Added: 12/29/2005 |
Proper Sunburn Treatment Eliminates Pain and Ensures a Quick RecoverySunburn appears as a result of long exposure to the sun and consists of serious damaging of the skin caused by ultraviolet rays. In a majority of cases skin cancer is produced by sun exposure. That is why we should take it seriously and avoid sunburns as much as possible. There are a lot of methods to protect ourselves and our children: wear long-sleeved shirts, hats and glasses, use sunscreens, avoid exposure to direct sunlight in the hottest hours of the day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and so on. However, sunburns happen and we must be prepared to act properly in order to prevent complications.
The sunburn symptoms may appear in a few hours after exposure and usually consist of red, tender skin that is warm to touch. Sometimes blisters may develop after a certain period. Severe dehydration and high temperature can provoke a reaction called ?sun poisoning? that includes fever, chills, nausea, or rush. In this case it is recommended to call the health provider. If you think you have got sunburned first of all you must get out from the sun, cover exposed skin, find a cool, shady place, and drink a lot of liquids. Taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help prevent inflammation and pain.
Local sunburn treatment begins with cool compresses, or sometimes a cool shower or bath. Different bath salts, oils, and perfumes should be avoided as they may produce sensitivity reaction. The sunburned skin must be moisturized with fragrance-free lotions. Lotions with aloe are a good remedy as they help skin regenerate and heal the pain. There are some important things NOT TO DO in sunburn treatment: do not apply lidocain or butter, do not wash with harsh soap, do not apply toothpaste, do not scrub or shave the affected areas, and do not go into the sun again, until the sunburn is treated. Anesthetic solutions such as lidocain must be avoided because they can make you sensitized and allergic to this medicine.
General sunburn treatment consists of drinking a lot of liquids several days after sunburn, in order to reestablish lost water. Taking vitamin supplements may be useful for the rapid recovery of the damaged skin. A good rest is absolutely necessary. In more severe cases a professional help is required. If non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin are not sufficient a medical professional may prescribe stronger pain-relieving medication. Oral steroids may be recommended for several days. However, they are contraindicated in case that blistering is present, to avoid infection risk.
Topical sunburn treatment, besides cool compresses and moisturizing creams (but not oily) may include Silver sulfadiazine 1% cream applied on the affected arias, considering certain cautions on face-skin. In severe cases of dehydration intravenous fluids will be given, and you may be admitted to the hospital. Sunburn may have different negative consequences and it is definitely safer and easier to prevent it than treat. Besides this, serious sunburn can ruin an entire holiday, so it is a wise thing to be careful and not get burned.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
