Keep Sunburn and Its Harmful Effects at Bay This Summer!

Sun is essential to life and enfolds real benefits in its rays. However, one must make sparing use of them. Why? Well, because skin cancer, wrinkles, and eye damage are not the only harmful consequences of sun exposure. It may also cause visible damage to one's appearance. However, now, more than ever, people are aware of the sun damage, sunburn and its harmful effects on the skin. Despite that, there are a number of people still dealing with the same problem every year. Therefore, to combat this here's detailed information about sunburn, its causes, and treatments.

Understanding Sunburn and Its Harmful Effects

Sunburn is a radiation burn caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or from harsh, artificial sources of light like sunlamps. It superficially affects the skin; as a result, the skin, sometimes becomes pricky and painful. Sunburn can vary from mild to severe. The extent depends on skin type and amount of exposure to the sun. Sunburn is a serious risk factor for skin cancers such as melanoma. Besides, it can also lead to heat rash, wrinkles, and ageing.

Symptoms of Sunburn

Signs and symptoms of sunburn vary from individual to individual. One may not notice skin redness for several hours after the burn has begun. The proper symptoms will take 12-24 hours to show. However, the common sunburn symptoms include nothing more than slight inflammation and redness in the affected areas. In severe cases, blistering can occur, and in much more severe cases, symptoms include:

• chills
• fever
• weakness
• nausea and vomiting

On the other hand, extreme sunburns are painful to the point of debilitation and may require hospital care. The extreme symptoms include:

• low blood pressure
• fainting
• extreme weakness

Sunburn can also happen in eyes since they are extremely susceptible to UV rays. The eyes feel gritty and painful.

What Causes Sunburn?

There's a simple explanation behind sunburn. When the skin is exposed to the sun for a long period of time, it eventually burns, turning red and itchy. Underneath the skin, the condition gets a little more complicated. As a matter of fact, the sun releases three wavelengths of ultraviolet light:

• UVA
• UVB
• UVC

Both UVA and UVB rays cause skin damage; UVC doesn't reach the Earth's atmosphere. However, how soon sunburn affects the skin depends on:

• the skin type - sensitive and dry skin types are more prone to sunburn than oily skin type.
• the sun's intensity - sun's UV rays index are at their strongest between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Therefore, the higher the value of the index, the higher the risk for sunburn.
• how long one has been exposed to the sun - even a minute in the sun without protection can cause big damage to the skin. Besides, complexion also plays an important role in causing sunburn. Light skin-coloured people are more prone to sunburn than dark-coloured skin people as the amount of melanin present in them is far lesser.

Sunburn Treatment: Home Remedies for Sunburn

Unfortunately, there's nothing one can do to reverse the damage. However, one can take steps to soothe the skin. Here are easy to find home remedies for sunburn that can help quell the discomfort.

• Milk

It is one of the most readily available items that one can use to treat mild sunburns. Milk is gentle on the skin and can be used straight. Unless a person has a severe allergy or strong aversion to dairy products, there's no reason not to use it. Take a cup of cold milk in a bowl and leave it out for 5 minutes. Dip a cotton pad in the milk and apply gently on inflamed areas. Let the milk dry on the skin. Wash off once it dries.

• Tomato

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant capacity. They are highly effective in treating sunburn and suntan. Take a raw tomato and rub it on the affected areas of the skin. Once it dries up, wash it.

• Aloe Vera

Being an excellent moisturiser, this colourless, jelly-like substance will keep the skin hydrated, while the potent phytochemicals in the gel work their magic to heal the skin. Take a leaf and remove the tough outer skin. Blend it to a paste and apply to the affected area, taking care not to burst any blisters. Leave it for 15-20 minutes and then, wash it off. Reapply frequently for better results.

• Honey

Besides having antibacterial properties, honey is hydrophilic. When honey is applied on the blisters, it draws out the water and makes a covering of the blister thicker, reducing the risk of accidental breakage. Apply unheated organic honey directly on the damaged skin. Or, mix it with powdered oatmeal and let it stay put for 15-20 minutes. Later, rinse it with lukewarm water.

• Yoghurt

Like milk, yoghurt has proteins and fats that can keep painful inflammation at bay. Moreover, its cool characteristics keep the skin relaxed and hydrated. To get relief, apply yoghurt to all sunburned areas, rinse off in a cool shower, then gently pat the skin dry.

How to Prevent Sunburn?

While summer means more fun and outdoor activities, it also means protecting the skin sunburn and its harmful effects. Therefore, here are some of the best tips to prevent oneself from sunburn and its harmful effects.

Tips to Prevent Sunburn

• Limit exposure to the sun between 10 pm – 4 pm. As a matter of fact, the sunrays are especially dangerous at this point.
• Apply sunscreen every 2 hours that contains SPF 15-50 and gives coverage against UVA & UVB.
• Try to stay in the shadow, especially during the peak and hottest hours of the day.
• Create a shade if there's no shade around. This will help the skin in keeping from sunburn and unnecessary sun exposure. If not possible, then, wear a hat. A hat has a wide circumference that will provide the most protection to the face and the back of the neck. You can also use an umbrella.
• Make use of lightweight and light coloured clothes. They keep skin cool and do not absorb the harmful sun rays.
• Wear the correct type of loose clothing. For instance, a swimsuit doesn't count if it's about beach sporting or swimming. However, for everyday activities like shopping, going to work, travelling, etc., loose fitting clothes are the best.
• Protect the eyes and head. The hair does not provide protection from the sun. In fact, even the hair and eyes are affected by the harmful effects of the sun. Spending on a good pair of sunglasses is always a good idea.
• Decrease the consumption of processed foods and sugars. Both these group of foods increase the prevalence of sun damage to the skin.
• Apply the sunscreen – before going out and reapply regularly even if going out for 2 minutes.
• Activities like swimming or any other water sports can remove sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen before you go out in the sun after these activities.
• Drink plenty of water. Sunburn and its harmful effects draw fluid from the skin's surface and the rest of the body. Drinking water can help prevent dehydration as well as sunburn.
• Consume Omega-3. Omega-3 helps in protecting against sun damage and bolsters immunity against the sun.
• Add antioxidant-rich foods to the diet. Blackberries, cherries, kale, and spinach are all foods that are rich in antioxidants that protect the cells against the sun.