Table of contents:
- Definition of sunburn (sunburned skin)
- How common sunburn (sunburn)?
- Sunburn signs and symptoms
- When should I see a doctor?
- Causes and risk factors for sunburn
- How sunburn could occur?
- What increases the risk of being exposed sunburn?
- Diagnosis and treatment
- How sunburn (sunburn) diagnosed?
- How do you deal with sunburned skin?
- Sunburn prevention
- What are the preventive steps to avoid it sunburn?
Definition of sunburn (sunburned skin)
Sunburn (sunburn) is a skin problem that occurs as a result of reactions to excessive doses of sunlight.
This condition is characterized by reddened skin that is sore and hot to the touch. But remember, not all symptoms of red skin are signs sunburn . It could be a sign of a heat allergy to the sun.
Sunburn usually appears, a few hours after being exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or other sources, such as lights.
Continuous and repeated exposure to the sun can increase the risk of other skin damage and certain diseases, such as dry skin, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer.
The sunburn usually lasts for a few days, but it can be more than that. Fortunately, this condition can be prevented by providing skin protection when going outside the house.
Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, how to deal with it sunburn usually is a home treatment. Sunburn is a condition that can last for several days or longer.
How common sunburn (sunburn)?
This condition is very common. It is not only sunlight that plays a role in this sunburn , but can also be caused by exposure to other sources of UV light, "Tanning-bed" or "Tanning-salon" which is often popular.
People can experience too sunburn on a cloudy day, because UV rays can penetrate the clouds. This condition can also occur in patients of any age.
This condition can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Sunburn signs and symptoms
Erythema or UV-B red spot occurs about 6 hours after exposure and peaks over a duration of 12-24 hours. This is a sign that your skin is sunburnt.
However, attacks of erythema can appear earlier and get worse with increased exposure. Erythema is accompanied by pain and in severe cases, causes:
- discomfort,
- bouncy, as well
- edema (swelling) generally of the hands, feet, and face.
Apart from that, other symptoms are:
- body shivering,
- fever,
- nausea,
- tachycardia (the heart beats more than 100 beats per minute), as well
- hypotension (low blood pressure).
Symptoms sunburn can last for 1-2 weeks in severe cases.
Any exposed parts of the body, including the scalp and lips, can burn. In fact, closed areas can catch fire. For example, the clothing used allows UV rays to enter and hit the skin directly.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
You should call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms of the sunburn skin condition.
- Wrinkles and other skin changes that usually appear with aging.
- Eye problems are cataracts that can cause vision problems.
The long-term consequences of excess sun exposure or other sources of UV radiation are evident. Sunburn which is resilient is believed to increase the chances of skin cancer by 2 times.
There are several types of skin cancer. Most skin cancers can be treated. However, sunburn increases the risk of developing a serious type of skin cancer, namely melanoma.
Immediately contact a doctor or nurse if you experience sunburn severe.
Causes and risk factors for sunburn
How sunburn could occur?
The skin needs sunlight to help produce vitamin D which is important in maintaining healthy bones. However, too much exposure to UV rays will actually harm your skin.
When you are exposed to UV rays, the body protects itself by producing more melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. This browning of the skin aims to prevent the skin from burning.
When you are exposed to too much exposure, UV rays can penetrate the outer skin layers and enter deeper skin layers, damaging or killing existing cells.
As a result of this process, the skin produces a reaction in the form of redness and swelling.
What increases the risk of being exposed sunburn ?
Factors that can increase your risk of sunburn or sunburn sunburn is as follows.
- Has pale skin and light colored hair.
- Be in a mountain or a place closer to the sun.
- To do tanning also high risk. Although commercial tanning devices that increase skin pigment do not increase UV-B MED, they have been shown to cause melanoma.
During 4 - 6 pm, UV-B intensity is 2-4 times greater than in the morning and late into the evening. Sun protection clothing is recommended in this period.
Although research has also shown that exposure at 10 am can reach 65% UV radiation equal to 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
Diagnosis and treatment
How sunburn (sunburn) diagnosed?
The severity depends on the symptoms. With visualization and asking for early symptoms or prognosis, your doctor can diagnose your condition.
How do you deal with sunburned skin?
Frequently sunburn does not require special handling and can disappear on its own. However, if the sting causes discomfort, you can treat it by:
- using pain relievers,
- use lotion or spray to treat sunburn - this product usually contains Aloe vera or drugs that numb,
- use natural ingredients for sunburn , such as yogurt, cucumber, aloe vera, and oatmeal, as well
- avoid the sun until the redness and pain goes away.
Sunburn prevention
What are the preventive steps to avoid it sunburn ?
How to prevent sunburn is by protecting your skin from the sun. Here are things you can do.
- Avoid sunlight during the day, especially between 10 am and 4 pm. Because at these hours, the sun's rays are at their strongest.
- Find shelter, immediately take shelter under a roof so that the skin is not too long in the sun.
- Wear sun protection clothing, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs. Also choose dark colored clothes for extra protection. If necessary, use clothes that have a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). The higher the UPF value, the higher the garment's ability to block sunlight from penetrating the skin.
- Apply it sunscreen, including sunscreen for the scalp. Choose which broad-spectrum and contains an SPF of 30 or higher. Repeat use every two hours or after sweating and swimming.
- Do not use tanning bed , process tanning won't make your skin more resistant to UV rays.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.