If you are badly sunburned, what should you do? What to do if you get sunburned: how to remove a burn at home

After the winter cold, people are looking forward to summer to go to the seaside and bask in the rays of the varnished sun, getting an attractive, even tan that emphasizes the beauty of the body. But very often, a long-awaited vacation and a great time are overshadowed by getting a sunburn, and in this regard, everyone needs to know what to do if they are very tanned in the sun.

Before talking about providing first aid for a sunburn and subsequent treatment for this uncomfortable condition, you should consider the signs that indicate that a person is actually sunburned. Thus, the first symptoms of a sunburn, which include pain, redness, swelling of the skin, and the formation of blisters on them, make themselves felt several hours after contact with direct rays of the sun. Since in most cases, sunburn affects large areas of the skin, it is not uncommon for a person to experience weakness, malaise, headaches and an increase in body temperature.

If sunburn occurs, what should be done in this case, what should be the first aid to the victim to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of this condition? First of all, you need to immediately take shelter from the sun's rays in a cool room; if this is not possible, you can hide under a canopy or in the shade of trees. If a person feels unwell, has a severe headache, nausea and dizziness, indicating heat stroke, it is recommended to call an ambulance. If your general well-being is not affected, it is necessary to take a number of measures that can help the body and skin overcome the damaging effects of sunlight. For this purpose, apply a gauze bandage pre-soaked in cold water to the affected areas of the skin and change it after 10-15 minutes. If the affected area is large, you can wrap the victim in a wet sheet, and if conditions exist, it would be good to provide the person with a cool shower. Such life-saving measures immediately have a double effect - they help reduce burning and pain and moisturize the skin, preventing subsequent destruction of its layers. Along with this, to prevent dehydration of the body, it is necessary to provide the victim with plenty of fluids, which can be plain water, tea, or fruit juice.

If the skin burns due to exposure to sunlight, it is strictly forbidden to carry out the following activities:

Apply ice to affected areas of skin. A person after such a procedure will feel significant relief, but will have to pay for it at a high price: the death of the epithelium and a long recovery period;

Wash damaged skin with alkaline soap, which destroys its protective layer;

Rub the skin with a washcloth and apply scrubs to it. The fact is that any maceration significantly enhances the inflammatory response;

Apply products that contain alcohol to the skin, as this component can cause additional dehydration;

Treat the affected areas with Vaseline, which clogs pores and makes it difficult for the skin to breathe;

Puncture blisters that form as a result of skin burning;

During the entire treatment period, stay in direct sunlight;

Drink alcoholic beverages, strong coffee or tea.

When you are severely sunburned, what should you do in this case, do folk methods suggest, how can you alleviate the condition of the victim using improvised means and methods? Fermented milk products such as cottage cheese, sour cream and yogurt (applied in a thin layer to the skin), which relieve burning, cool inflamed areas and reduce redness due to the formation of a protein film on the surface of the skin, have proven themselves well in the treatment of sunburn.

A compress made from strong tea leaves will relieve unpleasant pain symptoms, for the preparation of which you need to brew 4 tea bags in a glass of boiling water, cool the resulting product, generously moisten gauze in it, which is applied to the affected areas (carry out the procedure 3-4 times a day).

Potato juice is considered to have a magical effect in the fight against skin burning, to obtain which the root vegetable should be grated, the resulting potato mass should be wrapped in gauze, squeezed thoroughly and the medicinal liquid should be applied to the skin.

Among other folk remedies, the following are very popular:

Raw egg white. Apply to the affected skin and do not wash off until the product dries completely, until the victim feels a feeling of tightening of the skin surface. Next, the burn area must be wiped with a napkin or gauze folded in several layers, previously soaked in water.

Aloe. An important condition: for this medicinal recipe it is necessary to use a houseplant over three years old. Cut about 10 leaves from aloe, wash them, pass through a meat grinder to obtain a mushy mass, into which pour 2-3 tablespoons of milk. Apply the prepared medicinal composition to the burnt areas of the skin and do not rinse off the product for 30-40 minutes.

Olive oil. Enriched with a whole complex of various vitamins, this product will help to activate the processes of restoration of damaged skin and promotes the formation of a protective film that prevents the evaporation of moisture from the skin.

Pumpkin. Pass the pumpkin pulp through a meat grinder, apply the resulting pulp to the affected areas of the skin and cover the compress with gauze on top, since otherwise, under the influence of oxygen, the vegetable pulp will dry out and lose its healing properties.

Many people, experiencing severe pain from sunburn and not wanting to self-medicate, come to the doctor with the question “I’m burned, what should I do?” To treat the patient’s condition, a specialist will recommend the use of the following medications:

Panthenol is a wound-healing drug produced in the form of ointment, cream and gel. It is used for any degree of sunburn, while it is recommended to use a gel in the early stages of skin burning, and ointment in the later stages. The medication moisturizes the skin, protects it and activates the regeneration processes of damaged tissue.

Methyluracil, which is a paraffin-based ointment. Its use is relevant at the healing stage. The product stimulates skin regenerative processes.

Fastin is a fat-based ointment, a combination drug that contains syntomycin, anesthesin and furatsilin.

Rescuer is an ointment, the components of which are sea buckthorn oil, beeswax and plant extracts, form a protective film on the burned surface, have a wound-healing, softening, analgesic and protective effect.

Kremgen is a cream that contains an antibiotic and a hormonal substance, recommended for use for sunburn that occurs with swelling of the skin.

In order to avoid skin burning and all the unpleasant symptoms associated with this condition, you must:

Before going outside in sunny weather, apply sunscreen to exposed skin;

After swimming in a pond, be sure to dry your body with a towel, as moisture attracts the rays of the sun;

Plan a trip to the beach either before lunch or in the evening, since from 12 to 16 hours there is maximum solar activity and a short stay in the sun can be enough to get a burn.

Thus, easy-to-use folk recipes and effective medicines will help eliminate the symptoms of sunburn, relieve pain and return a person to good health. By following tips for preventing sunburn, you can minimize the likelihood of skin burning and fully enjoy your long-awaited summer vacation.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

What is a sunburn?

Sunburn is a superficial injury to the skin, mucous membranes or eyes ( less often). This damage usually results in mild inflammation, but can sometimes lead to serious problems. The direct cause of sunburn is excessively intense ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Sunburns most often appear on the following areas of the skin:

face;
hands;
shoulders;
back.

It is these parts of the body that are usually not protected by clothing in the warm season, so they are exposed to direct sunlight. However, not all people get sunburns with the same frequency. The risk of such skin damage depends on many factors. This explains the fact that some people hardly get sunburned, while others get burned several times throughout the summer.

The appearance of a sunburn, its severity and symptoms depend on the following factors:

skin type;
color of the skin ( people with dark skin burn much less often);
individual sensitivity to sunlight;
presence of associated skin problems ( acne, moles, etc.);
burn site ( since the skin on different parts of the body has different structure);
use of various sun protection products ( creams, balms, etc.);
taking certain medications.

People spend a significant amount of time in the sun throughout their lives, so everyone usually knows how they react to solar radiation.

In most cases, sunburn does not pose a serious health risk and does not require medical attention. This is a temporary cosmetic problem that also causes minor discomfort. However, some patients with severe burns develop very serious symptoms and are at risk of complications.

What is the difference between sunburn and sunstroke?

Sunburn and sunstroke are different conditions that require different approaches to treatment. These terms are sometimes confused because both pathological conditions often occur simultaneously. In the case of a sunburn, we are talking about superficial local damage to the skin. Most symptoms are localized in the area of the most intense exposure to sunlight, and only with some complications may other problems appear. With sunstroke, we are talking about overheating of the whole organism, and all symptoms are generalized ( general) character. Sunstroke occurs when the head is exposed to the sun's rays for a long time and is not protected by a hat. As a result, almost all symptoms are neurological in nature.

Sunstroke, unlike sunburn, can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

confusion;
unstable pulse and breathing;
convulsions ( in severe cases).

For ordinary sunburn, all of the above symptoms are not typical. Sunstroke is a much more dangerous condition. If the consequences of a burn are predominantly cosmetic in nature, then patients with sunstroke ( without the necessary help) may fall into a coma and even die.

If the patient has received sunstroke and there are also burns on the skin, priority is given to eliminating the consequences of the blow. In general, these pathological conditions are treated in parallel and independently of each other.

Why does a burn appear under the sun's rays, and not a tan?

Both suntan and sunburn are a consequence of skin exposure to ultraviolet rays. However, the mechanism of their appearance is somewhat different. A tan appears with regular and moderate exposure to sunlight. The skin adapts to new environmental conditions to protect itself from damage. In the epithelium of the skin ( epidermis) contain special cells, melanocytes, which are responsible for the production of pigment that gives the skin a bronze or brown tint. In people with dark skin, this process goes faster. Genetic predisposition and the climate zone in which a person previously lived also influences.

Sunburn occurs due to one-time strong exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The cells simply do not have time to adapt, and some die from excessive absorption of the energy carried by the radiation. As a result, intercellular connections are destroyed, the skin cells themselves are destroyed, and the inflammatory process begins. People with pale skin get burns faster and more often, and it is more difficult for them to get a good, beautiful tan.

What does a bad sunburn look like?

Externally, recognizing a sunburn is quite simple. This is an area of redness with slight swelling of the skin that is painful when touched. Such burns can go away on their own and do not require serious treatment. However, you need to be able to recognize more severe skin damage that cannot be ignored.

Severe sunburns that require care have the following characteristics:

the skin is not red, but burgundy, strongly contrasting with normal skin that has not been exposed to the sun;
blisters filled with a cloudy yellow liquid form on the skin;
rapid detachment of the upper layers of skin occurs;
a small swelling in the form of a cushion may form at the border of the burn;
during the healing process, the skin may crack, ulcers, crusts, and skin erosion may appear;
severe burns may be accompanied by general symptoms - swelling of the legs, fever, headaches, vomiting, etc.

If these symptoms are present, spontaneous healing of the burn is possible, but there is a risk of various complications. Therefore, patients are advised to pay attention to the treatment of damaged skin or consult a doctor for more qualified help.

What is the difference between a sunburn in the mountains and a sunburn at sea?

Both near the sea and in mountainous areas, excess ultraviolet rays can lead to sunburn. Skin burns most often occur near the sea. This is explained by the fact that the rays hit open areas of the body, and the person himself sweats additionally ( due to high temperature), which creates a kind of greenhouse effect. In the mountains, due to lower temperatures, skin burns occur much less frequently. Most often these are just age spots, since acute inflammation does not develop due to cold. However, in the mountains the risk of getting a retinal burn is much higher. This is due to the intense reflection of sunlight from the snow cover. This is why it is recommended to use tinted glasses in the mountains.

Causes of sunburn

The direct cause of sunburn is always ultraviolet B radiation ( more specifically, a spectrum with a wavelength of 280 – 315 nm). It is these waves that affect the skin in the most harmful way, causing cell damage and inflammation. However, there are a number of other factors that can increase or decrease your risk of sunburn.

Severe sunburn can sometimes occur for the following reasons:

taking medications or using cosmetics with a phototoxic effect ( increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation);
presence of skin problems and dermatological pathologies;
high individual sensitivity to sunlight ( skin phototype or tendency to photodermatoses);
tan after swimming ( on damp skin) occurs by refracting the sun's rays, which act like a magnifying glass.

Thus, there are various conditions in which even those people who have never been highly sensitive to sunlight can get a sunburn. In some cases, sunburn also occurs in a solarium or at work ( where technology is used that distributes ultraviolet radiation of the harmful spectrum). In this case, the patient is usually at a loss, since the same lesions form on the skin as with sunburn, although the person has not been in the sun.

Phototoxic drugs

There are a number of substances that, when introduced into the body, affect metabolic processes. As a result, your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight and your risk of sunburn will increase significantly. Most often, low-quality cosmetics and some natural oils that are applied directly to the skin are phototoxic. However, a number of pharmacological drugs also exhibit phototoxicity.

The most common substances with phototoxic properties are:

tetracycline and doxycycline ( broad spectrum antibiotics);
amiodarone and cordarone ( antiarrhythmic drug for the heart);
biseptol ( antimicrobial agent);
oils of some plants ( bergamot, orange, etc.);
a number of cosmetics ( creams, balms, etc.).

Usually the manufacturer indicates on the packaging or in the instructions ( in the side effects section) that a particular product is phototoxic. When taking such drugs, the patient needs to spend less time in the sun and refrain from tanning, even with the use of protective creams.

Sensitive skin

Individual skin sensitivity to sunlight largely determines the risk of sunburn. There are six skin phototypes, each with its own characteristics. You can approximately determine your phototype yourself, based on external signs. A dermatologist can more accurately classify it during a consultation.

The following skin phototypes are distinguished:

Celtic. The main feature is very light, even pale skin. Such people usually have light eyes, very often have freckles, and veins are clearly visible through the skin. People with the Celtic skin phototype get sunburned very quickly ( including strong ones), but they hardly sunbathe. They definitely need to use strong sunscreen.
Aryan. People with the Aryan phototype have skin that is not so pale, often has a pinkish tint and a healthy glow. People with this phototype also have light hair and eyes ( light brown, chestnut, etc.). The risk of sunburn is also high.
Central European. People with this skin phototype may have different reactions to sunlight. Their natural skin color is darker, their skin is not pale, and tans well. Hair and eyes can be of different colors and shades. People with this phototype get sunburn only after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Sunbathing in the morning and evening hours, when the sun's exposure is not so aggressive, they may not use sunscreen.
Mediterranean. People with this phototype have dark skin, eyes and hair are usually dark in color and shade. Under intense exposure to ultraviolet rays, the skin may darken even more, acquiring a pronounced brown tint, but sunburn is rare.
Indonesian. Owners of this phototype have yellow-brown skin. It does not change the shade much even with prolonged exposure to the sun, and sunburn almost never occurs.
African. Black skin of this phototype is found exclusively in representatives of the Negroid race. Even prolonged exposure to direct sunlight does not cause sunburn in such people. Exceptions are cases when there are initially skin problems ( acne, scars, etc.) or in case of taking drugs with phototoxic side effects.

From a medical point of view, skin phototypes differ from each other in the saturation of the melanin pigment. This determines the degree of absorption of ultraviolet rays and affects the rate of tanning and burns.

Does the temperature outside affect the risk of sunburn?

Air temperature is of secondary importance when it comes to sunburn. The most important is the damaging effect of ultraviolet radiation, which does not heat the air. This is why sunburn can appear even in seemingly not too hot weather. However, air temperature plays a role in this process. In the heat, the sweat and sebaceous glands work intensively. They secrete sweat and sebum onto the surface of the skin, which causes the metabolism on the surface of the epithelium to deteriorate and the risk of getting a severe burn increases.

What are the types of sunburn?

There is no uniform classification of sunburns, since most of these skin lesions are a temporary cosmetic defect and do not require medical attention. Some experts distinguish several stages and degrees of severity of burns. There are also some differences depending on which area of the skin is burned.

Degrees and stages of sunburn

In principle, in medicine it is not customary to distinguish the stages and degrees of sunburn. This problem is quite common, but usually does not pose a serious threat to human life or health.
From a practical point of view, such a division would be very arbitrary, since sunburn in different people and on different parts of the body may have its own characteristics. However, there is a fairly clear classification of burns in general. With certain amendments, it is successfully used in the case of sunburn. The main criterion is the depth of tissue damage.

Sunburn can be roughly divided by severity as follows:

Light burn. A minor burn refers to damage to the upper layers of the skin. In this case, the main symptoms are pronounced local redness, moderate pain, and slight swelling of the affected area. The vast majority of sunburns are mild. Such burns go away on their own within a few days, even without special treatment.
Moderate burns. The main symptom of such a burn is the formation of blisters on the affected area. They are filled with a yellowish liquid. The pain is much worse. Possible severe swelling, anxiety, general weakness, swelling of the legs ( against the background of a strong inflammatory process). The healing process takes 1 – 2 weeks.
Severe burns. Such sunburns are extremely rare, since ultraviolet radiation in most cases cannot damage the deep layers of the skin. In this case, we are talking about a combination of a large dose of ultraviolet radiation and individual skin sensitivity to sunlight. The resulting blisters are accompanied by allergy symptoms ( severe itching, swelling). Complications affecting the entire body are possible ( and not just the affected area) – rapid breathing, uneven heartbeat, headaches, sleep disturbances, etc.

The area of the burn also plays a significant role in the severity of the burn. If a small area of skin is severely burned, this still does not lead to serious consequences. The healing process will just take longer. But even light burns over a large area ( the entire back, chest and stomach, both legs, etc.) can cause general malaise, nausea, and increased body temperature. This is explained by the fact that with any burn, a significant number of skin cells die. The more cells die, the more breakdown products enter the blood. These breakdown products are moderately toxic and can affect the kidneys, meninges, heart, and other organs. That is why, with large area burns, the symptoms can be very diverse.

If we talk about the stages of development of a sunburn, then it is also difficult to identify a certain pattern. Symptoms may appear in different orders at different intervals. This is largely influenced by the severity of the burn and a person’s individual sensitivity to the sun.

In most cases of sunburn, the sequence of symptoms and complaints is as follows:

in the first few hours a person may not even notice that he has received a burn;
in some cases, immediately after a person goes into the shade, a feeling of burning or tightness of the skin appears;
after 1 – 3 hours ( depending on the degree of burn) a more or less limited area of redness appears;
with a severe burn, blisters begin to form soon after redness;
at this same stage itching may appear;
on the second day after receiving a burn, blisters have already formed, and with mild burns, redness and pain usually reach their peak;
swelling ( more often than legs) usually appears on the same day the burn was received, in the late afternoon.

After a few days, in case of a minor burn, the skin gradually recovers. Intensive peeling of dead layers begins. With more severe burns, the blisters dry up first, the liquid is absorbed, and only then the shell falls off.

Sunburn in adults, children, infants and infants

The symptoms and manifestations of sunburn largely depend on the person’s age. In healthy adults, the body copes well with such injuries. The risk of serious complications is present only in the case of very severe and extensive burns or in the presence of chronic diseases. In young children, sunburn symptoms may be more severe and the risk of complications is slightly higher. At the same time, in children of primary school age and adolescents, severe burns, on the contrary, are less common than in adults.

In general, burns in different age groups can manifest as follows:

In newborns and infants, the skin can burn quite quickly. Moreover, children at this age are characterized by the appearance of general symptoms that are rarely found in adults. These are sleep disturbances, lack of appetite, vomiting, increased body temperature. There is also a risk of an allergic reaction. The burns themselves usually heal quite quickly, since in childhood the potential of cells for regeneration is higher.
In primary school children and teenagers, severe sunburn is rare. Typically, children of this age spend a lot of time in the sun, and their bodies adapt well to environmental conditions. If burns appear, they heal quite quickly and without consequences. Some complications are possible in the case of acne or hormonal disorders, which are typical for teenagers.
Sunburn is quite common in adults. They can be of varying degrees. Symptoms in most cases are limited to the area of the burn.
In older people, sunburn is less common because their skin is better adapted. The symptoms of a burn are not too pronounced, which is explained by the reduced reactivity of the body ( responses to the inflammatory process are weaker). However, in the case of a severe burn in older people, the risk of complications and residual effects is high ( the appearance of moles, skin erosion, ulcers, age spots). This is due to worse metabolism compared to a younger body. In general, the burn itself also heals more slowly.

Thus, the patient's age plays a significant role in the risk of getting and developing symptoms of sunburn.

Burns of various parts of the body ( ears, head, face, back, legs, neck, lips, shoulders, arms, nose, etc.)

In principle, sunburn can be localized to almost any part of the body. Ultraviolet radiation, which causes burns, in excess amounts can cause damage and death of any cells. In practice, burns are more common on those parts of the body that are not covered by clothing. Also of some importance is the cellular structure of the skin, which differs in different parts of the body. For example, on the heels, in the elbows or on the front of the thighs, the skin is quite thick. Burns do not appear so often here, and their symptoms are not so pronounced. At the same time, the skin on the face, ears, front of the neck or chest is more delicate, and under the influence of sunlight it burns faster.

It should also be noted the possibility of sunburn of the mucous membranes. The most common burn is the lips, which are slightly modified skin. With such burns, cracks may appear on the lips ( as if chapped), the surface layer may peel off, and the lips themselves lose sensitivity.

In practice, sunburns of different areas of the skin do not differ much in symptoms or treatment methods.

Sunburn scar

A scar is a collection of scar tissue that forms at the site of injury or other deep damage to normal tissue. As a rule, even after complete healing, the surface of the scar differs in structure from normal skin. In particular, there are no melanocytes, the cells responsible for darkening the skin and protecting it from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. As a result, scar tissue burns faster during prolonged exposure to the sun, although the symptoms ( redness, pain, itching, etc.) are less pronounced in this place. People with similar scars are advised before going to the beach ( or with prolonged exposure to the sun in general) Apply sunscreen to the surface of the scar.

Scar formation after a sunburn is very rare. The fact is that for scar tissue to form on the skin, damage must occur to the so-called basement membrane - the deepest layer of the epithelium. This is only possible with deep burns, which the sun, as a rule, does not cause. The appearance of red spots with wrinkled skin on the surface is not always a classic scar. In most patients, such damage goes away on its own over time. However, if a sunburn leaves a scar-like mark on your skin, it is best to consult a specialist.

Sunburn moles

A mole is a collection of pigment cells - melanocytes. In the vast majority of cases, they do not pose much of a problem. However, any damage to the mole ( nevus), including sunburn, is potentially hazardous to health.

For people with moles, excessive sun exposure can be dangerous for the following reasons:

excess ultraviolet radiation can lead to the formation of new moles;
in some cases, moles begin to enlarge after prolonged exposure to the sun;
Regular exposure to the sun can contribute to the malignant degeneration of moles ( to melanoma or other types of skin cancer).

As a rule, with a sunburn of a mole and the surrounding skin, the symptoms do not differ from those of other burns. The skin turns red, itching appears, and then peeling of the skin. Changes in the mole itself largely depend on the type of formation. The skin may become rough and slightly change color or shape. Such exposure is clearly interpreted as harmful due to the potential risk of malignant degeneration. When treating the burn site with any means, under no circumstances should you injure the mole even more. For severe burns, it is better to consult a dermatologist.

In general, people with a large number of moles are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. They can sunbathe, but only in the morning or evening hours, when the effect of the sun's rays is not so aggressive. When the sun is at its zenith, even thin clothing or plasters, which some people use to cover moles on the beach, cannot protect you from ultraviolet rays. The nevus still receives a certain dose of these rays, and there is a risk of complications. You can find out more about the prognosis for a particular patient from a dermatologist, who will determine the type of mole and give more precise recommendations.

Sunburn of skin with acne ( acne, pimples)

Sunburn in people with acne is a very common problem. In general, acne appears predominantly on the face, neck, shoulders and back - that is, in those places that are most often exposed to sunlight. The effect of long exposure to the sun in these cases can be twofold. On the one hand, ultraviolet rays disinfect the skin. If acne is caused by any bacteria, sunbathing helps reduce it. Attending doctors often even prescribe spa treatments for patients to improve their skin health.

On the other hand, acne is not always caused by bacterial growth. Metabolic disorders or hormonal imbalances often occur. In addition, only ultraviolet rays with a certain wavelength are useful for acne, and not the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Therefore, procedures with special ultraviolet lamps, where the radiation characteristics can be adjusted, are more effective. Sunburn and acne definitely do not provide a positive effect in treatment.

Sunburn is harmful for acne-prone skin for the following reasons:

the skin dries out quickly because its normal metabolism is disrupted;
microcracks that accompany burns or peeling of the skin can become a gateway for new bacteria to enter, which will only intensify the rash;
the burn leads to superficial damage, which, if acne is present, will heal very slowly;
the risk of pigment spots increases ( excess ultraviolet radiation stimulates the formation of pigment during the healing process).

Thus, people with acne should avoid sunburn, although sunlight itself is beneficial for them. Sunbathing is recommended only after consultation with your doctor, who can suggest special creams or ointments.

Symptoms and consequences of sunburn

In the vast majority of cases, people experience mild sunburn, which is not characterized by any complications or unusual symptoms. The main signs of such damage are redness, dry skin and local soreness. As healing progresses, itching may occur or the surface layer of skin will peel and flake. However, depending on various factors, people may experience other symptoms, effects, or complications of sunburn. First of all, this is influenced by the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and the time a person spent in the sun. The greater the radiation dose absorbed by the skin, the more serious the consequences will be. There are also people with very sensitive skin who can get sunburned even after a relatively short period of sun exposure.

Typically, the first symptoms of sunburn begin to appear within a few hours. At first it is just redness of the skin and local soreness. As the inflammatory process develops, itching or, in severe cases, the formation of blisters filled with clear liquid may occur. Various consequences and complications of such a burn appear later, as the skin heals and restores. Most often this is uneven skin pigmentation ( spots), surface erosion ( cracks, wrinkled skin, etc.), and sometimes small ulcers.

Redness

This symptom is the most persistent and common of all manifestations of sunburn. When the skin is burned, cells are damaged by solar radiation. This begins a sequence of cellular reactions that leads to the appearance of all symptoms and manifestations.

Redness appears due to the gradual development of the following reactions:

from damaged cells substances enter the intercellular tissue that normally should not be there ( enzymes, proteins, fragments of a destroyed cell, etc.);
cells responsible for immune reactions, which are found in any tissue of the body, recognize foreign substances and respond to damage;
the reaction consists in the release of special substances - inflammatory mediators;
inflammatory mediators also affect arterioles ( the smallest vessels that carry arterial blood), and these vessels dilate;
externally, the expansion of many small vessels looks like redness on the skin.

As other cells “recycle” foreign substances and the tissue is restored, the redness gradually disappears. This process usually lasts several days.

Itching

Itching during sunburn is an optional symptom and does not appear in all patients. It has several development mechanisms at once. Firstly, during the healing process, the surface layers of the epithelium die off ( layer usually only a few cells thick). As scales form and peel off, a person may experience mild itching. Secondly, exposure to sunlight causes allergic reactions in some people. This involves the use of immunocompetent cells located in the area of damage. In these cases, the itching may be more severe.

Pain

Painful sensations are ( along with redness) is the most consistent symptom of sunburn. The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of sunburn and its area. This symptom itself occurs due to tissue damage and irritation of nerve receptors located in the thickness of the skin throughout the body. Typically, pain appears a few hours after intense exposure to sunlight and bothers the patient for several days.

The most severe pain from sunburn occurs in the following cases:

with a large area of damage;
when blisters form ( and especially if they are opened);
when the sun or heat in general comes into contact with the burnt skin again;
when burning areas of the skin with a large number of nerve receptors ( face, ears, hands, feet, neck, lips, etc.).

The pain is less pronounced in the case of burns on the legs, forearm or shoulder, or back. There are fewer sensitive receptors in these areas.

Patients themselves characterize the pain of a sunburn in different ways. They may indicate a burning sensation, skin tightness, painful wrinkling, increased pain when touched, etc.

If the pain after a sunburn does not go away for a week or more, although the skin itself is already actively healing, it is better to consult a doctor. For severe sunburn, some patients are prescribed special ointments or even tablets with an anesthetic effect. This is necessary, since sunburn on the back or stomach prevents you from sleeping normally ( especially for young children), interfere with wearing clothes and generally create discomfort in everyday life.

Rash

The rash is a symptom that is not typical of a regular sunburn. Skin rashes in these cases are of an allergic nature and can occur under the influence of sunlight even without a burn. This disease is a type of photodermatosis ( increased skin sensitivity to sunlight). The main difference between photodermatosis and a burn is that even a short exposure to the sun is enough for the development of dermatosis. This starts a chain of reactions that lead to the appearance of characteristic symptoms. A burn always takes a longer time.

Photodermatitis ( inflammation due to photodermatosis) and sunburn are not mutually exclusive. These pathological conditions may well develop simultaneously. In these cases, the symptoms and manifestations of the burn will be more severe. A rash appears precisely in the case of such a combination.

The type, size and speed of appearance of the rash largely depends on the sensitivity of the skin. This symptom may look different in different patients. Sometimes the first elements of the rash appear even before redness from the burn, sometimes after. Without special treatment, the rash usually goes away within a few hours or days. It may reappear if a person is exposed to the sun again. Almost always, the elements of the rash are limited to open areas of the skin ( face, shoulders, arms). If during a sunburn a rash appears not only on the damaged skin, but also in other places ( not under the sun), it is better to consult a doctor, as this may indicate a severe allergic reaction.

Feeling cold

Some people experience a cold sensation at the site of the burn after a sunburn. As a rule, this does not reduce pain when touched, and the sensation itself gradually passes. This symptom is due to damage to thermoreceptors ( cells that recognize ambient temperature), who cannot perform their functions normally.

Blisters and blisters

Blistering is possible with severe sunburn. People with light, sensitive skin are more likely to burn to this extent. Blisters are caused by the peeling of the top layers of skin. As a result of the inflammatory process, fluid accumulates in the cavity formed between the layers of the skin. When this symptom appears, patients should be careful. The blisters themselves are not dangerous. They gradually dry out, and the top layer of skin ( transparent membrane of the blister) disappears on its own when normal skin underneath is restored. This process usually takes from several days to several weeks. The larger the blisters at the burn site, the longer it will take for the skin to recover.

You cannot open blisters yourself for the following reasons:

the membrane and liquid cover and protect the deeper layers of the skin;
after opening the blister and premature removal of the membrane, an area of erosion remains on the skin, which is very painful ( even air entering exposed nerve endings causes pain);
there is a risk of infection and the formation of a wound or ulcer that will require additional treatment ( possible accumulation of pus);
the open wound at the site of the blister quickly dries out, and the process of skin regeneration proceeds more slowly.

When blisters appear, it is best to carefully treat their surface and surrounding skin with disinfectants. After this, a bandage is applied to the damaged area of skin. Do not tighten it too much so that the blisters do not burst. Bandaging and treatment of the burn is carried out 2-3 times a day, trying not to accidentally open the blisters. As a rule, on the 3rd – 4th day they gradually disappear, and the healing process proceeds faster.

If a blister breaks ( accidentally or intentionally) or the appearance of blisters over a large area of skin, it is better to consult a doctor for advice.

Spots during and after a burn ( dark spots)

The appearance of sunburn spots is possible in two cases. Firstly, we can talk about photodermatosis, when the patient, in addition to a burn, has increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Then the spots are the result of a false allergic reaction. As a rule, they are pink or red, located at the site of the burn, but sometimes they spread beyond it. At home, without exposure to sunlight, the spots gradually disappear, giving way to the uniform redness characteristic of a sunburn. In parallel with such spots, swelling or a rash may appear, characteristic of a local allergic reaction.

More often there are pigment spots that appear as the skin heals. They can appear only on days 5–6, when the inflammation has already ended and the surface layers of the skin have peeled off. Such stains may not go away for a very long time ( weeks, months). These are areas of skin that are darker ( or, less commonly, lighter) color than the surrounding skin. They appear due to excess ( or, accordingly, insufficient) production of the pigment melanin, which normally provides tanning. As a result of a burn, the skin is injured and pigment is not produced evenly. As a result, tan spots remain on the skin, although all other burn symptoms have already passed. To eliminate such consequences and restore normal skin color, it is better to consult a specialist.

Edema ( legs, face, eyelids)

In some cases, sunburn is accompanied by swelling. It most often affects the legs, but swelling may also occur in the face, eyelids, thighs or ( less often) other parts of the body. As a rule, such swelling is not very pronounced. The mechanism for the appearance of this symptom is quite complex. In some cases, there is an allergic component. For example, when the legs are burned, due to vasodilation, fluid begins to accumulate in the intercellular tissue. Quite pronounced swelling forms around the burn site.

If swelling does not appear in the same area that was sunburned, the causes of this symptom may be different. Most often, the problem lies in chronic diseases of other organs. This could be kidney disease, liver disease, hormonal imbalances or a number of other pathologies. Sunburn ( especially strong and large in area) leads to the release of a number of substances into the blood, which, in combination with chronic diseases, can provoke the appearance of edema.

If swelling appears after a sunburn, you should consult a doctor in the following cases:

if the swelling is clearly defined and easily visible to the naked eye ( this indicates problems with blood vessels or water-electrolyte balance);
with severe swelling outside the burn area;
with the rapid appearance and increase of edema ( sometimes even before severe redness from the burn appears), since this may indicate a severe allergic reaction;
if swelling does not decrease over time ( they usually go away on their own within 1 – 2 days, even after severe sunburn).

Sleep disorders

Most often, this symptom occurs with sunburn in young children. Due to their age, children sleep a significant portion of the time. Due to the pain that the burn causes ( especially when touching the affected area), sleep becomes restless and superficial. Burns on the back, chest or shoulders can also cause sleep problems in adults, as it is difficult to find the optimal sleeping position. The best solution in both cases is the use of painkillers and antihistamines ( against itching).

Chills

A chill is an involuntary contraction of some of the body's superficial muscles. Unlike cramps, chills are not always visible from the outside. Sometimes a person himself feels an involuntary muscle contraction, but does not make any movements. With sunburn, this symptom appears quite rarely. It can be caused by a pronounced inflammatory process if a large area of skin is burned. One of the possible reactions of the body will be vasospasm, which contributes to the appearance of chills and a subjective feeling of cold. In young children, chills may also appear when the body temperature rises, which is a universal protective reaction of the body.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is any inflammatory lesion of the skin. Thus, the term “dermatitis” covers sunburn in general. In this case, we are talking about photocontact dermatitis, since the damage is caused by exposure to sunlight. The inflammatory process is based on physical tissue damage and an allergic component, the role of which in the inflammatory process is largely individual for each patient.

The main symptoms of dermatitis are:

skin redness;
local soreness;
moderate swelling in and around the damaged area;
burning sensation.

It should be noted that in some cases, dermatitis can be considered a complication of sunburn. This happens in cases where the burn was quite severe, and due attention was not given to its treatment. For example, when blisters are opened, infection can spread to the surface of the wound. Since the normal skin is destroyed here, bacteria begin to actively multiply, feeding on dead tissue and gradually destroying living tissue. In this case, we will talk about infectious dermatitis, which has become a complication of sunburn. The healing process with this course of the disease can be very prolonged. Patients should consult a doctor, as infection requires different treatment tactics.

Crust formation

The formation of a crust usually occurs during the healing process of a burn, after the burnt and dead layers of skin have peeled off. This symptom is typical for severe burns ( with blisters and severe pain). The crust on the surface of the wound is a protective cover of coagulated blood and plasma components. It appears in cases where the burn was severe enough to affect more than just the superficial layer of the skin. As the skin heals and restores itself, the crust disappears on its own.

You can expect a crust to appear 2–3 days after the burn in the following cases:

with premature opening of blisters;
for large area burns ( in several palms);
in case of repeated injury to the skin during the healing process;
when an infection occurs with the formation of deeper wounds or ulcers.

The crust itself means that the healing process is proceeding normally, but it will take a little longer due to deeper damage. After the crust falls off, pigment spots often remain on the skin, which go away on their own over time.

How dangerous are sunburns?

Most sunburns do not pose a serious health risk to patients. These are superficial injuries to the skin that gradually go away on their own without any consequences. However, in some cases there is the possibility of certain complications or residual effects. To avoid them, you should pay attention to any unusual symptoms that appear during tissue healing.

With severe sunburn, the following complications and consequences are possible:

Long-term tissue restoration. After severe burns, blisters may form. This indicates quite deep damage to the skin. Premature opening is fraught with the formation of a crust, the appearance of cracks, erosion and even small ulcers. Such wounds take quite a long time to heal, but usually disappear without any traces.
Dark spots. Pigment spots may appear on the skin as it recovers from a sunburn. They are not dangerous, but in some cases they are a noticeable cosmetic defect.
Getting infected. Sunburn involves damage to the upper layers of the skin. Normally, the skin is an impassable barrier for the vast majority of pathogenic bacteria, but due to a burn, the protection is weakened. In the process of peeling the skin or opening blisters, the gateway to infection opens. Symptoms, tactics and duration of treatment in these cases will depend on the type of bacteria that has entered the wound.
Allergic reactions. Sun exposure can cause allergic reactions in some people. They are usually not too intense, and the symptoms resemble a normal sunburn. But in rare cases, serious complications are possible ( severe swelling, dizziness, problems with heartbeat and breathing).
Formation of moles. The formation of moles at the burn site usually begins 1 to 2 weeks after the person is burned. In most cases this is a cosmetic defect.
Malignant degeneration of moles. There are quite a few types of nevi ( moles). Each of them has a specific cellular composition and its own characteristics. Some moles are potentially dangerous due to the high risk of developing melanoma ( type of skin cancer). Sunburn of such moles can become a kind of impetus for malignant degeneration.

Is sunburn dangerous during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman's body is more vulnerable to most harmful environmental influences. Sunburn during this period is not a very serious problem, but for a number of reasons they occur in pregnant women somewhat more often than in other people, and the consequences can be more serious.

Taking sunburn seriously during pregnancy is important for the following reasons:

Changes in hormonal levels. During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in a woman's body. This may also affect the condition of the skin. In particular, she becomes more sensitive. This is why exposure to direct sunlight causes burns faster. In addition, during pregnancy there is an additional burden on some organs. The inflammatory process from a burn aggravates the situation and increases the risk of various complications. For example, nausea and vomiting, which are not typical symptoms of sunburn in most cases, are quite common in pregnant women.
Increased risk of allergies. Changes in the immune system can also make a pregnant woman's skin more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. The allergic component of a burn intensifies the symptoms.
Threat to the fetus. In case of severe burns over a large area, there is a risk of various pregnancy complications. Ultimately, this poses a certain threat to the growing organism. Severe burns are especially dangerous in the first trimester. Cell death “clogs” the blood with waste products, and some toxic substances enter the fetal bloodstream. In severe cases, there may even be a threat of miscarriage.

Burns in pregnant women require regular treatment. An infection on a burned surface can cause the formation of an abscess, and in severe cases, the infection even spreads throughout the body. For treatment it is necessary to use antibiotics, which can also have a detrimental effect on the unborn child. To prevent such complications, it is better for pregnant women to avoid sunburn, and if they occur, consult your doctor for advice.

Is there an allergy to the sun? photodermatitis) in the form of a burn?

The so-called sun allergy and sunburn are diseases of different nature. In both cases, we are talking about an inflammatory process in a certain area of the skin, but the mechanism of development of this inflammation is different, although most of the symptoms and manifestations are very similar. That is why it is not entirely correct from a medical point of view to say that a burn is an allergy, or an allergy manifests itself in the form of a burn.

Sun allergies and burns have the following differences:

allergies occur mainly in people with sensitive skin ( it depends on the individual characteristics of the organism), but anyone can get burned;
For some people to develop an allergy, it is enough to spend a few minutes in the strong sun, but for a burn it takes more time;
the first symptoms of an allergy appear quickly, and with a sunburn - a few hours after the person is burned;
potentially an allergy is more dangerous than a burn, since excessive sensitivity can cause not only skin lesions, but also other, more serious problems;
Allergy symptoms usually go away faster than sunburn symptoms;
The medical approach to the treatment of photodermatitis and burns is different.

In allergies, skin damage is caused by the release of substances from special skin cells that damage tissue and change vascular permeability. Under the influence of these substances, not only redness, but also a rash, severe itching, and severe swelling may appear. Ultraviolet rays also damage skin cells, but do not cause the release of substances characteristic of an allergic reaction. Many people with sensitive skin experience both sunburn and allergies, expressed to varying degrees, after prolonged exposure to the sun.

What to do if moles appear in its place after a sunburn?

The appearance of moles at the site of a sunburn is a relatively common occurrence. It most often occurs in people with sensitive skin who have a large number of moles from birth. In general, such people are not recommended to stay in the sun for long periods of time, as the consequences may be more serious for them.

Ultraviolet radiation, which causes sunburn, is also responsible for tanning. This occurs because certain skin cells ( melanocytes) begin to produce the dark pigment melanin more intensely. A mole is a collection of these same melanocytes, rich in melanin. Due to genetic predisposition, skin type and a number of other factors, in some people melanocytes group more easily and quickly into moles. Sunburn can become a kind of trigger for the formation of new moles. They appear gradually as the skin heals. In some cases, such moles may disappear on their own over time.

Sunburn of the eyes ( retina)

Sunburn of the retina is a fairly common problem not only in summer ( as opposed to a skin burn). The retina of the eye is normally responsible for the perception of reflected light rays, while all other structures of the eye are responsible for the refraction of rays and their focusing on the retina. A burn can occur due to a large number of ultraviolet rays hitting one point of the retina. This often happens on clear days at sea ( light reflects off water), in the mountains or in winter ( rays reflected from the snow). That is why, when there is excess light, sunglasses should not be perceived as a fashion accessory, but as an effective means of protecting the eyes.

If you receive a retinal burn, you should definitely consult an ophthalmologist. Only this specialist will be able to assess cell damage and prescribe the correct treatment. Most often it lasts for several weeks ( although symptoms usually go away more quickly) and comes down to taking medications and vitamin preparations that improve metabolism in the retina. This stimulates cell restoration, and the patient gradually returns to his previous visual acuity.

In the case of severe retinal burns, serious consequences can occur. Cell death in a certain area leads to the appearance of scotomas ( loss of a certain area of the visual field). In other words, a certain area of the retina ceases to perceive the image, and a person develops a “blind spot”. This symptom does not pose a serious threat and usually does not interfere much, but it can create some discomfort.

What are the main symptoms of eye sunburn?

It is quite difficult from the outside to understand that a person has received a sunburn on the retina. The main symptoms are the subjective sensations of the patient himself.

The most characteristic symptoms of a retinal burn are:

pain and pain in the eyes;
immunity to sunlight ( the eyes close and squint on their own);
the appearance of sun spots and bunnies before the eyes;
dizziness and headache;

All these symptoms do not go away even after the person has already gone into the shadows or entered the room. In such cases, you need to urgently contact an ophthalmologist to prescribe the correct treatment. Self-medication or prolonged ignoring of symptoms can aggravate the situation and lead to serious consequences. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Tanning in a solarium - recommendations, safety rules. Which sunscreen should I buy? What is instant tanning and how does it differ from self-tanning?

Burns appear several hours after leaving the sun. If you suspect your skin is burned, stay home. Sand, salt water and chlorine irritate the skin, and also increase pain and the risk of infection. If you can’t bring yourself to leave the beach, at least apply sunscreen with an activity of 30 SPF or more to your skin. And not only on the damaged areas, but also on all other open surfaces of the body: the fact that there is already a tan there will not save you. Sit in the shade and put on some clothes or a towel and a hat.

2. Take a cool shower

It will relieve the feeling that you are all on fire. You can apply shower gel with soy or oat extract. Hot water dries out your skin and hurts you.

3. Apply ice to burnt areas

You can't live in a cold shower for the next three days. Leave the ice in place for five minutes, apply as needed several times a day.

4. Apply to the damaged area

The right cream will help your skin heal faster. A very good option is aloe vera, its extract not only heals but also cools the skin. If we talk about pharmacy options, hydrocortisone ointment is suitable. If there is nothing nearby, choose the most natural option available: oats and soy are great, but perfumed fragrances will only make things worse.

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5. Treat your skin with care

Avoid masks, rash treatments, anti-aging treatments, and products containing lidocaine and benzocaine for the time being: despite their pain-relieving effect, they can cause rashes and even blisters on damaged skin. You can use face cream, but it is advisable for sensitive skin. And no cosmetics!

6. Drink more water

The very exposure to the sun contributes to the appearance of thirst, plus water evaporates from the damaged surface. But it is important to drink water, not alcohol.

7. Take ibuprofen

Even if you are in almost no pain, it is considered useful to take an ibuprofen tablet in the first couple of hours after the burn and another 4-6 hours later. It will reduce discomfort and force the body's cells to quickly restore the damaged area.

8. Wear loose clothes

Tight T-shirts and elastic bands on shorts will only worsen the condition of the burnt areas. Choose clothes that barely touch the skin, such as strapless underwear, if your shoulders are burned. Synthetics like nylon and polyester will keep your skin slightly cooler.

9. Don't touch blisters

If you are badly burned, apply it to the damaged areas and bandage it. At night, it is advisable to remove all bandages to allow the skin to breathe.

Surely most summer lovers adore a beautiful and even tan. However, in the rush to get it, precautions are often forgotten, as a result of which the skin gets unpleasant and sometimes dangerous burns instead of a bronze tint. In this article you will learn about interesting facts from scientific research, signs of burns and methods of preventing them. We will also give useful recommendations in case your skin is already burned.

Interesting Facts

Moderate sun exposure promotes the production vitamin D, preventing the formation of cancer cells and promoting the improvement of bone tissue. Skin burns can occur from intense and prolonged sun exposure, when aggressive rays damage ribonucleic acid (RNA).

Scientists believe that sunburn is an inflammatory and protective reaction in response to exposure to short-wave ultraviolet B rays, aimed at removing damaged skin cells. Representatives of science also claim that the removal of damaged cells occurs before they could turn into dangerous cancer cells. It should be borne in mind that this is not a guaranteed process, since the longer the exposure to rays, the lower the likelihood of early removal of potentially dangerous cells.

It is now known that excessive sun exposure reduces the ability to conceive in women, and in men can cause short-term infertility(for a few days).

The sun in general negatively affects the condition of the skin, provoking the rapid evaporation of moisture from the cells of not only its upper, but also deep layers, disrupting the lipid balance of the epidermis. As a result, skin elasticity decreases, which provokes the appearance of wrinkles.

Signs of sunburn and consequences for the body

Signs of sunburn depend on the degree of exposure to UV rays. If they did not manage to do much harm, then the skin turns red, hurts when touched and becomes hot. May also be observed peeling and itching.

More severe cases of burns are characterized by crust or blisters. Such external manifestations are often complemented fever, chills, headaches and a feeling of weakness.

It should be noted that sunburn does not appear immediately. That is why it is often difficult to prevent its development. First symptoms of a burn can make themselves felt after a few hours, and the maximum time for their manifestation is up to 24 hours.

Mild stage burns most often pass without significant harm to the body. However, in severe cases, they can cause ulcers and erosions, which are not so easy to cure. In addition, sun rays increase skin pigmentation and provoke the formation of raised moles, which can transform into dangerous melanomas.

How to protect yourself from the aggressive sun?

The most effective method of preventing burns is Avoid exposure to sunlight from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At this time, the sun exhibits unsafe activity. But if the sea beach “calls” or circumstances force you to go outside, you should wear summer hat and use sunscreen.

It is best to choose a cream with protection level of at least 30 SPF (SPF – sun protection factor);

Cream Apply a thin layer without intensive rubbing on exposed skin;

Even if the cream is waterproof, it should be reapply on the beach, since its properties weaken half an hour after contact with river or sea water;

Creams containing zinc oxide, which has anti-inflammatory properties;

In addition to protective agents in the form of creams, there are lotions and sprays. Therefore, you can always choose the consistency to your liking.

First aid for sunburn

First of all, it is necessary protect yourself from the sun, assess your well-being and skin condition. If the temperature rises and/or there is pain, you can take medications containing ibuprofen or paracetamol. If crusts or blisters are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Very important: under no circumstances You can’t pick off the crust and pierce the blisters, since there is a high risk of causing bleeding and infection.

If the burn is not severe, then you can help yourself. In addition to painkillers, it is recommended to use antiallergic drugs, After all, a sunburn is also an allergic skin reaction.

Having ensured that the burn is counteracted from the inside with the help of tablets, you also need to take care of the external relief of symptoms. To do this, apply to burnt skin anti-burn agents, purchased at a pharmacy (for example, Panthenol), put lotions from chilled decoctions such as string, calendula or chamomile. The method of application is as follows: gauze, folded in several layers, is soaked in a cool herbal solution and applied to the burn for 15 - 20 minutes. This manipulation should be repeated throughout the day with breaks of 3 hours. In the intervals between lotions, apply a cream containing calendula to the inflamed skin.

If it is not possible to prepare herbal infusions, you can refrigerate green tea, soak a small towel in it and make a compress.

Since dehydration is common during a sunburn, it is recommended drink as many liquids as possible. The best way to replenish your water balance is with regular drinking water, cool compotes, fruit drinks and mint refreshing drinks.

Having overcome a sunburn, you need to remember that after it the skin will be vulnerable to the sun for several months, so it must be protected especially carefully during this period.

With all the visual beauty of tanning, one should never forget about the risks and dangers that the sun's rays pose. But if you follow our recommendations and don’t go to great lengths, you can be on the same page with the sun and spend time on the beach without harm to your skin and health.

Sunburn is a condition that is familiar to almost every person, because for this it is enough to spend a little more than usual time on the beach or simply get exposed to direct sunlight and stay under it for 20-30 minutes. The sooner treatment of a burn is started, the greater the chance of avoiding its unpleasant consequences: the appearance of blisters,...

Signs of sunburn

If a person is sunburned, the first signs of the burn will appear within half an hour, and over the next 24 hours all the typical symptoms will develop. These include:

Redness of the skin - it can be focal or general; the skin in these places will feel hot to the touch.
The skin in areas affected by the sun's rays becomes swollen and painful.
Blisters appear at the burn sites - they can be of different sizes, but are always accompanied by intense itching.
body – most often there are low-grade fevers accompanied by chills.
Occurs - depending on the degree of sunburn, this parameter may vary; in especially severe cases, dehydration leads to a state of shock.
, general weakness and signs of intoxication of the body - may also be present.

If a person has received a sunburn, then treatment should be started as quickly as possible - such an aggressive effect on the body can result in serious complications.

Classification of sunburn

In medicine, there is a clear classification of the condition in question - there are 4 degrees of the disease:

1st degree– will be characterized only by redness of the skin and the absence of blisters;
2nd degree– it is characterized by redness of the skin, the appearance of blisters, and the appearance of general symptoms of sunburn (headache, slight increase in body temperature, general weakness);
3rd degree– the structure of all skin is disrupted, 60% of the skin is damaged;
4th degree– a person is completely dehydrated, heart failure develops, and death often occurs.

Very often, people begin to independently select methods for treating sunburn, and they are not always competent. Such a careless approach to your own health or the health of loved ones can lead to serious complications.

What absolutely should not be done if you have sunburn

If you do not know the contraindications for the condition in question, then solving the problem yourself can lead to the fact that only qualified doctors can alleviate the patient’s condition.

What not to do if you have sunburn:

Rub the burned skin with pieces of ice. This brings instant relief, but the consequences can be really terrible - the damaged epithelium will begin to die, which leads to inflammatory processes and a long period of rehabilitation. By the way, it is likely that even after treatment there will be cosmetic defects on the skin.
Do not wash damaged areas of the skin with alkaline soap or use a scrub - such an effect on thin skin leads to the development of inflammatory processes.
Under no circumstances should sunburn be wiped with alcohol or any alcohol-containing products - this causes severe dehydration, and the body already suffers from dehydration.
If the sunburn occurs in an acute form, then it should not be treated with medical Vaseline or badger/lamb/pork fat. The fact is that these products will clog the pores and the skin will not be able to breathe.
It is also highly not recommended to pierce blisters or papules on your own in areas of sunburn - with a 98% probability, a secondary infection will develop at the site of skin damage.
In the acute period of the condition in question, you should not drink alcoholic beverages either - they increase dehydration of the body.

First aid for sunburn

First aid for sunburn should be provided immediately, because in the first minutes after direct and/or prolonged exposure to sunlight, the degree of damage cannot be determined. What does first aid mean for a sunburn?

You must immediately take shelter from the sun's rays. The best option would be a cool room, but as a last resort, the shade of a tree or an outdoor canopy will do.
You need to assess your own condition and do it adequately. If you feel mild, nausea, chills and headache, then it is advisable to call an ambulance - most likely, the sunburn is serious and is complicated.
In the case of a normal general condition, you need to help the body and skin cope with:

All other actions are classified as therapeutic. But even if the above measures brought relief and the condition returned to normal/stabilized, you should not go outside in direct sunlight the next day. The fact is that the skin is under stress and needs to recover.

How to treat sunburn

You need to remember that you can treat sunburn yourself, but only if they are 1-2 degrees. In all other cases, it is recommended to seek medical help - doctors will assess the patient’s condition and select adequate therapy. As a rule, the following drugs are prescribed as part of the treatment of sunburn:

Ointments, creams and sprays

It is very important to use topical treatments for sunburn. These include:

Dexpanthenol

This is a large group of drugs that contain panthenol. These products accelerate skin regeneration, relieve inflammation, relieve the patient from itching, and have a protective and wound-healing effect.

How to apply correctly: Dexpanthenol is applied to areas with damaged skin 2-4 times a day until the skin is completely restored. If there is an infection on the burn areas, then before applying this drug, the area must be treated with an antiseptic.

Aerosol Libyan

This product contains fish oil, a mixture of freons, lavender oil, anesthesin, sunflower oil, linetol and tocopherol acetate. The aerosol has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and analgesic effect.

How to use correctly: during the day you need to spray the product directly onto the affected area of the skin once. You can use Libyan aerosol until complete recovery.

Elover ointment

Based on the name of this medicine, you can understand that the ointment contains vitamin E and aloe extract. The ointment accelerates regenerative processes in the skin, improves cellular metabolism and tissue trophism.

How to use correctly: 2-4 times a day, the ointment should be applied to damaged areas of the skin in a thin layer.

Note:Elovera ointment is strictly contraindicated for use in the treatment of sunburn in patients under the age of 18 years.

Carotolin solution

This solution not only accelerates the healing process, but also reduces the manifestations of the inflammatory process, relieves redness and heat in the affected area. In addition, when used, the solution has a cooling effect - the person becomes much lighter and more comfortable.

How to use correctly: Apply Karotolin solution to a sterile gauze napkin (the napkin should be well soaked) and apply it to sunburn areas. There is no need to apply any bandages on top. Such lotions can be done 2-3 times a day.

Zinc Ointment, Desitin and Calamine Lotion

These drugs have a drying effect and prevent the development of secondary infection in areas of sunburn. Most often, the drugs in question are used to treat minor sunburns.

How to use correctly: apply the products 2-3 times a day directly to damaged skin.

Aerosol Olazol

The aerosol perfectly relieves inflammation, accelerates healing and significantly alleviates the patient’s condition.

How to use correctly: spray over the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day. You can use this product immediately after getting a sunburn, so this aerosol should be in your first aid kit.

Ointment and gel Solcoseryl

The composition of these products is complex; the main component is deproteinized dialysate from the blood of calves. Solcoseryl (both ointment and gel) accelerates the growth of granulation tissue and promotes better collagen formation.

How to use correctly: Solcoseryl gel is applied to sunburn 2-3 times a day, you must first clean the wound with an antiseptic. It is the gel that is used before tissue granulation, and then Solcoseryl ointment must be applied - it is applied 1-2 times a day to the wounds until complete healing.

Psilo-balm

It has an excellent analgesic effect (local), relieves itching and swelling, and has a cooling effect when applied. It is very important that this balm is instantly absorbed into the skin and does not leave any marks on clothes.

How to apply correctly: Psilo-balm is applied to the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day until complete recovery. The same drug helps get rid of itchy skin during sun exposure.

Actovegin ointment

This is a biological drug that significantly shortens the treatment period for sunburn. When applied to the skin, the patient may feel a mild pain that quickly passes.

How to use correctly: burn areas are lubricated with ointment 2-3 times a day until complete recovery.

Sinaflan

This ointment belongs to the hormonal group, so using it on your own to treat sunburn is strictly prohibited - you need to get a prescription from your doctor. Sinaflan can reduce the intensity of itching, reduce inflammation and relieve allergic reactions.

How to use correctly: the exact dosage and duration of use of Sinaflan will be indicated by the attending physician, but this drug is always prescribed in a short course.

Floceta gel;
Eplan;
Radevit;
Fenistil gel;
Sudocrem.

Folk remedies for the treatment of sunburn

Of course, the condition in question has a long history, which is why there are a lot of folk methods that can alleviate the condition of the victim and speed up the healing of the affected areas of the skin.

The most effective folk methods for treating sunburn:

A wet wipe without any perfume additives. It can be applied to burns, which will bring quick relief.
Refrigerator freezer food or ice. They cannot be applied directly to burns, but it is allowed to cover the affected areas at a distance of 5 cm over healthy skin. This procedure will relieve fever, alleviate the condition and reduce pain.
Protein . Lightly beat it and apply it to the burn, leave until completely dry and repeat the procedure. Protein reduces pain and prevents dry skin.
Ryazhenka, sour cream, natural without flavoring additives, . These fermented milk products perfectly relieve fever, prevent dry skin, and alleviate the patient’s condition. Fermented milk products are applied directly to the burned skin; they must not be allowed to dry out - they must be removed in time with a napkin.
Lavender oil. It is dripped onto a gauze pad and applied to the affected area of the skin. The procedure relieves pain, has an anti-inflammatory and cooling effect. It is quite possible to prepare lavender oil yourself - you need to take any vegetable oil and add a few drops of lavender essential oil to it.
Watermelon juice. They moisten a gauze cloth with it and apply it to sunburns. You can use not the juice, but the pulp of the watermelon. This sweet berry will relieve pain, reduce itching and relieve fever.
Grated potato gruel (you can use carrots or pumpkin). Apply the paste directly to the affected areas of the skin, or make compresses from it. This procedure will reduce burning and pain and relieve inflammation.
Infusion from. To prepare it, you can use both fresh and dry leaves of the plant - simply pour boiling water over them and leave for 20-30 minutes. Then gauze wipes are soaked in the infusion and applied to the affected areas of the skin. Mint will not only cool you, but will also prevent infection and relieve itching and redness.
Lotions made of clay. You need to mix the clay with water until it has a homogeneous consistency. Then the resulting mixture is applied to the wound and left until completely dry. Clay prevents the development of inflammation and the appearance of blisters.
Soda solution. To prepare it, use baking soda in the proportion of 1 tablespoon per glass of warm water. Then gauze pads are soaked in the solution and applied to the burned areas of the skin. The procedure will help get rid of the feeling of tightness in the affected areas and prevent the development of the inflammatory process.

Preventive measures

Of course, the best option for protection against sunburn is to completely avoid exposure to the sun. But this is also not an option - the body must receive the necessary dose. Therefore, you can prevent the occurrence of sunburn by adhering to the following recommendations from doctors:

Be sure to use a cream with UV protection.
In hot weather, you should always have a bottle of clean water with you (not a sweet drink, juice or compote!) - this will not only make you feel better in the heat, but will also prevent dehydration.
Exposure to the sun should be moderate - you shouldn’t spend too much time on the beach to get a “chocolate” tan; if you have to spend a long time in the sun, wear wide-brimmed hats.