Sun burns - skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Too long and intensive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skin redness, and then - to the appearance of painful blisters and severe peeling of the skin.

The symptoms of sunburn

Sunburn can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the type of human skin, the duration of exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and several other factors. The lighter the skin of a person is, the faster and shows signs of sunburn.

Its main symptoms are:

• Redness of the skin;
• Painful sensations on the skin;
• Peeling of the skin within a few days after the burn (usually four or seven days later).

Usually the first signs of sunburn appear 3-5 hours after returning from the beach or from the solarium, and the most severe they get 12-24 hours later.

Symptoms of severe sunburn:

• Blisters on the skin;
• Swelling;
• Chills;
• Increase in body temperature (typically up to 38C and higher);
• General malaise.

All this can be accompanied by signs of overheating such as dizziness, headache Headache   and nausea.

If signs of severe sunburn, burns a large surface of the skin, as well as burn a small child should be as soon as possible, seek medical help.

Causes

The main cause of sunburn is exposure to UVB-rays are absorbed by the upper layer of the skin - the epidermis. In the same layer produced substances that cause pain, swelling and redness of the skin for sunburn. UVA-rays penetrate deeper - into the dermis, and also cause considerable damage. Their long-term exposure leads not only burns, but also, in the long term, premature aging Internal and external aging: it is necessary to think in advance   skin. Sunburn can be prepared as a sunbathing under the open sky and in the solarium. The most likely of sunburn in people under the age of six and over sixty years, the inhabitants of the northern countries, travelers in the south, as well as those who are traveling in the mountains.

Treatment

• Cooling. First of all, the need to cool the burned skin. To do this, you can take a cool shower or apply a cold compress. For compresses, use a soft cloth that will not damage the very sensitive because of the burning of the skin. You can also wipe the skin with ice cubes, but watch out for, so that ice is not too long in contact with one area of ​​skin - prolonged exposure to very low temperatures are not useful.
• Moisturize from the inside. Drink plenty of water to replenish the amount of fluid you lose while in the sun. This ensures that the skin cells a sufficient amount of water required for normal regeneration. Avoid alcohol, at least for a day after the burn - it contributes to dehydration.
• Hydration outside. Apply on the skin normal moisturizing lotion or a special cream after sunburn - it not only moisturizes the skin, but it cools and stimulates cell regeneration. Lotions, which include aloe extract, also good to soothe the skin.
• Anesthesia. To relieve the pain and inflammation, you can take drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin (note that aspirin should not be given to children under the age of sixteen). After sunburn and paracetamol can be taken - he was not taking pictures of inflammation, but effectively relieves pain.
• Treatment of severe sunburn. In these burns require special ointment that you can buy at a pharmacy - ask your pharmacist to help you with a choice. If these funds for several hours does not help relieve the symptoms of sunburn, contact your doctor or the emergency room.

How to prevent sunburn

To reduce the risk of sunburn, it is recommended to reduce the stay under the open sky in the hours of maximum solar activity - it concerns the sunny days of summer, as well as travel to the southern countries, at any time of the year. If you have to spend a lot of time in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap. In the open areas of the body is necessary to apply sunscreen. In winter and fall, you can use creams with SPF 15; in the summer, and during travel to warm countries should choose creams with SPF 30 or higher. In addition, at any time of year, choose creams that protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays.

Apply the cream on the skin for at least fifteen minutes before they get out of the house and then use it again every two to three hours. Even if you have a water-resistant sunscreen Sunscreen: summer trends , It must be applied to the body each time after you leave the water. For children should buy special children's sunscreen.

How dangerous sunburn

Usually sunburn it passes pretty quickly, and many people believe that in addition to pain and peeling it bears no risk. But in fact, frequent sunburns increase the likelihood of premature aging, the development of solar keratoses and skin cancer.

Especially good chance of skin cancer in people with very fair skin, lots of moles on the body (over fifty), as well as in those taking immunosuppressants. Sunburns in early childhood is also associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.

In addition, severe sunburn, causing blisters may develop skin infections.

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