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Self Care for Sunburn
Understanding Sunburn
Sunburn occurs when skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays, leading to redness, pain, and peeling. In the United Kingdom, despite often cloudier weather, the sun's rays can still be strong enough to cause sunburn, especially during summer months or when UV levels are high. Prevention and immediate care are crucial to avoid long-term skin damage.Preventing Sunburn
Preventing sunburn is the best strategy. Incorporate these steps into your routine to protect your skin:- Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
- Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses to cover as much skin as possible.
- Stay Informed: Check daily UV index forecasts to plan outdoor activities safely.
Immediate Actions After Sunburn
If you do get sunburned, prompt care is essential to reduce discomfort and aid healing:- Cool the Skin: Take cool showers or baths to soothe the burn. Avoid hot water as it can further irritate the skin.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which is common after sun exposure.
- Moisturise: Apply aloe vera or a good-quality lotion to keep the skin moist and aid in the healing process.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing to reduce irritation on the sunburned areas.
When to Seek Medical Help
While most sunburns can be treated at home, seek medical attention if you experience:- Severe Burns: Extreme redness, blistering over a large area, or intense pain.
- Fever or Chills: Symptoms of heat exhaustion combined with sunburn.
- Signs of Infection: Pus, increased redness, or swelling around blisters.
Long-Term Skin Care
Repeated sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Make sun protection a daily habit and schedule regular skin checks with your healthcare provider for early detection of any changes. By understanding sunburn, implementing preventive measures, and taking immediate care steps, you can protect your skin and enjoy sunny days safely in the United Kingdom.Frequently Asked Questions
What is sunburn?
Sunburn is skin damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The skin can turn red, become painful, and may eventually peel.
How can I prevent sunburn?
To prevent sunburn, wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, cover up with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and seek shade, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
What should I do immediately after getting sunburned?
If you get sunburned, move out of the sun, cool the skin with cool (not cold) baths or damp towels, drink plenty of water, and apply aloe vera or moisturizing lotion to the affected areas.
When should I see a doctor for sunburn?
Seek medical advice if you experience severe pain, blistering over a large area, swelling, fever, chills, or if you're feeling very unwell or dehydrated.
Can sunburn cause long-term skin damage?
Yes, repeated sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and eye damage.
Are there any home remedies for sunburn relief?
Home remedies include cool baths, aloe vera gel, moisturizers, drinking water, and over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Is it safe to use steroid creams for sunburn?
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help reduce inflammation and itching. However, consult a healthcare professional for severe cases.
How long does sunburn usually last?
Mild sunburn typically lasts about 3 to 5 days, while more severe sunburn may take up to two weeks to heal completely.
Can I still get sunburned on a cloudy day?
Yes, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so it's important to protect your skin even on overcast days.
Do I need sunscreen if I have dark skin?
Yes, people with all skin types can get sunburned and should use sunscreen. Darker skin is also at risk of UV damage and skin cancer.
What type of sunscreen should I use?
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Water-resistant formulations are beneficial for swimming or sweating.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
Can I use after-sun products for sunburn relief?
Yes, after-sun lotions and gels containing aloe vera or other soothing ingredients can provide relief and help moisturize sunburned skin.
Is it normal for sunburn to peel?
Yes, peeling is a normal part of the healing process. Avoid picking at peeling skin to prevent infection.
Can I treat sunburn blisters at home?
If sunburn blisters appear, avoid popping them to reduce infection risk. Keep them clean and dry, and use an antiseptic cream if necessary. Seek medical advice for severe blistering.
Useful Links
Useful links from: What to do if you're sunburnt
- NHS - Sunburn This NHS page provides comprehensive advice on how to treat sunburn, including tips for pain relief and information on when to seek medical help.
- British Skin Foundation - Sunburn The British Skin Foundation offers a detailed FAQ section on understanding and treating sunburn, along with prevention tips and safe sun exposure guidelines.
- Skin Cancer UK - Sunburn Care Skin Cancer UK provides advice on immediate actions to take if you are sunburnt, long-term skin care, and the risks associated with repeated sunburns.
- Cancer Research UK - Sunburn Advice This page from Cancer Research UK explains the dangers of sunburn, how to treat it, and provides useful information on how to protect your skin from UV rays.
Useful links from: Self care - sunburn
- NHS - Sunburn Official NHS page providing detailed information on symptoms, treatments, and prevention of sunburn.
- British Skin Foundation - Sunburn Charity page offering expert advice on managing sunburn and protecting skin from sun damage.
- Cancer Research UK - Sunburn Guidelines on understanding the risks of sunburn, its connection to skin cancer, and tips for sun safety from Cancer Research UK.
- NHS Inform - Sunburn Comprehensive information from NHS Inform about sunburn, including first aid advice, and when to seek medical help.
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- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.