Spending too much time under the sun while enjoying the summer heat will make us forget to re-apply sunscreen after hitting the pool. And because of that, the effects of the powerful UV rays will eventually be felt in our skin. Knowing the correct response to a sunburn could give us a soothing feeling. Here are a few tips to get you through the next few days while your skin heals.
Dos When Having Sunburn:
1. Do Stay Out Of The Sun- The damage from sunburn is more than skin deep, and the danger goes deeper that’s why it is important to get out of the sun once you notice your skin burning.
2. Do Protect Any Blisters- When your skin starts to blister, it’s not a good situation. Blisters mean you have a second-degree burn and it will take longer to heal and you have to be more careful to reduce the chances of developing an infection.
3. Do Hydrate- The sun zaps the moisture out of your skin. The easiest way to quickly increase moisture is by drinking more water.
4. Do Apply an Aftercare Lotion- Apply a thin layer of lotion or cream intended to repair skin. Look for products that contain a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals that help your skin heal.
Dont’s When Having Sunburn:
1. Don’t Ice The Sunburn Directly- You can calm the inflammation by using a cool compress but make sure to wrap it in a cloth. Applying ice directly to the burn can increase damage, pain, and healing time.
2. Don’t Skip The Anti-inflammatory Medicines- It’s okay to take anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain following a sunburn.
3. Don’t Smother A Sunburn- The day of and for a few days after your sunburn, wear light, loose clothing. Restrictive shirts, pants, and other items can further irritate your skin.
4. Don’t Avoid Your Dermatologist- If you have blisters covering a large area or you’re experiencing extreme pain, nausea, chills, headaches, or a fever, contact a medical professional.
While sunburns are common, practitioners know that the more often they occur, the greater your chances of developing deadly skin cancers. Even with regular checkups and proactive skincare methods, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Experts have determined that having five or more sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of developing melanoma.
Reference: Compassion Admin
Stay Healthy!
Love,
Maribel Idania