How to Treat Sunburn?

Arsurile solare sunt o problemă comună, mai ales în timpul verii, când petrecem mai mult timp în aer liber. Expunerea excesivă la razele ultraviolete (UV) ale soarelui poate provoca roșeață, durere și, în cazuri severe, vezicule și descuamarea pielii. Este important să știți cum să tratați arsurile solare pentru a reduce disconfortul și pentru a preveni complicațiile.

Simptomele arsurilor solare

Simptomele arsurilor solare pot varia de la ușoare la severe și includ:

Roșeață
a pielii Durere și sensibilitate la atingere
Umflarea
blisterelor
Descuamarea pielii la câteva zile după expunere
Febră, frisoane și greață (în cazuri severe)
Primii pași în tratarea arsurilor
solare Ieșiți de la soare

Primul lucru pe care trebuie să-l faceți este să evitați expunerea ulterioară la soare. Du-te într-o zonă umbroasă sau du-te în interior pentru a preveni agravarea arsurii.
Răciți pielea

Aplicați comprese reci în zona afectată sau faceți o baie călduță pentru a reduce temperatura pielii. Evitați apa foarte rece, deoarece poate provoca șoc termic pielii arse.
Hidratează pielea

După răcirea pielii, aplicați o loțiune hidratantă fără parfum, de preferință una care conține aloe vera sau calamină. Aceste produse pot ajuta la calmarea pielii și la reducerea inflamației.
Hidratează-te

Apa potabilă este esențială pentru a preveni deshidratarea, care poate fi agravată de arsurile solare. Bea multe lichide pentru a-ți ajuta corpul să se recupereze.
Evitați produsele iritante

Evitați utilizarea produselor care conțin alcool sau parfum, deoarece acestea pot irita și mai mult pielea. De asemenea, nu utilizați unt sau alte remedii la domiciliu care nu sunt recomandate de specialiști.
Tratament
suplimentar Analgezice

To reduce pain and inflammation, you can take analgesics such as ibuprofen or aspirin. These also help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Cortisone cream

For more severe sunburns, using a hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and itching. Use this type of cream only for a short period and according to the package instructions.
Blisters

If blisters appear, do not pop them. They provide a natural barrier against infections. If blisters burst accidentally, clean the area with water and mild soap and apply an antibiotic ointment.
Consult a doctor

In severe cases of sunburn, with symptoms such as high fever, nausea, headaches, or rapid heartbeat, it is important to consult a doctor. These symptoms may indicate heatstroke or other complications.
Preventing Sunburn
The best method to treat sunburn is to prevent it. Here are some tips to protect yourself from the sun:

Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply generously on all exposed areas and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
Avoid sun exposure during peak hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
Seek shade whenever possible and use umbrellas or awnings to protect yourself from the sun.

How to Avoid Sunburn?

Sunburns are not only painful and unsightly but can also have long-term negative effects on skin health, including premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer. To avoid sunburn, it is essential to adopt effective preventive measures. Here are some key strategies to protect yourself from harmful sun rays.

Correct Use of Sunscreen

Choose the right sunscreen

Minimum SPF 30: Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. For prolonged outdoor activities, a higher SPF can offer additional protection.
Broad Spectrum: Make sure it protects against both types of ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB).

Proper Application

Sufficient Amount: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen on all exposed areas of the skin. A general rule is to use about 30 ml (approximately one ounce) to cover the entire body.
Reapply: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant products need to be reapplied to maintain their effectiveness.
Protective Clothing

Appropriate Clothes

Light and Dense Materials: Wear clothes made from lightweight but dense materials that provide a physical barrier against UV rays. Materials such as dense cotton and polyester are ideal.
Long-Sleeved Clothing: Cover your arms and legs to reduce direct sun exposure.
Essential Accessories

Wide-Brimmed Hats: These provide additional protection for the face, neck, and ears. Choose a hat with a brim of at least 7.5 cm for optimal protection.
Sunglasses: Use sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes and the skin around them.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure

Peak Hours

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Try to avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours when UV rays are strongest. If you need to go outside, seek shade as much as possible.
Shady Places

Umbrellas and Awnings: Use umbrellas, awnings, or other structures to create shade. These are essential, especially for prolonged outdoor activities.
Monitor the UV Index

Daily Information

Check the Weather Forecast: Most weather apps and websites provide daily UV index information. A higher UV index indicates an increased risk of sunburn, so take extra protective measures on those days.
Adopt Healthy Habits

Hydration

Consume Liquids: Proper hydration helps maintain skin health and prevents dehydration, which can aggravate the effects of sunburn.
Nutrition

Antioxidants: Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help protect the skin against UV damage.
Protection for Children and Sensitive People

Children’s Skin

Children Under 6 Months: Avoid direct sun exposure for babies under 6 months. Use umbrellas and appropriate clothing to protect them.
Older Children: Teach children about the importance of sun protection and make sure to apply sunscreen before outdoor play.
People with Sensitive Skin

Sensitive Skin or Skin Conditions: Consult a dermatologist for specific recommendations on sunscreen products and other precautions.
Adopting these preventive measures can help you enjoy outdoor time without the risk of sunburn. Proper sun protection not only prevents immediate discomfort but also contributes to long-term skin health.

How Severe Can Sunburn Be?
Sunburn can vary in severity from mild to severe and can have immediate and long-term effects on the skin and overall health. The severity of sunburn depends on the duration and intensity of sun exposure, as well as skin type and protective measures used.

Degree of Severity of Sunburn

Mild Sunburn

Symptoms: Mild redness, a feeling of warmth, and moderate discomfort.
Duration: Usually heals in a few days.
Treatment: Applying soothing, moisturizing lotions and cold compresses can help reduce discomfort.
Moderate Sunburn

Symptoms: Intense redness, significant pain, swelling, and sometimes small blisters.
Duration: May take up to a week or more to fully heal.
Treatment: In addition to hydration and cold compresses, analgesics and cortisone creams may be needed to reduce inflammation.
Severe Sunburn

Symptoms: Extreme redness, intense pain, large blisters, swelling, and skin peeling. In severe cases, systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, and dehydration may occur.
Duration: Healing can take two weeks or more, and the skin may remain sensitive and prone to new burns.
Treatment: Requires medical care. Treatment may include pain medications, intravenous hydration, and wound care to prevent infections.
Long-Term Effects of Sunburn
Premature Skin Aging

Repeated sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, and pigment spots. These changes are caused by UV rays damaging collagen and other skin structures.
Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

Sunburn, especially severe and repeated ones, increases the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma can be fatal if not detected and treated early.
Eye Damage

Excessive exposure to UV rays can cause eye damage, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, both of which can lead to vision loss.
Skin Sensitization

Sunburnt skin can become more sensitive to subsequent sun exposure, leading to quicker and more severe burns.
Complications Associated with Severe Sunburn
Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a serious condition caused by prolonged sun exposure and body overheating. Symptoms include high fever, confusion, loss of consciousness, and lack of sweating. Heatstroke requires emergency medical treatment.
Dehydration

Severe sunburn can lead to dehydration because damaged skin loses more water. Dehydration can cause symptoms such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, and weakness.
Infections

Blisters caused by sunburn can be susceptible to bacterial infections if popped or improperly handled. It is essential to keep the area clean and apply antibiotic ointments if necessary.
Sunburn can have serious and long-lasting consequences, especially if not treated properly or if sun exposure is repeated without adequate protective measures. Prevention is key to avoiding sunburn and its long-term implications. Using sunscreen, wearing appropriate clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours are essential measures to protect the skin and maintain overall health.

Source:WHO