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Sunburn, as the name suggests, is a burning of the skin due to exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. In case of mild sunburn, the skin may appear reddish, there may be itching of the skin, the skin may be hot to touch. These symptoms may be accompanied by fatigue and dizziness. In case of extreme sunburn, it could be fatal whereas suntan is the mildest form of sunburn. The white skinned people often consider tanning of skin as a fashion statement in the west. A slight coloring of the skin happens in due to the tanning caused by sun.
Over exposure to the ultraviolet radiation is the main cause for non-malignant skin tumors. Big cosmetic companies advertise the use of sunscreen to protect against sunburn. However, some of the scientists do not agree with this. They are of the opinion that sunscreen do not provide protection against malignant melanoma, which may not be due to ultraviolet rays at all. When there is too much of heat, it leads to dehydration. Due to extreme heat a person can get heat stroke, may faint and vomit. This further leads to dehydration.
Home remedies for sunburn:
- Drink plenty of fluids. Keep your self sufficiently hydrated. Make your drinks cool.
- Soak a soft kerchief in cool water and apply it to your body. Avoid use of soap since it may dry the skin and leave the skin dehydrated.
- Do not apply oil or oily substance on the sunburns. It captures the heat inside, causing more severe effect.
- To get relief in the sunburn pain, add about a cup of baking soda or a cup of Aveeno to bath water and take a bath.
- Apply moisturizers that do not contain alcohol to ease away itching. Aloe vera-based products are quite useful. It can be added to water or can also be applied directly in the area of sunburn.
- In extreme cases, one can get blisters due to sunburn. For relief in blisters, use antibiotic creams. Sterilize the wrappings to avoid infection. Do not try to break open the blisters.
Preventive measures for sunburn -
- As far as possible avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 to 4 pm when the sun rays are at its peak.
- If you have to go out in sun, use a sunscreen. Check the SPF of the sunscreen. Apply the sunscreen 10 to 15 minutes before you venture out in the sun. Apply the sunscreen in ample quantity. Water based sunscreen are more effective.
- Use sunscreen for children as well. Special sunscreen for children is available in the market.
- Cover your face and body as far as possible. Wear full-sleeved clothes to protect your hands from getting sunburns.
- Wear big sized glares to protect your eyes. The size of the glares should be big enough to cover not only the eyes but also the area under the eyes. The skin under the eyes is very tender and needs protection. Cover the face as well.
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