[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”891″ img_size=”full” style=”vc_box_shadow” stm_hover_action=”top” css=”.vc_custom_1533139401498{margin-bottom: 55px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1533304797352{margin-bottom: 80px !important;}”]Fun in the sun is what summers were made for but overdoing it in the sun can result in painful, skin-damaging sunburn. More than one-third of adults and 70% of children suffered sunburns of varying degrees in the past year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). That’s because sunburns can occur even when you think you’re safe on overcast days and while wearing sunscreen, which can be applied unevenly or wash off while swimming.
So what do you do if you’ve turned an unwanted shade of lobster red? Here are some important tips from the experts at the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation:
Get out of the sun and into a cool bath as soon as possible. Keep the showers short and the soap to a minimum because harsh soaps can be an irritant. If you can’t get to a shower right away, apply cold compresses on the affected areas but do not let the ice touch your skin directly. Clothing can irritate the affected areas so wear soft, loose-fitting garments that also block out the sun. Continue to take cooling showers for several days after the initial burn.
Moisturize your skin using aloe vera or soy while your skin is still damp. Avoid using petroleum or oil-based products, which can trap heat in your skin. If your skin feels extra sore in certain spots you may need to apply hydrocortisone cream, which requires a doctor’s prescription.
Reduce the swelling and inflammation by using anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen. You can also use an over-the-counter remedy like 1% cortisol cream. If you prefer natural remedies to reduce inflammation, use a cool compress that has been soaked in proteins like skim milk, egg whites or green tea.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
More than one-third of adults and 70% of children suffered sunburns of varying degrees in the past year.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Keep hydrated at all times. Burned skin draws fluids to the surface and away from the rest of your body. Being dehydrated will cause you to feel tired and weak. Drink plenty of water and eat fruits like melons and grapes that are high in water content. Sports drinks like Gatorade, which contain electrolytes, are also helpful.
Leave Blisters alone. Blisters are symptoms of a second-degree burn and a sign that the body is trying to heal itself. Resist the urge to pop them, which could result in infection.
It’s important to note that repeat sunburns can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation warns that your “risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had more than five sunburns.” Keep that in mind and protect yourself throughout the year.
Did you get sunburned today? If so, Agile Urgent Care can help. Just stop by our new Secaucus, New Jersey, office. Contact us here to learn more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
