Sunburn is that fiery, uncomfortable reminder that you’ve spent too much time soaking up the sun without protection. It leaves your skin red, painful, and warm to the touch, often appearing just hours after exposure.
The good news? Relieve the discomfort by soothing your skin with remedies like cool compresses, gentle cooling treatments, and readily available pain relievers. Remember, healing takes time, so be patient as your skin works to fully recover over the next few days.
The best way to stay ahead is to take proactive measures. Make sunscreen your daily companion and adopt sun-smart habits year-round. Yes, even on cloudy or cooler days the sun’s rays don’t take a break, and neither should your skin protection!
Read More: Everything About Sunscreen – A Complete Resource
Causes of sunburn
Sunburn occurs when you’re exposed to too much ultraviolet (UV) light, which can come from the sun and artificial sources like sunlamps or tanning beds. In Nigeria’s sunny weather, it’s important to understand how both UVA and UVB rays affect your skin.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing long-term damage, while UVB rays are responsible for the painful redness and burn we experience. Even on cooler or cloudy days, UV rays can still cause harm, and reflective surfaces like sand, water, or even concrete can intensify the effects.
Protecting your skin is crucial, regardless of the weather!
Eye Damage
Sunburned eyes, also known as photokeratitis, occur when excessive UV light damages the cornea, causing a painful, gritty sensation. This condition can result from direct sun exposure, as well as from reflective surfaces like water, sand, or even concrete, or from artificial sources like tanning lamps and welding.
The damage to the cornea and lens can lead to more serious long-term eye problems, such as cataracts.
See Also: How to Choose the Best Moisturizers for Every Skin Type
How to Treat Sunburn
You can treat most first- and second-degree sunburns at home with simple steps to relieve discomfort and promote healing:
- Protect your skin: Keep sunburned skin covered, especially when outdoors. Use cool, damp cloths for relief.
- Apply soothing treatments: Use cooling gels like aloe vera or hydrocortisone cream to calm inflammation and hydrate the skin.
- Moisturize: After cooling the skin, apply ointments like petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment to lock in moisture and promote healing without scarring.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can worsen sunburn.
- Soak in a cool bath: Try a bath with oatmeal or baking soda to soothe irritated skin.
- Use pain relief: Take NSAIDs to alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Avoid blistering skin: Don’t pop blisters—let them heal naturally. If blisters are large or cause significant discomfort, consult a healthcare provider.
- Leave peeling skin alone: Allow skin to shed naturally, and avoid peeling.
In cases of severe blistering or dehydration, your healthcare provider may administer rehydrating fluids. Third-degree burns may require medical intervention, such as a skin graft, to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.
These burns can take weeks or longer to heal and may have serious complications.
Top-Rated Products for Sunburn Treatment and Relief
- Cetaphil, Soothing Gel Cream with Aloe, Fragrance Free, 16 oz (453 g)
- Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion – 6 fl oz
- Aloe Vera Moisturising Face Gel (Redness & Sunburn Remedy)
- Disaar Vitamin C Face Serum/Anti-Aging, Sunburn & Dark Spots Removal (Disaar Vit C/1)
- Disaar Pure Bio Aloe Vera Aloe Vera Soothing Gel/Sunburn Repair Gel
FAQ
1. How Long Does It Take for Sunburn to Heal Completely?
Sunburns usually show up two to six hours after sun exposure, reaching their peak discomfort within 24 hours, and typically start fading around 48 hours later. However, for severe burns, the healing process can take much longer.
A sunburn isn’t just a temporary inconvenience it’s your skin’s cry for help after being overexposed to harmful UV rays. While the redness and pain may subside in a few days, the long-term effects, like an increased risk of skin cancer, can linger for years.
2. When to See a Doctor for Sunburn?
If you develop a fever along with your sunburn, it’s important to call a doctor immediately. Watch for signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or shock, such as feeling faint, a rapid pulse, or extreme thirst.
Additionally, seek medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, confusion, blisters covering large areas, or signs of infection like pus, swelling, and tenderness.
3. Which Sunscreen can be used for sunburn?
To prevent sunburn, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for gentle, mineral-based protection, or avobenzone, octocrylene, or Mexoryl SX/XL for effective UVA and UVB coverage. Look for water-resistant formulas to ensure lasting protection during activities like swimming or sweating.
