Sun Burn First Aid

photo source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIme6g3bz8c

Sunburn results from overexposure to UV (ultraviolet) radiation from the sun.
There are two types of UV rays that can damage skin.  Ultraviolet  A (UVA) rays don’t cause sunburn, but they penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage.  Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are rays that burn your skin.


Frequent overexposure to the sun can cause long-term damage to the skin, resulting in premature aging, wrinkling, and skin cancer.

Symptoms

First degree sunburn

• Skin that turns bright red
• Hot skin
• Burning sensation, pain
• Itch
• Peeling skin

Second-degree sunburn

• All the symptoms of first degree sun burn
• Swollen skin
• Blisters that weep

Third degree sunburn(rare):

• All the symptoms of fist and second degree sunburn

Causes

• Overexposure to the sun.  The time it takes to sustain a sunburn varies, depending on the age of the person, skin color, geographical location, attitude, time of the day, time of year and environmental factors
• Sun lamps
• Some medications (e.g., the antibiotic doxycyline) can make a person more susceptible to sunburn

Complications

• Eczema (skin rash)
• Swelling (edema) of the skin, especially in the legs
• Malignant melanoma
• Skin cancer
• Cataracts
• Precaution
• Do not apply a petroleum jelly, ointment or butter on the sunburn.  They make the symptoms worse and can impede healing
• Do not wash burned skin with harsh soap

What you can do?

• Apply cool baths or cool compresses for 1-0 to 15 minutes several times a day on the area.  Baking soda, cornstarch or oatmeal may become easily relieve the pain.  Small children may become easily chilled so keep the water tepid.
• Apply a soothing lotion on the skin.
• An over the counter pain medications, e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, may help.

Prevention Tips

• Avoid too much sun particularly between 10 AM and 2PM and in Mid Summer.
• IF you plan to be out in the sun when it is hottest, make sure you apply sunscreen areas that can burn. BE sure to apply unprotected areas that can burn.  BE sure to apply sunscreen around your eyes, ears, mouth, and bald or thinning areas on your head. Sunscreen and sun blocking locations protect by filtering out the UV rays that cause sunburn.  A sunscreen of at least SPF 15 is recommended.
• For maximum protection from sunburn.  Apply sunscreen 45 minutes before you go outside..  Applu it to dry skin. Reapply after a swim or activities that make you sweat.  Reapply sunscreen or activities that make you sweat.  Reapply sunscreen often (e.g., every 2 hours)
• If you stay outside for a long period Waterproof sunscreen will stay on until you rub ot towel it of, when you will need to reapply it.
• Thickly applied zinc oxide products block all the sun’s rays are more intense at higher altitudes, nearer the equator, and on the water, and can be reflected by sand, cement and water.
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.  They damage the skin, despite what tanning salon personnel tell you.  
• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
• Use a lip balm with the sunscreen PABA to prevent sunburned lips
• Wear UV opaque sunglasses to protect your eyes
• UV rays can penetrate through loosely woven clothing and beach umbrellas, so wear sunscreen even when using these forms of sun protection.
• Look for the sun-protective clothing now available commercially, including shirts, pants, and hats for adults and children.
• Some medications can cause you to burn even with a little exposure to the sun.  Before starting a medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the possible reactions o the medication to
  sunlight. Among these are doxycycline and sulfa antibiotics.

It is said in a video that a severe sunburn should be treated with some type of aloe vera gel, pain relievers and a long, cool bath. Reduce the pain of severe sunburns and prevent infection with tips from a street firefighter in this free video on first aid and burns.

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