Sun Burn

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Medindia » First Aid » First Aid-Sun Burn

Sun Burn - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Comments (2)

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   Overview
   Causes
   Risk factors
    Symptoms
   Treatment
   Consult a Doctor
   Prevention

Overview

Sunburn is a burn of the skin

Results from overexposure to the sun

Normal exposure results in the production of Vitamin D

Most of us become sun burnt at some time in life

Sunburn causes a lot of discomfort

It can cause premature ageing/cancer

Common in children/young adults

Causes

Sun's ultraviolet rays during outdoor activities
Tanning beds
Traveling to places at high altitude

Risk factors

Light-skinned or fair-haired people
Recent exposure to sun
Prior skin injury
Infections like Herpes, Porphyria
Certain Medications like antibiotics, anti-psoriatic drugs

Symptoms The skin injury begins within 30 minutes of exposure to the sun

Redness of the skin
Irritation
Blisters
Pain
Skin burning
Skin loss
Dehydration
Flu-like symptoms
Infection
Fever
If very severe, shock leading to death may occur

Treatment Self-Help

Get out of the sun
Cover the exposed area
Take a cool bath
Use a cool compress available commercially like, Burow solution
a. Dissolve solution in one pint of water
b. Soak a gauze or clean cloth in it
c. Wring it well
d. Apply to sun burnt area for 20 minutes
e. Change the cloth and solution every 2 hours
Apply aloe-based solution
Avoid using oils, bath salts, perfumed lotions etc
Avoid scrubbing/shaving
Use a gentle towel
Stay out of the sun while sun burnt

Consult a Doctor In case of-

Pain
Headache/confusion
Blisters
Nausea/vomiting
Loss of consciousness
Sunburn being present along with other medical condition

Prevention

Wear hats, long-sleeved dress, long pants while out in the sun
Try to avoid exposure to sun
Use sun-block creams during exposure to sun
Select a suitable SPF number for the sun block cream
Sun Blocks should be reapplied every 2-3 hours
Avoid tanning beds

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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY(ICE)-Life Saving Measures

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Member Comments ( 2 )

Do not wash your body directly after coming from the heat of the sun as it may cause sun burn.
(Posted by delreengeorge, India Date : 6/6/2010 )

Fresh Aloe Vera may be applied directly to the sun burnt area.
You may want to squeeze the aloe vera's juice as it would produce a soothing relief.
(Posted by SecretEver, Singapore Date : 6/16/2009 )