Sun Burns! We Have All Had at Least One

With all the nice weather, we want to spend time outside. Since most of us do not use sunscreen, as we should, the chance of (you) getting sunburn is pretty good this summer. Even using sunscreen, I think it can give people a false sense of security when in the sun, since you tend to stay out longer when you are "protected".

Falling victim to the suns rays is never fun, aside from the peeling and in some cases pain, with every sunburn you get it increases your risk of skin cancer. In addition, the premature aging effects may not fully affect your skin for years.

There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that the sun emits, reaching the earth. Both can do damage to your skin.

UVB rays are absorbed by the epidermis (the skin's outermost layers). Too much can damage cells, causing the inflammation and redness that we call sunburn.

UVA rays go deeper, penetrating the dermal layer in your skin. This is where the collagen fibers are, these are responsible for skins firmness. The UVA rays break down the collagen, which causes sagging and wrinkles.

There are different degrees of sunburns like any other burn. With a lesser degree, there could be no more the a little redness that will appear two to six hours after exposure. An Itchy sensation may be a symptom; histamines that your body produces/releases responding to the inflammation from the sunburn can trigger it.

In more severe cases blisters and blotchiness can appear, and pain. This means the damage has extended past the top layers of your skin.

With severe sunburns, you may experience chills, nausea, and fever. . Pop some ibuprofen (or Olive Oil) and drink a lot of water because your body is dehydrated. Try to start taking action within 12 hours of being burned.

Symptoms should start to lessen a few days after sunburn has occurred; the second day is the hardest to get through. Make sure you keep it clean, there is a possibly for infection in blisters or any broken skin. Most of the time a trip to the doctors is not necessary; unless you feel you must.

However, if you are not in need of an IV because you are really dehydrated or feel like you are going die, you will survive nursing your self at home.

Applying cool presses can help, notice I say cool not cold or ice. Try half milk, half water. You may be tempted to put lotion, petroleum jelly, etc... STOP, before applying anything, check to see what is in it. You what something non-greasy, and lightweight.

Preferably, with Aloe or chamomile.

While you are healing avoid further exposure to the sun, your skin cells are working double time to repair the damage. In addition, it cannot even provide a normal level of protection in its wounded state.

Light-skinned and fair-haired people are at greater risk of sunburn because their skin does not produce enough of the chemical that tans your skin protecting it from sunrays. Nevertheless, do not think just because your skin is dark (or darker then white as a ghost) that you will not be burned. You can, just like the rest of us. Being in the sun is not all bad. If done with caution, sun bathing can be good for you. The UV radiation produced beneficial vitamin D in your skin. Just do not over do it, and you can benefit from the sunrays.