites, peanut butter, petroleum jelly, or vinegar on burns.
Apply 100% aloe vera to the burn or, best of all, apply a fresh aloe leaf. When used immediately and then frequently, this method can cure even serious burns in one to two days.
Try tea treatment. Brew 3-4 tea bags in a jug of warm water. When the tea turns almost black, remove the tea bags and allow the liquid to cool to room temperature. Gently blot the burn with a cloth soaked in tea. Apply as much tea as you see fit, but do not rinse off. The bigger, the better. If touching your skin with a napkin hurts, you can dab the burn with tea bags.
In pursuit of a fashionable, beautiful tan, many girls, without calculating their strengths and capabilities, get sunburned. Peeling skin has never been fashionable, and the feeling of being burned is such that you don’t even think about beauty.
Sunburn occurs as a result of excessive exposure to UV rays on the skin, so you can get sunburned not only on the beach, but also get burned in a solarium. To protect your skin from troubles, you need to skillfully use sunscreens while tanning, and know your skin type well in order to determine the optimal time of exposure to the sun.
If you are not very badly burned, i.e. the skin is red, peeling, there are no large blisters, which means you can cope with the burns yourself with the help of folk remedies or medicines from the nearest pharmacy. If large blisters form, your skin is severely damaged and you should see a doctor immediately.
First aid for sunburn
1. After a sunburn, first of all, get out of the sun indoors, since outdoors under a canopy you are still exposed to UV radiation.
If the blisters are very large, see a doctor immediately.
3. A cold compress or shower can help relieve pain.
4. Apply cold aloe juice or soothing after-sun cream to the affected area of skin. Remember that you should never lubricate a burn with butter or vegetable oil!
How to properly treat burns
If your skin is very hot, you need rest. Until the burn is completely healed, try to stay out of the sun.
If the burn is not severe, the skin is only red and burns a little, use soothing after-sun creams. They will cool the skin, restore, moisturize, and relieve itching.
Doctors consider sprays and creams containing panthenol (for example, the drug Panthenol spray) to be the most appropriate medications for sunburn. For burns accompanied by skin damage with blisters and cracks, Solcoseryl cream is an excellent remedy.
To reduce pain, relieve fever and inflammation, it is recommended to take the usual painkillers - aspirin, ibuprofen.
Burnt skin is very dry and can be softened with calamine lotion. To prevent dehydration, drink more fluids.
Never puncture blisters or pick off peeling skin. You can get an infection, cause bleeding, and discoloration of the skin.
Vitamins for skin renewal. Burnt skin needs vitamins during recovery. After cooling, apply vitamin E cream to your skin; taking vitamin E internally will also be beneficial. This way the burns will heal faster and won’t leave marks behind. When treating large sunburns, it is recommended to take additional vitamins C and D.
Sunburn: folk remedies
Potato masks against sunburn. Potatoes are one of the most effective folk remedies for treating sunburn. It can be used raw, boiled, or you can buy pure potato starch.
1. Lightly sprinkle potato starch onto burned skin several times a day. The skin will calm down and recover faster. Starch can be diluted in water and applied to the sore spot in the form of lotions.
2. Grate raw potatoes, cool in the refrigerator, apply to gauze and apply to the burn as a compress for 15 minutes. This recipe helps with both sunburn and sun allergies.
3. Boil the potatoes with their skins on, then peel and blend with sour cream in a blender. Apply to burned skin for half an hour, then rinse with water at room temperature. Burns go away very quickly.
Sour cream against burns . In folk medicine, it is a very popular remedy for sunburn, as dairy products soften, cool the skin and soothe the burning sensation. Just lubricate the burns with chilled sour cream or kefir several times a day. When the sour cream begins to dry out on the skin and you feel tightness, wash it off with a damp cotton swab and apply a fresh one. Attention: if your skin is severely damaged, there are large blisters, this method of treatment cannot be used, the result may be the opposite.
Curd compress will help cool the skin and reduce pain. Wrap the cottage cheese in cheesecloth and lightly freeze until solid. Apply to burnt skin as a compress. You can add a little buttermilk to the cottage cheese, apply the mixture to a towel and apply to the burn for 30 minutes. As the compress warms up, change it to a new one. Cottage cheese can be replaced with sour cream, kefir or sour yogurt.
Oat flakes with sour cream for burns. Mix the steamed flakes with chilled sour cream or milk and apply to the skin for 15 minutes, rinse with water. Repeat several times during the day until the condition improves.
Egg white draws heat out of the skin, soothes, softens, accelerates healing. Just cool the protein in the freezer and apply it to the skin with a cotton swab, rinse with water as it dries and apply a new layer.
Cabbage leaves - a popular remedy for burns, it quickly cools and soothes the skin, relieves swelling, and reduces pain. It is better to pour boiling water over the cabbage so that the leaves become soft and manageable, then cool them slightly and wrap the painful areas, secure with a bandage.
Herbal cooling compresses
Using herbal compresses you can simultaneously cool, moisturize the skin, reduce pain and, thanks to the properties of medicinal herbs, speed up healing.
Prepare an infusion of chamomile, elderberry, calendula, or lavender. Cool the broth in the refrigerator, then apply lotions to the burned areas.
Lotions made from black or green tea effectively cool and soothe the skin, relieve pain and irritation. Brew several tea bags, cool in the freezer and apply to the burned areas.
Aloe. Another magical cure for sunburn that perfectly moisturizes, cools and quickly restores sunburned skin is chilled aloe juice. You can buy aloe gel at the pharmacy.
Cucumber juice - a popular folk remedy for sunburn, it cools, soothes the skin, relieves itching and irritation, and promotes rapid healing. Cool the cucumber, cut into small circles or grate on a fine grater and apply as compresses several times a day.
Parsley mask from burns. Parsley can be used fresh or a decoction can be prepared from it. Cool the parsley, grind the leaves into a fine paste, apply to problem skin as a lotion for 15 minutes. Vitamins A and C, contained in large quantities in parsley, will help speed up the process of skin regeneration and relieve swelling.
Essential oil for sunburn
For minor minor burns, you can moisten the skin with cool water and add a few drops of chamomile essential oil.
If the burn is severe, with blisters or open wounds, dilute a few drops of lavender oil in water and gently wet the affected skin.
To soften dry skin when treating burns, it is useful to rub wheat germ oil into it.
Consequences of sunburn
1. Severe sunburn of the skin can cause swelling. Sunburn on the face and neck can cause difficulty breathing. In this case, immediate medical attention is required.
2. If large areas of skin on the arms and legs are affected, blood circulation may be impaired. If you notice that your arm or foot is numb or blue, consult a doctor immediately.
3. To speed up the healing of burns, do not wear clothes made of rough synthetic fabrics. Clothing should be loose, made of silk or cotton.
4. Do not forget that if you stay in the open sun for a long time, you can get heatstroke.