The sun is the source of life on our planet and without it there could be no life.
Sun exposure helps us synthesize vitamin D, which is essential for the health of the body.
However, we should be aware that excessive sun exposure can cause mild or even more serious problems.
Sunburn is defined as the injury of the skin due to the effect of high energy sunlight.
In such a case, sunburn is an acute skin lesion.
It is due to excessive exposure to the sun and specifically to ultraviolet (UVB) radiation, which penetrates the skin.
Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet radiation and not by heat, ie it can occur even in cold or snow.
So, do not be fooled by cloudy days, as up to 80% of UV rays pass through the clouds!
Burns can occur on parts of the body that are most exposed to the sun, such as the back, legs and even the ears and lips.
Sunburn destroys the skin, which controls the amount of heat our body retains or emits, retains fluids, and protects us from infections.
The symptoms of a sunburn
Depending on the degree of sunburn, we observe a different manifestation of the symptoms.
Clinical manifestations range from simple, mild erythema to edema (swelling), blistering, and severe pain.
The most common symptoms are:
• Simple local redness of the skin (occurs 2-6 hours after sun exposure and is accompanied by mild pain in the area)
Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting or a combination thereof
• Symptoms of severe virus (manifested by chills, chills)
• Creation of bubbles (blisters)
Exfoliation – skin loss (scarring) in about 4-7 days after sun exposure
• Rash all over the body (photodermatitis)
• Dehydration
• Confusion
• Fainting
2 to 6 hours after sun exposure, we begin to notice the first mild symptoms manifested by redness of the skin and slight pain.
In 12-24 hours we observe the peak of these symptoms.
In more severe cases, dehydration (massive fluid loss) is observed, with patients experiencing symptoms such as chills, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, either alone or in combination.
Finally, in extreme cases, the exposed person may be in a state of shock due to poor blood circulation and may even die.
First Aid and Ways of Dealing
First, you need to get away from the sun immediately, go to a shady and cool place and remove any metal on you, as metal objects act as heat bodies.
Start by cleaning the burn area with plenty of cool water and saline.
Then, apply a wet compress, which after applying it on the burned area, you must renew it every 15-20 minutes and change it every 2-3 hours.
The cool shower is recommended (but not the cold one), as this way you will limit the penetration of the burn and at the same time you will be relieved.
Avoid bath salts, oils and perfumes, because they can cause sensitive reactions and rubbing or shaving because they will worsen the condition.
Use soft towels to dry the body and apply them with a tampon, without rubbing it.
In any case, what is needed is the hydration of the area, but at the same time, the protection from infection.
Apply a cream or emulsion with moisturizing, regenerating and soothing properties, which helps to heal, hydrate and regenerate the skin, while also protecting against germs and bacteria.
The moisturizing product you will use should be light, without fragrance and without essential oils.
Repeat the above procedure 3-4 times a day.
Also, avoid lotions that contain local anesthetic.
A dry surface should be created at the burn site (crust) in order for the burn surface to heal completely.
In case you need to cover the surface of the burn, use sterile gauze, impregnated with antibiotics.
There are many who believe in medicine, such as e.g. that butter, oil and Vaseline are products that moisturize the skin.
The truth is that all this prevents the dissipation of heat, traps it in the skin and makes it difficult for the burn to subside.
Good choices for short use are toothpaste or yogurt.
Toothpastes usually contain zinc, which dissipates heat and thus soothes the symptoms and improves the condition of sunburn.
Be careful, however, that toothpaste should not contain oils such as mint or its derivatives (for example menthol), because if there is a wound, it can cause irritation and worsening of the condition and the burning sensation.
Yogurt has the same effect and in addition contains a lot of water, so it also acts moisturizing.
Also, simple painkillers can reduce pain and inflammation, especially when you start taking them early.
If the pain is more severe and you are not relieved by the classic painkillers, you should contact a doctor immediately or visit the Hospital or Health Center in your area.
The pharmacist’s advice
• Completely avoid further exposure to sunlight.
• Do not neglect the burn or burn even if a long time has passed.
• Check the burn site for infection.
• Do not use plaster or any kind of stickers.
• Do not apply antiseptics with paint on the area (iodine solution).
• Do not use oxygen or alcohol on the wound.
• Do not use antibiotics or any other medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not break blisters or injure the area.
Always remember that a burn can be very serious. Do not hesitate to seek first aid immediately and consult your pharmacist or doctor.
Health and beauty
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