How to Spot the Symptoms and Treat Sun Burn

Summer is here and that means warmer temperatures and more exposure to the sun. In turn, more exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn. Sunburn is literally a burn from the sun. Unlike other types of burns, sunburn happens slowly over time and people may not notice it has happened until it is too late! Sunburn is most obvious on light or fair skinned people. When these people are exposed to too much sun, their skin will first turn a bright pink then red. However, all skin pigments can be damaged by the sun's powerful rays.

Here are some of the symptoms of sunburn:

• Initially, the skin will feel warm to the touch. It may also be sensitive to touch.
• Next, the skin will discolor. The discoloration may range from light pink to dark red and will appear one to six hours after exposure to the sun. About 24 hours following exposure, the coloration of the skin will either tan or fade.
• The skin may be so burned and damaged that small blisters appear. These blisters will be filled with fluid and eventually break open. The area may become itchy and begin to peel.
• In cases of severe sunburn, the skin will become bright red and large fluid-filled blisters will appear. The person may become dehydrated, may vomit, experience fever chills and nausea. In this type of situation, medical attention should be sought immediately!!

If you do experience sunburn here are a few tips for lessening the pain:

• Drink plenty of water. Water will help dehydrate your skin and promote healing.
• Stay out of the sun until the sunburn has healed. Repeated exposure could deepen the burn and cause more damage.
• Applying cool water or cold packs can help ease your discomfort.
• If blisters are present from the sunburn - cover them with gauze. Do not break them open or itch them - this can cause infection.
• Calamine lotion can help control the itching which often accompanies sunburn.
• Moisturizers and/or aloe gels can help re-hydrate the skin and help soothe the pain as well. Do not use butter as the salt will dry out the skin, making the sunburn worse.
• Bathing in tepid water can cool the body down and ease the discomfort from the heat of sunburn. (Do not use cold water as this may shock your body's system.)

Be sure to see a doctor if:

• The sunburn occurs on a small child. Children under six months of age should never be exposed to the sun even for short amounts of time! Children over six months of age should only go into the sun wearing a sun block of 50 SPF or higher, UV-blocking sunglasses and a hat. Sunburn in childhood can increase a person's risk of developing certain cancers in adulthood.
• Nausea and/or vomiting are present.
• The sunburn causes the person to run a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Large blisters appear.
• The person exhibits symptoms of dehydration.

Of course, the best treatment for sunburn is prevention. If you are planning to be outside in the summer, even on cloudy days, wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Wearing loose fitting long sleeved clothing can help block the sun's rays as well.

Also, do not forget to protect your eyes. Eyes which are overexposed to the sun may become itchy and painful. Select sunglasses which have UV-blocks in them. Choosing a pair which do not have UV-blockers, offer your eyes no protection.

Above all use common sense! If you feel warm - get in the shade. Limit your exposure to the sun and you limit your chances of getting a sunburn.