What went wrong?
In all likelihood, you forgot to put on sunscreen and fell asleep in the sun. You woke up from a sting in the back, like from a pin, which - unfortunately - will accompany you for the next few days.
The good news is that most sunburns are superficial and subside after a few days, with just a little local peeling!
What is the first thing that I need to do?
As soon as you realize that you have sunburned due to prolonged sun exposure:
- take a cool shower, ideally for 20 minutes
- you buy from the pharmacy products that offer hydration, and if they have a soothing effect, that is even better!
Although the symptoms of sunburn appear immediately after sun exposure, the severity of the burn may not be fully assessed, as it is a condition that develops over the next 24 hours!
Mild sunburns
- redness
- stinging - burning
- peeling for 2-3 days
Moderate sunburns
- redness
- possible swelling in the area
- intense stinging - burning
- warm to the touch
- Skin peeling off for 7 days
Severe sunburn
- intense redness
- swelling
- intense pain - burning
- presence of blisters
Doctor's tip # 1: Do not rely on quackery, the use of toothpaste is only for your teeth!
Sunburns - How Do I Deal With Them?
The duration as well as how you will deal with it, have to do with the severity of the burn!
- For severe burns, it is necessary to visit a plastic surgeon or dermatologist for him to give the appropriate treatment and proper care.
- For mild and moderate sunburns the duration of recovery is from a few days to 1 week. During this time, there are various creams that you can get from the pharmacy, in order to enhance the recasting of the skin and soothe the irritation!
Instructions - Useful Tips!
- avoided re-exposure to the sun
- drink plenty of water
- eat protein-rich foods
- overcome the pain with common analgesics
Doctor's tip # 2: If for any reason, there is no easy access to a pharmacy, the ideal solution is Vaseline, which should be applied to the burn area, is 1-2 times per day.
Risk factors
- light coloured skin
- sun exposure between 10:00 and 16:00
- wrong use of sunscreen
- use of sunbed
- drugs that cause photosensitivity
How long does the peeling last?
Peeling usually occurs after 2-3 days and depending on the severity of the burn, it can last from a few days to up to 1 week.
The important thing in this period is to follow the instructions we mentioned previously for a smooth healing and avoid pulling the annoying parts of the skin that peel and tempt you to do it! Let them fall on their own and peel smoothly.
After the rejuvenation of the skin and your re-exposure, make sure you use sunscreen with the right protection index while refreshing it often, as your skin will be sensitive.
When should I visit a doctor?
If the sunburn is extensive and is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- headache
- intense thirst
- dizziness
- nausea - vomiting
- reduced sweating
- tachycardia
- fast breathing
- fever up to 39 ° C
- tendency to faint
- cramps
- blisters on the skin
you should contact a doctor immediately or 9-1-1, depending on the severity of the symptoms, as there is a possibility that you have suffered heatstroke (sunburn)!
Doctor's tip # 3: Sunscreen! - Sunscreen! - Sunscreen! And one more thing, do not forget your sunscreen!
Quiz: What skin type do you have?
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