How does a mild and severe and neglected burn manifest. When to seek medical help
The heat melts the asphalt and rushes to the beaches to cool off as much as possible. Because the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is reflected off smooth surfaces such as fine sand and seawater, sunburns can occur even in the shade.
To protect yourself from this, you need plenty of sunscreen, which you will put on your skin often and definitely after every time you get out of the water.
You should not be exposed to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm. says Mrs. Maria Pacioti From SOS Doctors.
If you still get a sunburn, if you have one soft and simple, will manifest itself with mild redness of the skin and pain. Redness appears about 2-6 hours after exposure to the sun. At first, reddened skin causes discomfort. The maximum effect will be seen within 12-14 hours.
If this more seriously, more serious skin problems such as burning and blistering develop. There may be massive fluid loss (dehydration), electrolyte disturbances, and possibly infection.
If you ignore severe sunburns and continue to be exposed to the sun (neglected burn), there is a risk of shock with reduced blood circulation to vital organs.
What to do
For minor burns, Ms. Passiotti recommends first using cold compresses, which you can buy at the pharmacy. Otherwise, soak a gauze pad or soft, clean cloth in cold water.
Apply this cold compress gently on the sunburned skin for 15-20 minutes. Change or refresh the cloth and cold water every 2-3 hours.
Take a cool shower or bath to ease the pain. Afterwards, use a soft towel to gently dry your skin without rubbing it. After showering, gently pat your skin with a light, fragrance-free moisturizer.
A simple pain reliever will reduce pain and inflammation if taken early (at the onset, not at the peak of pain). Covering exposed skin is also important. Also check your skin for blisters. Their presence indicates that the burn is serious and complications are very likely. Finally, remember to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
What to avoid
- Do not put butter, tomato paste or oil on the fire. This applies to all types of burns, not just sunburn. These products not only do not help, they make the burn worse.
- Do not bathe in cold water, thinking that the burn will go away faster
- Avoid bath salts, oils and perfumes as they can cause skin sensitivity reactions
- Avoid rubbing your skin
- Avoid shaving
- Avoid moisturizing lotions containing local anesthetics.
- Avoid the sun. After a sunburn, continued UV exposure will make the condition worse.
When to seek medical help
If you feel the sunburn is severe or the person who has been burned has other medical conditions and is taking medication, see a doctor.