During the summer months, lots of us love to take advantage of the warmer temperatures by spending as much time as possible outdoors. But whether you prefer jumping in the pool or sunbathing on a beach towel, when you’re outside, you are at risk of getting a sunburn.
Understanding how to protect your skin before it is exposed to the sun’s rays and what to do if you get burned is very important. Being proactive can significantly reduce the risks of sun-related conditions such as skin cancer and premature aging.
It is never fun to get a sunburn, especially if it sticks around for longer than you like. How long a sunburn lasts depends on how severely the skin was burned, and symptoms typically start to arise around four hours after exposure. Symptoms may worsen after 24 to 36 hours, and the worst pain is likely to occur 3 to 48 hours after being burned.
A mild sunburn typically takes around three days to heal, while a moderate sunburn will stick around for five days. Common symptoms of these first-degree sunburns are peeling skin, redness, warm and tight skin, soreness, and swelling.
If you have a severe sunburn, it could last for more than seven days. You may have second-degree burn symptoms such as deep red skin, pain, wet-looking or shiny skin, swelling, blistering, or white discoloration in the damaged area.
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Whether you have a first-degree or second-degree burn, the visible symptoms will eventually go away. However, deeper damage can be permanent. UVA rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells. If the DNA is damaged enough, skin cancer can develop. If you are outdoors often, it is vital to get regular check-ups with a dermatologist to ensure your skin is cancer free.
One of the best ways to minimize further damage to your sunburnt skin is to reduce the heat. As soon as you suspect that you may have a burn, get out of the sun and go indoors. Hop in a cool bath or shower, but keep the temperature moderate, as extreme temperatures can damage your skin further. Once you get out of the tub or shower, pat yourself dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing the skin and leave a little water to provide your body with moisture that you can further lock in with a lotion. This will also prevent your burn from becoming drier than it already is.
Making sure you are hydrated is just as important as moisturizing your skin.
Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Recommendations vary, but you can aim for about 64 ounces per day. It is especially important to drink a glass of water right after waking up. Your body can get very dehydrated throughout the night, especially if you have a sunburn. This is because the heat of the burn tends to draw fluid to the skin’s surface to care for the wound.
If your sunburn starts to get worse and the skin blisters, avoid touching it. This means you likely have a second-degree burn, and it is important not to disrupt the healing process. Opening a wound also significantly increases the chance of infection. When you are outdoors, keep your blisters and sunburnt skin covered to prevent further sun damage. Wearing clothing made of tightly woven fabrics helps prevent light from coming through.
You can also take over-the-counter painkillers to reduce redness, swelling, and general discomfort.
Whether you prefer over-the-counter medication, lotions, creams, or homemade remedies, taking care of yourself after a sunburn can help reduce your symptoms. Multiple applications may be necessary for more severe burns. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have a severe burn or any complications.
If you are going to be outdoors for an extended period of time, try to plan ahead and avoid the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. If you must be outside during this time, spend as much time as possible in the shade. Stay hydrated while enjoying the fresh air to keep your skin moisturized.
While you are outdoors, cover your skin by wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirt, pants, and close-toed shoes. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on any exposed skin, especially your face. It can even be essential to wear sunscreen indoors and in your car because you can still get a sunburn through the windows.
If you do end up with a sunburn, your skin may start peeling three to eight days after the sun exposure. Picking at or peeling your skin can introduce bacteria and lead to infection, so try to resist the temptation to scratch.
Applying ice wrapped in a cloth to the skin or taking a cool bath can help reduce the peeling.
Taking cool showers helps lower the temperature of your skin and eases pain and itching. To prevent further damage to your skin, avoid exfoliating it until your burn is fully healed. Do not use water that is too hot or cold, and be gentle when you wash your skin.
After your shower or oatmeal bath, the pores of your skin will be open. This is a great time to apply aloe vera or moisturizer to your sunburn. Doing this daily can slow or reduce the peeling, as well as calm the skin and inflammation.
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can also relieve your pain and soothe the skin. If your skin is peeling from a sunburn, it will typically heal within a week or less.
While taking the proper steps at home can greatly relieve your sunburn, some burns are too severe to tend to alone. Seeking medical attention should be your next step if you are experiencing any of the following:
Lots of us will experience at least one sunburn during our lifetime, so it is essential to know how to prevent them and what to do if your skin does get burned. Wearing the proper clothing, using sunscreen, and staying hydrated are great steps to take to keep your skin healthy and protected.
If you do get a sunburn, reduce the symptoms and speed up the healing process through measures such as taking cool showers, applying aloe vera products, taking over-the-counter medications, and preventing further irritation and damage. You can still enjoy the sunny days and take care of your skin.