Sunburn prevention: symptoms and treatments

The Sunburn occurs when exposure exceeds the capacity of the melanin that protects the skin, the greater or lesser tolerance without injury can vary from one race to another and from one person to another, but is higher in dark-skinned people and lower in lighter skin.

What is the prevention procedure for sunburn

Melanin is the skin’s natural protector. Melanin is the pigment that guards the skin from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is caused by melanocytes and their synthesis is animated by direct exposure of skin to sunlight. The ability to produce melanin is the cause of developing sensitivity to sunburn.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

Sunburn does not appear immediately, manifests a few hours, the symptoms are redness and pain, worse between 6 and 48 hours after sun exposure.

In those more serious burns and blisters are present, there can be inflammation of the skin, especially in the lower extremities, and fever may also occur. The dead skin peeling starts 3-8 days after exposure.

What is the prevention procedure for sunburn?

Sunburn can occur in any season, in the summer solar radiation is greater, but in spring the sun is very hot and prolonged exposure can cause severe burns.

In the winter months, the practice of winter sports at high altitudes causes skin lesions if there is no proper protection, to be less than the thickness of the protective atmosphere.

It is advisable to protect themselves in light clothing, colored, better reflecting the sun, cover your head with a hat and protect your eyes with sunglasses that reflect approved ultraviolet rays. Buy an optical glasses and seek advice from the pros.

If you want to sunbathe, the first session should be of short duration, 10-15 minutes and go extending the exposure time as the skin is browning.

Bask in the early hours or late afternoon, always avoid the midday hours between 11 am and 4 pm and apply sunscreen before and after a bath.

There are sunscreens that guard the skin from ultraviolet A (UVA) of longer wavelength, and ultraviolet B (UVB) of shorter wavelength and more damaging. The two are responsible for sunburn. It is advisable to use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.

What treatment should be followed before a sunburn?

Treatment of sunburn reduces the effects of heat on the skin, helps relieve pain and prevent infection. In severe cases it need medical attention.

But there are some guidelines to follow in case of sunburn:

  • Sanitize the affected area with a cold shower or bath or apply cool, wet compresses on the affected area.
  • If there are no blisters, can apply specific lotions for burns, dosing after cooling the affected skin, ever.
  • Provide analgesics such as ibuprofen or aspirin, to relieve pain, except in children with a fever.
  • Do not expose to sun damaged skin until fully healed.
  • The skin must be outdoors to heal more quickly. If there are blisters compresses should be applied dry to prevent infection.