Helptionary!

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If the skin is exposed for a prolonged period of time to the sun or an ultraviolet light source like a tanning bed, a person can get sunburned as the melanin, which is the protective pigment, can no longer protect the skin. If a person places on sunscreens, wears hats and other items of clothing to cover their skin, the risk of getting sunburn is greatly reduced.

Sunburn turns the skin red and is painful, and if it swells up and blisters, it means that the degree of the burn is much higher. There are some people who are more prone to getting sunburned like those who have freckled or fair skin, blonds, red heads, children below the age of 6, and the elderly.

Sunburn Treatment

• Take cool showers and pat the affected area dry with a soft towel, apply cold compress to the sunburned skin.
• Apply a solution made by dissolving a Burow packet in a pint of water, and damping some gauze or a soft cloth with the solution to place it on the sunburn for 15 minutes, and repeat the procedure every 2 hours.
• Drink plenty of liquids to regain the water lost and to prevent dehydration.
• Take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the pain and inflammation.
• Treat the affected area with ointments or gels that has Aloe Vera or Vandol which contains Vitamin A and E.
• If the sunburn is more severe, the burn cream that must be placed should include silver sulfadiazine as the active ingredient.
• Try not to scratch the area as the skin tissue might get more damaged and do not force off the peeling part of skin.
• Avoid being exposed to the sun until the sunburn is well. If you must go out to the sun, wear protective clothing.

Sometimes, sunburn can lead to an emergency situation. Heatstroke, shock, unconsciousness, convulsions, restlessness, heart palpitations, exceedingly hot and dry skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat or mouth, or fever are the symptoms to look out for and upon observation of any of these signs, bring the person to see a doctor immediately.