8 steps to deal with sunburn or sunburned skin

Sunburn is a skin condition that is red and feels burning, which is usually caused by being in the sun for too long or being exposed to artificial rays containing ultraviolet (UV) rays such as rays in salons that are used for tanning (skin tanning process).

What are the signs sunburn on the skin?

Signs sunburn each individual is different, because it depends on phototype skin and prolonged exposure to UV rays on the skin. For people with pale white skin, 15 minutes of exposure to the scorching sun can cause sunburn, while brown skinned people can tolerate light for hours.

For more details, let's look at levels phototype skin to UV rays by color:

1. Pale white skin: between 15-30 minutes will burn but will not turn brown.
2. Fair skin: between 25-40 minutes will burn and will be slightly tanned.
3. Fair skin a little dark: between 30-50 minutes will be brown at the start of the burn.
4. Olive skin: between 40-60 minutes will be tanned but difficult to burn.
5. Brown skin: between 60-90 minutes will be tanned but rarely burns,
6. Brown or black skin: between 90-150 minutes will be darker but will not burn.

Signs sunburn usually occurs after 2-6 hours of exposure to UV rays and peaks at 12-24 hours thereafter. The signs that appear are:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Irritation
• Skin feels hot
• Pain
• Blisters (for severe cases)
• Chills (for severe cases)

In severe cases, sunlight can cause second-degree burns, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, infection, shock, and even death.

How to overcome sunburn

1. Cold water compress

If you are near a swimming pool or ocean, cool off by soaking yourself for just a few seconds. Then, use a cloth to cover your body from the sun and take shelter in a place that is free from the scorching sun. Follow up by applying cold water or ice to the burn, but do not apply the ice directly to the skin. You can also take a cold shower. Do not use harsh soaps to prevent the irritation from getting worse.

2. Use a moisturizer

Use a moisturizer that contains aloe or soy to help soothe the burn. If there are some areas that are sore, you can buy hydrocortisone cream without a doctor's prescription. Avoid products with ingredients ending in -caine, such as benzocaine, etc., as these can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.

3. Drink lots of water

Burns will draw fluid to the surface of the skin, so that the body lacks fluids. Water can fill the fluids needed by the skin so that the skin does not become dehydrated.

4. Reducing inflammation

Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can reduce pain and inflammation, as Dr. Brackeen, at the Skin Cancer Institute Texas. You can use the drug up to sunburn getting better.

5. Do not pick on the blistered skin

If blisters appear, don't squeeze them, as they contain your natural body fluids (serum) and a protective layer. Squeezing the blister can also slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. If necessary, cover with sterile gauze. If the blister breaks, clean the area with soap, wipe gently, then rinse with water. After that, apply an anti-bacterial cream and cover with wet gauze.

6. Gently exfoliate the skin

Within a few days, the burned area may peel off. This is the process of removing damaged skin by the body. As the skin peels, use a moisturizer.

7. Protect the skin while it is healing

Use clothes that can cover your skin when doing outdoor activities. Use materials that cannot penetrate light.

8. Go to the doctor if necessary

You should seek medical help if you have more than part of the body burned, have fever and chills, and are dizzy. Do not scratch the burned skin, as this will lead to infection. Signs of infection are pus and red streaks on the skin.

Although sunburn the skin will disappear, but too much exposure to UV rays can cause long-lasting damage to the skin. This damage can increase a person's risk for skin cancer, so it is important for us to protect our skin from sun exposure.