Sunburn occurs when you go to the beach or are outdoors without protection from the sun. The UV rays from the sun damages the skin often causing redness and pain. Sunburns increase the risk of wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer. There is mild to moderate sunburn and severe sunburn that leads to sun poisoning.
Mild to moderate sunburn causes your skin to become red and inflamed. It often is warm and burns slightly. Severe sunburn causes blistering, pain, headache, dehydration, fainting, chills, fever, confusion, and vomiting. Mild sunburn should be treated according to a dermatologist advice and severe by a dermatologist.
Treatment for Mild to Moderate Sunburn
According to the American Academy of Dermatology the first thing you should do is to get out of the sun and inside. You should put a damp cloth or towel on the skin for about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps take the heat from the skin. This can be done throughout the day. A cool bath or shower will also help with the pain. Towel dry the skin but leave a little water for moisture. Apply a moisturizer to the skin to relieve dryness and pain.
Dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer with aloe Vera or soy to relieve the sunburn. They soothe the skin and make it feel cooler. Don’t use anything with petroleum because it traps heat. For pain take an over the counter medicine like ibuprofen or aspirin. Be sure to drink plenty of water because sunburn causes you to become hydrated.
If you feel very sick and have a severe burn it is important to see a dermatologist that can treat the condition. The American Academy of Dermatology says to protect your skin while you heal and stay out of the direct sun. Wear protective clothing that covers your burn . If your skin blisters see a dermatologist who can treat it effectively.
For red skin apply an over the counter steroid called Hydrocortisone. It can be applied twice a day until the redness goes away. It is soothing because it has an oat base. Rest in a cool place for a day or more as sunburn takes its toll on your body.
Severe Sunburn Treatments
With severe sunburn there are many treatments available that a dermatologist will determine. The doctor may prescribe prescription pills for pain or even gels that are applied to the skin. They may prescribe cortisociods that you apply to the skin to prevent itching which makes sunburn worse. Many dermatologists will prescribe injections and creams that fight infections and soothe the burn. Prescription steroids often reduce swelling and inflammation.
When you have blisters you should see a dermatologist. They will be able to drain your blisters properly and apply topical medications, and bandages. They can instruct you how to care for severe painful blister from sunburn. They can tell you how to change the dressing daily and you do not risk getting an infection for not treating it properly.
Dermatologists may prescribe Silver Sulzidiane Cream to apply to your sunburn. It is used to treat second and third degree burns that come from severe sunburn. Prednisone is often prescribed to help with inflammation. These are reasons why in severed sun burn cases it is important to see a dermatologist immediately.
Mild to moderate sunburn can be treated with the tips from the American Academy of Dermatology. They advise you on how to get rid of sunburn. When sunburn symptoms are severe it s important to see a dermatologist to prevent infection and serious complications.