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The Importance of Preventing Sunburn & How to Treat if You Get Burnt
The damage to the skin caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation is called sunburn. Excess ultraviolet radiation causes the skin to become dry, hot, red, and painful. Keep reading to find out how to get sunburn relief as well as sunburn remedies and treatment in London and across the UK.
Skin that is directly exposed to or burnt by UV radiation turns red within hours. The sunburn may continue to develop for up to three more days. Sunburn also causes the shedding of dead and damaged skin cells, making way for the creation of new skin beneath.
How does sunburn occur? (Sunburn treatment, relief & remedies in London)
Excessive ultraviolet radiation forces the skin to protect itself and produce more melanin pigment in the skin layer. This causes the skin to change its complexion. In cases where there is excessive radiation, and your skin can't keep up with it, the result is sunburn.
People can directly or indirectly expose themselves to UV radiation from the sun's rays, tanning beds, and swimming in the snow. In the case of snow, this is caused by the reflecting sunlight off the snow, ice, and water, which eventually burns the skin.
Although anyone can get sunburn if exposed to UV radiation, even those with dark skin, people with fair skin are at most risk.
Sunburn treatment, relief & remedies
If you are sunburnt, it would be best to take the following steps for sunburn treatment:
- Use painkillers - paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the instant pain and swelling.
- To ease the pain, take a lukewarm or cold bath/shower.
- Drink lots of water for rehydration.
- Leave blisters untouched, do not pop or break them. If they break independently, clean the area gently with water to avoid any infections.
- You can purchase a cream or ointment to soothe the sunburn. Do not use them on young children as they can irritate their skin.
- Give your skin the time it needs to heal, repair, and build up another protective barrier of cells.
- Keep out of the direct sun until the redness, peeling, and pain have disappeared.
Check out our previous blog post on the ultimate guide to SPF:
When should I see a pharmacist for sunburn treatment?
You should seek immediate medical attention from your pharmacist for severe sunburn, or if you have:
- Open blisters or those filled with murky fluid
- Uncontrollable pain even after taking painkillers
- Dizziness
- Swelling or if you suspect any infection
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
What are the complications associated with sunburn?
Overstaying in the sun creates exposure and direct contact to ultraviolet radiations, thus sunburn. This may lead to heatstroke or dehydration.
After some time, sunburn increases your chances of getting skin cancer, including melanoma. To prevent your children from skin cancer, it's particularly vital to ensure they don't get burnt.
Sunburns make your skin wrinkly and look more aged since it directly affects the melanin.
Can you prevent sunburn? (sunburn treatment, relief & remedies)
The best and most effective way to prevent sunburn is by avoiding exposure to UV radiation. Ensure that you keep out of the sun between 9 am and 4 pm. It depends on the time of year and where you reside.
You can also check the UV Index - whatever the weather.
We’ve put together some of our best products to help with sunburn treatment, relief and remedies:
Fruit of the Earth 100% Aloe Vera Gel
Nivea Sun Moisturising After Sun Lotion 200ml
Care Calamine Lotion 200ml
Check out our other skin products available online across the UK today!
This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.