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Sunburn
is a visible reaction of the skin's exposure
to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the invisible
rays that are part of sunlight. Ultraviolet
rays can also cause invisible damage to
the skin. Excessive and/or multiple sunburns
cause premature aging of the skin and lead
to skin cancer. Skin cancer is the
most common type of cancer in the United
States and exposure to the sun
is the leading cause of skin cancer.
Many
people spend a good part
of their day working or playing outdoors
in the sun. During the summer
months when the sun is directly overhead
(normally between 10:00 a.m. and
3:00 p.m.) it is a prime time for you to
be sunburned.
If you have fair skin,
moles, or freckles, or who have a family
history of skin cancer, you are more likely
to develop skin cancer in later years.
•
Block
the sun's rays using a SPF 15 or higher
sunscreen. (Use a waterproof or
water-resistant sunscreen.) Sunscreens protect
the skin against sunburns and play an important
role in blocking the penetration of ultraviolet
(UV) radiation. However, no sunscreen blocks
UV radiation 100 percent. Using
sunscreens correctly is important in protecting
the skin. Apply the lotion 30 minutes before
going outside, use liberally and reapply
it often during the day, especially after
sweating, exercising or being in the water.
•
Choose
a sunscreen for children and test it on
your child's wrist before using. If your
child develops skin or eye irritation, choose
another brand.
•
Apply
the sunscreen very carefully around the
eyes, remember to apply sunscreen to all
exposed areas of skin, such as overlooked
areas like ears, lips, the back of the neck,
and tops of the feet.
•
All
children over 6 months old, regardless
of skin or complexion type should use sunscreens.
The
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
issued a new policy statement in 1999 approving
the use of sunscreen on infants younger than
6 months old if adequate clothing and shade
are not available. Using sunscreen on small
areas of skin on an infant is not harmful,
according to the AAP. Parents should still
try to avoid sun exposure and dress the infant
in lightweight clothing that covers most surface
areas of skin. However, parents also may apply
a minimal amount of sunscreen to the infant's
face and back of the hands.
•
Talk
with your older child or teenager
about using sunscreen and why it's
important. Set a good example for them by
using sunscreen yourself.
•
Avoid
tanning beds and salons. Most tanning
beds and salons use ultraviolet-A bulbs. Research
has shown that UVA rays may contribute to
premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
Symptoms
of sunburn may include:
•
Redness
•
Swelling
of the skin
•
Pain
•
Blisters
– If blisters form, don't break them.
They contain your natural body fluid (serum)
and are a protective layer. Also, breaking
blisters slows the healing process and increases
the risk of infection. If needed, you can
lightly cover blisters with gauze.
•
Fever
•
Chills
•
Weakness
•
Dry,
itching, and peeling skin days after the
burn – your
body will start to heal itself by getting
rid of the top layer of damaged skin —
the "peeling" process. Following
this process, your skin may have an irregular
color and pattern for a time.
Tips
that may reduce your pain and discomfort
in the hours and days following sunburn:
•
For
discomfort take anti-inflammatory medication,
such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin.)
•
Apply
cold compresses — such as a towel
dampened with cool tap water — to
the affected skin. Or take a cool bath.
•
Apply
a moisturizing cream to the affected skin.
Such as aloe or hydrocortisone
cream.
•
Because
of the possibility of skin irritation or
allergy. Some dermatologists warn against
using products that claim to relieve sunburn
pain but may actually irritate your skin
or cause an allergic reaction such as products
that contain Benadryl or benzocaine.
Seek
medical care for sunburn if:
•
Severe
sunburn covers a large portion of your body
with blisters
•
Sunburn
is accompanied by a high fever or extreme
pain
•
Severe
sunburn doesn't respond to at-home care
within a few days
Source: Mayo Clinic, The American Academy
of Dermatology
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