Sunburn; Information, Natural Treatment and Cure

Sunburn results from overexposure of the skin to sunlight or UV radiation from tanning beds. It is a common experience to get burned, and most if not all will become burned at some time. Anyone who go bathing on the beach, goes fishing, works outdoors, or is otherwise exposed to the sun are at risk. Improper use of tanning beds are also sources of solar erythema. Although seldom fatal (sun poisoning), sunburns can be extremely uncomfortable. One gets litteral burns of varying degrees on the skin, from first degree to third degree, which means anything from a redness and soreness, to blister formations and further on to more permanent physical damage to the skin. When it stops hurting and really looks like a roasted, blistery surface, you have a third degree burn.

We are talking about dosage here! Sunburns are literally burns on your skin due to overdosage of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It takes the form of different degrees of inflammation (no,- not infection, but inflammation) of the skin. Injury may start within 30 minutes of exposure. Proper doses are good for the body in many ways. Sun exposure within safe time limits and with proper precautions and preparations is definitely recommended.

UVA and UVB refer to different wavelengths in the light spectrum. UVB is more damaging to the skin, and causes skin cancers more easily. Both UVA and UVB are responsible for photoaging (premature aging of the skin; loss of elasticity and formation of wrinkles) and sunburn. Tanning beds produce both UVA and UVB rays, and must be used with wisdom and consideration. Travel to regions closer to the equator, and places at high altitudes necessitates preparations and considerations in order to avoid being injured by the sun. The lighter your skin and the more fair-haired you are, the greater are your risks of getting burned in the sun, and consequently getting injuries and noticable consequences of overdosage of UV radiation.

Prior recent sun exposure and prior skin injury are risks for new sun-induced damages, even in limited exposure to the sun. However, normal limited exposure to UV radiation produces beneficial vitamin D in the skin.

Symptoms vary from slight redness and soreness to lethal cases of sun poisoning.

Mild and uncomplicated cases of overdosage of UV radiation usually result in minor skin redness and irritation,- a first degree burn. With enough exposure, you can experience shock (poor circulation to vital organs) and even death (sun poisoning) if the condition is not treated properly. The inflammation one gets from overexposure to the sun is remarkably painful.

First symptom is redness about 2-6 hours after exposure. The skin feels irritated. The reaction peaks after 12-24 hours. More severe cases (different degrees of sun poisoning) are complicated by severe skin burning and blistering, massive fluid loss (dehydration), electrolyte imbalance, and even infection. Other common symptoms include chills, fever, nausea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms, and skin loss and scaling after 4-7 days.

Blistering range from a very fine blister that is only found when you begin to "peel" to very large water-filled blisters with red, tender, raw skin underneath.

When to Seek Medical Care

When your sunburn creates troublesome symptoms topically on your skin, and maybe even generalized symtoms with fevers, chills etc described above, call your doctor.

Conditions that makes a visit to a hospital's emergency department relevant include the following:

Self Care At Home. Home care starts before a sunburn. If you are well prepared when exposing yourself to the sunshine, you won't need these tips and techniques.

Stop the UV radiation. Get out of the sun. Cover exposed skin. Get out of the tanning bed.

Medical Treatment

Silver sulfadiazine (1% cream, Thermazene). Cautions about use on the face.

If cases of mild and not life threatening sunburns; plenty of fluids (water), aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Cool compresses with water or water mixed with milk (50/50), Burow solution soaks, or high-quality moisturizing creams and lotions may be prescribed. Soak gauze or a soft clean cloth in it. Gently wring out the cloth and apply to the sunburned area for 15-20 minutes. Change or refresh the cloth and solution every 2-3 hours.

Severe cases are treated with oral steroid therapy (cortisonelike medicine). Steroid creams have no place in the treatment.

Strong pain-killers may be prescribed if the pains are severe. Dehydration calls for oral or intravenous fluids, and hospitalization may be necessary.

Aloe-based lotions are soothing. On Tahiti (people there knows what sunburn is, and how to treat it), tamanu oil treatment is used both as a preventative but also as a treatment for actual burns. It is considered VERY GOOD INDEED, and the tamanu oil has become world famous for its healing properties in such cases.

Cool baths may help.

Topical use of anesthetics is tempting, but is not a good idea, as one may become sensitized to the substance when applied to the burned skin.