How to Overcome Sunburned Skin Sunburn is a condition caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This condition can cause discomfort, characterized by skin redness, swelling, and stinging.
Please note that in some cases, exposure to sunlight that is too strong and repeatedly can be a risk factor for skin cancer.
What is a powerful way to overcome and eliminate sunburn? Read the full details here.
Recognize the symptoms of sunburned skin
Continuous sun exposure can cause sunburn. Areas that are not covered by clothes (open) are often parts of the body that are prone to sunburn. Scalp, earlobe, lips, to eyes.
However, the Mayo Clinic says, even closed areas of the body can get sunburned. For example, when you wear clothes that are light and loose enough to allow UV rays to enter.
Symptoms of sunburn can vary from person to person. Here are some signs of sunburn (sunburn):
- Reddish skin
- Skin feels warm or hot to the touch
- Pain and itching
- Swelling
- Skin blisters filled with fluid
- Eyes hurt or feel gritty
- Headache, fever, nausea, and fainting. These sunburn symptoms occur if the sunburn is severe enough
You may not notice any signs of redness on your skin immediately after exposure to the sun.
Because, it takes several hours until finally the skin becomes red and other symptoms appear. Peak skin redness accompanied by pain or burning due to sunburn will usually occur within 12-24 hours.
The condition of sunburned skin or sunburn then continues to develop within 24 to 72 hours, and is often followed by peeling of the skin within 3-8 days.
The peeling skin and itching may continue for the next several weeks.
How to treat sunburned skin
You need to understand that there is a danger of excessive sun exposure on your skin. That’s why, preventing sunburn is much better than treating it.
However, if it’s too late, you don’t need to panic. Here are some ways to deal with sunburned skin that you can do:
Cold compress
Sunburned skin or sunburn is actually inflammation of the skin. One way to relieve irritated skin areas due to sun exposure is to use a cold compress.
You can compress the sunburned skin with a towel that has been soaked in cold water or ice. In addition, you can also use ice cubes that have been wrapped in a towel or cloth and apply to the irritated skin area.
But remember, do not apply ice cubes directly to your skin. Applying ice cubes directly to your skin can put you at risk for frostbite.
In addition to cold compresses, you can also take a cold shower to relieve the heat on the sunburned skin area. Avoid using soap products containing harsh chemicals to prevent skin irritation from getting worse.
If you’re near a swimming pool or the ocean, cool off immediately by submerging yourself in the water for a few seconds. Then, use a cloth to cover the body from the sun and take shelter in the shade.
How to Overcome Sunburned Skin Drink lots of water
When the skin is sunburned, you should also increase your fluid intake. Excessive sun exposure can burn your skin. This condition has made you lose some body fluids.
In addition, when you experience sunburn, the fluids in the body will be attracted to the surface of the skin and eventually evaporate. It also increases your risk of becoming dehydrated.
Therefore, it is important to meet the body’s fluid needs. In addition to water, you can also replace the body’s lost electrolytes with other types of drinks, especially sports drinks. In addition, when the body is properly hydrated, the condition of the skin will also improve.
Lack of fluids can make the skin feel dry, which can cause the sunburned area to sting or become itchy.
How to Overcome Sunburned Skin Apply aloe vera
Applying aloe vera is also an option for dealing with sunburned skin, including the face area. The trick, simply apply fresh aloe vera gel directly from the plant to the sunburn skin area. This is because aloe vera has properties that soothe inflamed skin, and can help heal minor burns.
If you don’t have an aloe vera plant, you can also apply an over-the-counter aloe vera gel product to areas of your face and body that are experiencing sunburn. Choose products that contain high aloe vera.
How to Overcome Sunburned Skin Use moisturizing cream
Sunburned skin will usually be accompanied by peeling. You can apply moisturizer to treat sunburned skin along with exfoliation. Because, this exfoliation can make the skin feel sore.
However, use a moisturizer that doesn’t contain active ingredients, such as benzocaine, to get rid of sunburn. The reason is, this active ingredient can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Apply hydrocortisone cream
If there are areas of skin that feel sore, you can apply hydrocortisone cream to help treat sunburns. You can get it with a doctor’s prescription at the pharmacy.
Apply the cream on sunburned skin three times a day, for three days. Before using it, you can store it in the refrigerator first.
Take pain relievers
Pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are drugs that can reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen are examples of these.
Medicines are more effective if taken shortly after sunburn. Eating them can help with discomfort and inflammation.