This article has been authored by Dr. Sakshi Srivastava & is working as a consultant in Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgery Department at Jaypee Hospital, Noida. She has an experience of 7 years in the field of dermatology. She is an expert in performing minimally invasive and non invasive cosmetic dermatology and dermatosurgery procedures. She has special interests in botox, fillers, nonsurgical face lift, lasers, chemical and medical peels and microdermabrassions. She also has experience in treating HIV and Leprosy patients. To know more about Dr. Sakshi Srivastava or book an appointment, please call 0120 – 412 2222
Are You Out in The Sun for Long Hours? Know all about Sunburn
If your are out in the sun for long hours, whatever be the reason, you may need to be cautious this season ! Read what you might not be aware of regarding sunburns and how it can impact your daily life.
Sunburn – red, painful skin that feels hot to the touch – usually appears within a few hours after too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from sunshine or artificial sources.
Intense, repeated sun exposure that results in sunburn increases your risk of other skin damages and certain diseases. These include dry or wrinkled skin, dark spots, rough spots, and skin cancers, such as melanoma. This is especially important when you’re outdoors, even on cool or cloudy days.
Signs and symptoms of sunburn usually appear within a few hours after sun exposure. But it may take a day or longer to know the full extent of your sunburn. Any exposed part of your body — including your earlobes, scalp and lips — can burn. Even covered areas can burn if, for example, your clothing has a loose weave that allows ultraviolet (UV) light through. Your eyes, which are extremely sensitive to the sun’s UV light, also can burn. When there is sunburn, your skin may become pink or there may be redness in the burned area. It becomes tender & warm and may also swell & Itch.
How to prevent sunburn
Use these methods to prevent sunburn, even on cool, cloudy or hazy days. And be extra careful around water, snow, ice and sand because they reflect the sun’s rays. In addition, UV light is more intense at high altitudes.
Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – The sun’s rays are strongest during these hours, so try to schedule outdoor activities for other times. If you’re unable to do that, limit the length of time you’re in the sun. Seek shade when possible.
Cover up – Wear tightly woven clothing that covers you, including your arms and legs.
Use sunscreen frequently and generously – No matter what your skin type is, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply it every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or perspiring.
Wear sunglasses when outdoors – You offer your eyes the best protection outdoors by choosing the highest UV protection-rated sunglasses.
Some home remedies for sunburn –
- Take a pain reliever – Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may help control pain until redness and soreness subsides.
- Cool the skin – Apply to the affected skin a cool compress – such as a towel dampened with cool tap water.
- Apply moisturizer, aloe vera lotion or gel, or hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin. If blisters form, don’t break them.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water – Drinking water helps your body recover faster.
- Treat peeling skin gently – While your skin is peeling, continue to use moisturizing cream.
- Protect your sunburn afrom further sun exposure.
- Avoid applying “-caine” products, such as benzocaine. Such creams may irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.
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