Sunburn manifests itself in the form of damage to the skin due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. The insidiousness of this disease lies in the fact that a person does not immediately feel the symptoms and cannot determine the level of radiation received. When going on a summer vacation, you need to know how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun, which helps against sunburn, as well as about first aid.
Ultraviolet
The sun's rays are divided into two types: visible and invisible. The danger to our skin is represented only by the latter, which belong to the class of long and medium waves of the UVA and UVB. It is UVB irradiation that is the most dangerous, because its effect causes the epidermal cells to synthesize a large amount of melanin, which, when oxidized, gives the skin a bronze hue. With moderate action, this process does not harm and promotes the production of vitamin D, increases immunity to colds, and also helps to treat certain diseases, such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc. However, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation inevitably leads to burns. It can also provoke skin cancer (melanoma).
Symptoms
Signs of sunburn, as a rule, appear after a few hours or during the day. They are characterized by the following symptoms:
- allergic irritation in the form of a rash;
- redness of the skin (hyperemia) ;
- chills and fever;
- rapid pulse;
- soreness and swelling of the skin;
- dehydration of the body (dehydration);
- the appearance of blisters and infection of damaged areas (on the 2-3rd day);
- itching and peeling (on the 4th-5th day).
Degree of defeat
A sunburn, like any other, is characterized by the level of exposure and the destructive effect on the epidermis. He has three degrees:
- Redness of the skin and a feeling of discomfort in burned areas. Usually does not pose a threat and does not require medical treatment.
- The same symptoms, accompanied by the formation of miliary papules and blisters. Very often, with such a burn, the temperature rises, chills and dehydration appear. Medical assistance required.
- It is very rare. The third degree is characterized by damage to all layers of the skin, as well as serious impaired renal and cardiac functions caused by dehydration.
Possible consequences
Severe sunburns can cause not only the listed symptoms. The influence of ultraviolet radiation can cause pathologies throughout the body, ranging from photodermatosis and decreased immunity to cancerous diseases caused by the formation of free radicals in the cells of tissues of all organs. According to statistics, the number of people with melanoma increases annually by 8-10%.
Prevention
In order to avoid the harmful effects of the sun, it is enough to exclude direct sunlight from entering the exposed skin. It should be borne in mind that synthetic fabric can transmit up to 15-20% of ultraviolet radiation, while cotton is limited to 5%. In addition, a damp cloth or clothing will add about 20% to them. You should not sunbathe or just be under the sun during the period of its highest activity. It is best to take sunbaths until 10-11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Such a tan will not cause harm and will last longer.
Remedies
When going out in the summer in hot weather, you can use special protective creams, which due to their composition provide a partial reflection of ultraviolet rays.
Some lovers of sunbathing will say why apply such creams if you are going to tan well? But it is better to use a sunscreen on the beach than to smear sunburn with drugs in a medical facility. Natural oils that soften and moisturize the skin also have a positive effect. It is best to use walnut and peach. It is not recommended to use citrus oil, as it can irritate the upper layer of the epidermis. Good on the skin affects the use of products containing antioxidants - vitamins of groups A and E. Such substances are found in large quantities in pomegranate juice and green tea. But, unfortunately, none of the methods of prevention protects 100%. The natural question of a person who received a sunburn: "What to do?" Next, let's talk about therapy.
Treatment
If you still could not protect yourself from the sun, and the skin received an increased dose of ultraviolet radiation, it is necessary to establish the degree of burn and take measures to reduce pain symptoms. To do this, you should minimize the temperature and moisten the affected areas. In any case, you need to see a doctor, but if this is not possible, you need to completely exclude the patient from exposure to the sun and provide him with complete rest, as well as determine what to smear sunburns with.
Today, there are many medical and cosmetic products that can relieve the symptoms of ultraviolet damage, but we should not forget that their use is possible only after consulting a doctor. Among the pharmacological products intended for external use, Panthenol spray has proven itself well . Of course, he will not save from sunburn, but he will protect the skin from infection and spread, and will also have a good softening and moisturizing effect. Its constituent dexpanthenol accelerates the restoration of epithelial cells. An excellent disinfecting and healing agent is the Alozol ointment, which contains extracts of aloe, calendula and chamomile. Blisters from a sunburn treated with such a drug disappear much faster, and the lipid membrane formed on the surface gives the skin a reliable protection against infections. In case of violation of general well-being, as well as at elevated temperature, Paracetamol or Aspirin can be taken orally.
Folk methods
There are several simple ways to relieve the symptoms of "burn" without the use of medications. The best folk remedies are kefir, whey, gruel from fresh cucumbers or potatoes. In no case should you use alcohol-containing liquids - this will inevitably lead to new irritation and drying of the skin. Before smearing sunburns with yogurt or milk whey, you should cool them, which will remove swelling and fever. It is not recommended to apply sour cream on damaged skin due to its increased fat content, which will contribute to the development of microorganisms. You can wrap the body in a wet cotton sheet soaked in a decoction of mint or chamomile. This wrapping is recommended to be repeated after 2-3 hours, between them lubricating the body with a moisturizer. If dehydration is observed, you should drink more liquid, but not sweet sparkling water or compote, but chilled mineral water or a decoction of soothing herbs. Do not drink beer or other drinks containing alcohol. They will only contribute to the removal of moisture from the body.
But in the summer you should not lock yourself in four walls and avoid the sun. Knowing the rules for sunbathing, you can prevent the skin from "burning out". But if this already happened, then before smearing sunburns with various means, you should still visit a doctor. Acting according to his recommendations, you can quickly remove symptoms and begin treatment. Wish you have a great summer!