You should never get sunburned! It is not healthy. It leads to premature aging, wrinkling of the skin, and skin cancer.
Sunburn is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This can be from the sun, sunlamps, or even from some workplace light sources such as welding arcs. Sunburn results in red, swollen, painful, and sometimes blistered skin. Chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting can occur if the sunburn is extensive and severe.
The risk for sunburn is increased for:
Persons with fair skin, blue eyes,
and red or blond hair
Persons taking some medications including
sulfa medications, tetracyclines, some diuretics and even Benadryl (an over-the-counter
antihistamine)
Persons exposed to industrial UV light
sources and/or to excessive outdoor sunlight
Prevention
Avoid exposure to the
midday sun (from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. standard time or from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daylight saving
time).
Use sunscreen with a sun protective factor
(SPF) of 15-30 or more when exposed to the sun. The lighter your skin, the
higher the SPF number should be. Make sure the
sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply sunscreen every hour and after swimming.
Make-up for women is now available with sunscreen protection.
Wear lip balm with sunscreen protection
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves.
Wear muted colors such as tan. Brilliant
colors and white reflect the sun onto the face. Clothing is now available with
sunscreening protection.
Wear sunglasses that absorb at least 90% of
both UVA and UVB rays.
{Note: Be aware that severe sunburn can occur even when the skies are overcast.}
Are there any of these signs of dehydration? Confusion or dizziness Very little or no urine output Sunken eyes, no tears Dry skin that doesn't spring back after
being pinched Extreme dryness in the mouth Extreme thirst |
 |
| Do you have a fever of 102oF or higher or have severe
pain or blistering with the sunburn? |
 |
Cool the affected area with clean
towels, cloths, or gauze dipped in cool water, or take a cool bath or shower.
Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain
and/or fever {Note: See Pain
relievers in "Your Home Pharmacy".}
Apply aloe vera gel to the burned area 2-3
times a day.
Drink plenty of water.
Rest in a cool, quiet room. Find a
comfortable position.
Don't use local anesthetic creams or sprays
that numb pain, such as Benzocaine or Lidocaine. If you must use them, use only a little
because they cause allergic reactions in some people.
When you go in the sun again, put sunscreen
on and cover sunburned skin so you don't get burned more.
| Skin Cancer Warning Signs | |||
| For basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers (types that seldom spread to other parts of the body): | |||
Small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lump
|
Firm
red lump
|
A
lump that bleeds or
develops a crust
|
A
flat, red spot that is
rough, dry, or scaly
|
| For melanoma (which can spread to other parts of the body and be fatal if not treated early) look for these signs in an existing mole: | |||
A. Asymmetry - The shape of one half does not match the other.
|
B.
Border - The edges are ragged, notched or blurred
|
C.
Color - The color is uneven.
|
D.
Diameter - The size changes and is often bigger than that of a pencil eraser. |
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2000 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 03/01/01
