How to Treat Your Sunburn

Mother putting sunscreen on chiild

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During the warmer months, many families flock to their closest beach, lake or park to enjoy the summer sun with their loved ones. While getting outdoors is a great way to keep your body healthy, sun safety is key to avoiding a burn.

Even on a cloudy day, if you spend too much time in the sun without proper protection, you could get sunburned. If you do, we’re here to help you manage your pain and symptoms and know when to see a doctor. Keep reading to learn more.

Sunburn 101

According to the National Library of Medicine, about a third of U.S. adults experience at least one sunburn yearly. Sunburns can easily be identified by red, painful skin resulting from too much time in the sun. But what happens to our bodies when we get a sunburn?

There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA rays have longer wavelengths, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin. On the other hand, UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and usually only affect the top layer of skin. When UV rays penetrate the skin, they damage the cells and disrupt their normal function. The immune system responds by sending extra blood to the affected area, often causing inflammation of the skin. Your skin can heal on its own by replacing the damaged cells with new ones, which happens when your skin peels.

Protecting your body from the sun and its harmful UV rays is very important to minimize health risks. Spending too much time in the sun or a tanning bed could result in sunburn and skin damage, increasing your risk of skin cancer.

Sunburn Symptoms

You don’t have to spend the entire day outside in the sun to get a sunburn. You can spend a little time outside and still get burned, like on an outdoor lunch break, walking your dog or gardening. Certain medications increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, so it’s important to talk with your doctor if you’re currently on medication and plan to spend extra time in the sun.

Common symptoms of sunburn include:

  • Fluid-filled blisters
  • Itchy skin
  • Peeling skin after several days
  • Red-colored skin
  • Skin that feels hot to the touch
  • Swelling
  • Tight skin

While most sunburns heal on their own after about a week, certain symptoms should lead you directly to your doctor. These symptoms include:

  • Development of large blisters
  • Extreme swelling of the affected area
  • Eye pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Headaches
  • Signs of infection (blisters with pus)
  • Vision changes

These symptoms indicate a more severe sunburn, sometimes resulting in second- or third-degree burns. It’s important that you visit your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms or if your sunburn doesn’t heal on its own.

How to Treat Your Sunburn

If you do experience a sunburn, the good news is that it’s very treatable if it’s a minor burn. Treatment for sunburn includes:

  • Applying moisturizer: Applying moisturizer to the affected area, like aloe vera lotion, can help rejuvenate the skin and provide proper hydration for healing.
  • Cooling the skin: Use cold rags or take a cold bath or shower to cool the skin. This helps reduce inflammation and pain and lowers your skin temperature.
  • Covering sunburnt skin: If you have to be exposed to the sun while sunburnt, cover your skin with sun-protective clothing so you don’t worsen the affected areas.
  • Drinking plenty of water: Drinking extra water helps your body defend against dehydration.
  • Leaving your blisters alone: We know your skin might get bumpy and itchy, but it’s important to leave your blisters alone to allow them to heal properly.
  • Taking pain relievers: You could take pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to help with your pain and discomfort.

If your symptoms persist or get worse after you try these treatment methods for several days, it’s time to see your health care provider.

How You Can Prevent Sunburn

One of the most important things you can do to prevent sunburn is to wear sunscreen. It’s a good idea to use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above, even on cloudy days. You should reapply it often if you’re going to be outside for a long period of time, generally every 90 minutes. Other ways you can prevent sunburn include:

  • Avoiding tanning beds
  • Being aware of what medications make your skin more sensitive to the sun
  • Covering your skin with sun-protective clothing
  • Reducing sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm)
  • Seeking shade when possible
  • Wearing sunglasses and a hat

We know that for some people, being in the sun is inevitable. However, incorporating these prevention methods will help reduce your risk of getting a sunburn.

Helping You Safely Enjoy the Summer Sun

At AdventHealth, we seek to care for all of you in body, mind and spirit. We know how uncomfortable a sunburn can be, and we’re here to help you know how to feel better faster.

Visit us here to find a primary care provider if you don’t already have one, or find your nearest AdventHealth Centra Care urgent care. You deserve to feel whole.

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