A sunburn is the term for red, sometimes swollen, and painful skin caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sunburns can range from mild to severe. The extent depends on the skin type and the amount of sun exposure. Either way they are a serious risk factor for skin cancer.
Due to variations in the intensity of UV radiation passing through the atmosphere, the risk of sunburn increases as you approach the equator. The higher the latitude, the lower the intensity of UV rays. Minute by minute, the amount of UV radiation depends on the angle of the sun. The greatest risk always occurs at solar noon when the sun is directly overhead.
Symptoms
The symptoms of sunburn vary from person to person. You may not notice redness of the skin for several hours after the burn has started. Peak redness can take 12-24 hours.
Minor sunburns generally cause nothing more than slight redness and tenderness in the affected areas. In more severe cases, blisters can occur . Extreme sunburn may require hospital care.
In much more severe cases, symptoms include: fever, cold, nausea and vomiting, and weakness. In extreme cases, there may be symptoms of shock, such as low blood pressure, fainting, or extreme weakness.
Sunburn can take place in less than 15 minutes, but the damage is usually not immediately obvious.
It is important to start treatment for sunburn as soon as possible. Sunburn can cause permanent skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. It is important to note that the best way to avoid suffering from a sunburn is not to burn yourself.
How to ease the discomfort of sunburn
Pain Relief: Ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. It is better to take them as soon as possible.
Hydrocortisone cream : It can also help reduce inflammation and itching.
Rehydration : it is very important to drink water to help rehydrate the skin.
Do not break small blisters: You have to let them follow their natural process. In the event that they break, they must be cleaned with mild soap and water.
If the skin peels : do not scratch and it is advisable to apply moisturizer
Refresh the skin: apply a damp cloth or towel or take a cold bath or shower.
Do not use butter: This is a false remedy that can prevent healing and damage the skin. Before that, moisturizer or aloe vera gel.
Get away from the sun : we can make the burn worse if we expose it to more UV rays.
Sunburn Diagnosis
A mild sunburn usually does not require a visit to the doctor. However, if there are severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
The best way to avoid sunburn is to minimize the amount of time the skin is exposed to sunlight: sit in shady places, wear a wide-brimmed hat, protect the eyes with sunglasses, avoid going out in the hours hottest of the day and use sun protection, reapplying it regularly every two hours.
