How to Treat Sunburn
Pradeep Chauhan
June 18, 2008
A sunburn is an actual radiation burn of your skin. The ultraviolet light from the sun damaged the DNA of your skin cells, triggering these cells to die (which is a good thing since you don´t want mutated cells hanging around, causing trouble). The dead cells trigger release of pro-inflammatory signals called cytokines that lead to redness, swelling, and pain. The dead cells will slough off in a few days leading to peeling and often uncomfortable itching.
Sunburns are caused by UV radiation rather than heat (we can get sunburns on snowy days). Sunburns destroy skin, which controls the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and protects us from infection.Using sunscreen will help prevent burns. Make sure to know sunscreen myths versus facts when out in the sun.
The best advice regarding sunburn is to avoid it in the first place whenever possible. Many people fail to realize that sunburn can occur even when the temperature is mild, and even on days that aren't particularly sunny. Sunburn can cause problems later in life, from wrinkles to serious skin conditions. Using sunscreen every time you go outdoors will help protect your skin from damaging UV rays.
Identifying the severity of your sunburn is an important step in determining the level of care your sunburn may require. Mild sunburn results in reddening and irritation of the skin about 2-6 hours after sun exposure. More severe cases of sunburn may include blistering of the skin, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, flu like symptoms and skin loss or severe peeling. You should seek care immediately and consult your physician if you suspect that you have developed a severe case of sunburn.
Use Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera comes from the aloe vera plant and may be squeezed from its leaves. Purchasing and learning to care for an Aloe Vera plant through the summer can be a wonderfully relieving investment. This healthful moisturizer is frequently used for sunburn and is applied to the affected areas of the skin as a rub to re-moisturize the dried and burnt surfaces. You can also purchase aloe vera creams and ointments that may include other moisturizers or treatments for dry or burned skin.
Moisturizers - General skin moisturizers such as lotions can be applied to sun burned areas to cool and sooth the skin. Baby oil is also a good moisturizer but don't go under the sun when using it as it can further burn the skin.
Apply soothing lotions that contain aloe vera to sunburned areas. Topical steroids (such as 1% hydrocortisone cream) may also help with sunburn pain and swelling. Note: Do not use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use in the rectal or vaginal area in children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to.
Anesthetics - Anesthetic treatments actually kills the pain of most sunburn for a certain period. This is usually sprayed or rubbed on to the skin.
Visit Herbal Treatment for more Information. Read about Natural Cure and Herbal Treatments
Sunburns are caused by UV radiation rather than heat (we can get sunburns on snowy days). Sunburns destroy skin, which controls the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and protects us from infection.Using sunscreen will help prevent burns. Make sure to know sunscreen myths versus facts when out in the sun.
The best advice regarding sunburn is to avoid it in the first place whenever possible. Many people fail to realize that sunburn can occur even when the temperature is mild, and even on days that aren't particularly sunny. Sunburn can cause problems later in life, from wrinkles to serious skin conditions. Using sunscreen every time you go outdoors will help protect your skin from damaging UV rays.
Identifying the severity of your sunburn is an important step in determining the level of care your sunburn may require. Mild sunburn results in reddening and irritation of the skin about 2-6 hours after sun exposure. More severe cases of sunburn may include blistering of the skin, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, flu like symptoms and skin loss or severe peeling. You should seek care immediately and consult your physician if you suspect that you have developed a severe case of sunburn.
Use Aloe Vera.
Aloe Vera comes from the aloe vera plant and may be squeezed from its leaves. Purchasing and learning to care for an Aloe Vera plant through the summer can be a wonderfully relieving investment. This healthful moisturizer is frequently used for sunburn and is applied to the affected areas of the skin as a rub to re-moisturize the dried and burnt surfaces. You can also purchase aloe vera creams and ointments that may include other moisturizers or treatments for dry or burned skin.
Moisturizers - General skin moisturizers such as lotions can be applied to sun burned areas to cool and sooth the skin. Baby oil is also a good moisturizer but don't go under the sun when using it as it can further burn the skin.
Apply soothing lotions that contain aloe vera to sunburned areas. Topical steroids (such as 1% hydrocortisone cream) may also help with sunburn pain and swelling. Note: Do not use the cream on children younger than age 2 unless your doctor tells you to. Do not use in the rectal or vaginal area in children younger than age 12 unless your doctor tells you to.
Anesthetics - Anesthetic treatments actually kills the pain of most sunburn for a certain period. This is usually sprayed or rubbed on to the skin.
Visit Herbal Treatment for more Information. Read about Natural Cure and Herbal Treatments
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