Summer Sunburn

Summer may be over in some parts of the country, but there are still triple digits in the southern states and the risk of sunburn. Sunburn can happen when there are clear skies and even overcast skies. Water will reflect the sun rays and increase the risk of sunburn. Tanning beds cause sunburn, also.

What sunburn does to the skin:

• Accelerates skin aging
• Causes wrinkles
• Causes skin to turn red
• Blisters can form
• Irritates skin
• Painful to touch
• Dehydrates

Severe cases of sunburn can include chills, nausea, vomiting, sun poisoning and skin loss (peeling).

To avoid sunburn limit time skin is exposed to sun, use sunscreen, cover skin w/clothing, and monitor time. Don’t go by the look of the skin because it can take several hours for redness to occur. Follow tanning bed directions.

Once sunburn occurs, proper care of the skin will limit damage and keep skin beautiful. Home care for sunburn can include the following:

• Aloe Vera gel or cut open a piece of aloe vera and apply to skin
• Cold cream (like Noxema) will halt the burning and cool the skin to minimize damage
• Compresses of 1/2 milk and 1/2 water are soothing
• Take aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
• Sit in a cool (not cold) bath with just water-no oils, salts, or anything else that may further irritate skin
• Avoid further exposure to sun until skin heals completely

Sometimes sunburn is so severe that medical treatment is needed. Some of the signs that you should see a medical professional include severe pain, severe blistering, headache, fainting, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. If you have other medical conditions that worsen with sunburn, it’s best to contact a medical professional.

Proper care of sunburn skin will assure skin will look beautiful.