How to care for sunburned skin

Sunburn can range from mild redness (first degree burns) to blistering (second degree burns).

Melanin is the most important pigment for your skin. In addition to determining the color of hair, eyes and skin, melanin also helps fight bacteria and balance body temperature, protecting the skin from the effects of sunlight, limiting the risk of harmful radiation; this pigment also helps regulate the aging process, reducing skin abrasion.

Peeling skin can be very vulnerable to sunlight for several weeks.

Melanin works by darkening unprotected sun-exposed skin. For people with little melanin, prolonged unprotected sun exposure can cause skin cells to become red, swollen, and painful, resulting in sunburn. Within a few days, the body can begin to heal itself by sloughing off the top layer of damaged skin to remove the damaged cells. A severe sunburn can take several days to heal.

Peeled skin can be very vulnerable to sun damage for several weeks. The most common complications of sunburn are secondary infection, permanent dark spots, and a significantly increased risk of skin cancer. Sunburn accelerates skin aging and is the leading cause of most cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Some self-care measures for sunburned skin

Cool down : Limit exposure to sunlight until sunburn symptoms have completely subsided. Apply cool compresses or cold compresses to the affected skin area.

Moisturize your skin : While your skin is still damp after cooling, apply a gentle moisturizer to the burned area. Aloe vera gel can also soothe minor burns and is considered safe for sunburn.

Reduce inflammation : Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain. Continue to apply cool compresses to reduce discomfort, wear loose, soft, breathable clothing to avoid further skin irritation, and avoid the sun completely until your sunburn has healed.

It is important to rehydrate orally.

Replenish fluids and electrolytes : When you get sunburned, your skin becomes dehydrated. It is important to replenish fluids through drinking fluids, including water, juice, and sports drinks that replenish electrolytes, immediately after your skin is damaged and even after your skin begins to heal.

Limit going out from 10am to 4pm

Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 4pm. UV rays are strongest during these hours, so try to schedule outdoor activities for other times. If this is not possible, limit your time in the sun, seeking shade when possible.

Avoid sunbathing: A tan does not reduce the risk of sunburn. So you should still apply sunscreen before going outdoors.

Use sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen or lip balm with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Broad-spectrum products protect against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. About 30 minutes before going outside, apply sunscreen liberally to clean, dry skin. Cover all exposed skin surfaces, except your eyelids, with the exception of your eyelids. If you are using a spray sunscreen, spray it into your hands and then rub it into your skin. This helps avoid breathing in the product.

When you're outside, other items like an umbrella or a wide-brimmed hat can protect you in addition to sunscreen. Dark clothing provides better protection. Wear sunglasses when you're outside, preferably sunglasses that fit snugly around your face. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays...

When to see a doctor

• Severe blistering, large-area blister burns.
• Blisters appear on the face, hands, or genitals.
• Severe swelling of sunburned skin.
• There are signs of infection, such as pus-filled blisters or red streaks.
• Pain in the blistered area that gets worse, headache, confusion, nausea, fever or chills.
• Eye pain or changes in vision.

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