What quickly helps with sunburn. How to quickly get rid of sunburn? What are the dangers of sunburn for human skin?

A tan- darkening of the skin, which occurs due to excessive formation of the melanin pigment in its outer layer (epidermis) under the influence of ultraviolet rays of the sun or artificial light sources (mercury-quartz lamps, etc.).

• What to anoint your skin with:

As a rule, tanning indicates good tolerance and beneficial effects on the body of ultraviolet rays, under the influence of which biologically active substances are formed in the body, stimulating the activity of the nervous and endocrine systems, metabolism improves, and resistance to infectious and other diseases increases. In addition, under the influence of ultraviolet rays, vitamin D is formed, which promotes the absorption of calcium from the intestines, necessary for the skeletal system (with a lack of vitamin D, rickets develops). This vitamin ensures the normal activity of many enzymes.

Tanning is one of the body's protective reactions. The thickening of the stratum corneum and the ability of melanin to absorb heat rays protect the body from long-wave ultraviolet rays, which, with prolonged exposure, can cause cell death in the underlying layers of the skin and sunburn, as well as from infrared rays, one of the main causes of overheating and sunstroke. Sweating is an additional means of protection from the sun's rays.

Despite the positive effects of solar exposure, the danger to which we are exposed when exposed to the sun for a long time is very great.

Ultraviolet rays are harmful to our skin. Only people with very dark or black skin produce enough melanin in their bodies to fully protect themselves from the harmful effects of these rays. The damage that can be caused to our skin is directly proportional to the time spent in the sun. In small doses (up to 10 minutes), the sun only slightly irritates the skin, causing slight redness. With large doses, it becomes inflamed and swollen. If the radiation is continued, the skin may burn, causing it to blister and peel off. Excessive exposure to the sun causes such damage to the skin that it is no longer able to perform its protective functions. With severe burns, thermoregulation stops, which, in turn, leads to sunstroke.

The danger of prolonged exposure to the sun also lies in the fact that under the influence of sunlight, the skin loses its elasticity, smoothness and becomes wrinkled. Unfortunately, nothing can slow down or stop this process. The most serious reason to avoid tanning is that the sun's rays cause severe changes in the skin that contribute to the formation of skin cancer. You need to be in direct sunlight for a very long time for such changes to occur. Therefore, white-skinned people living in countries like Australia, where there are many sunny days a year, are much more likely to get skin cancer than people living in places where sunny days are rare. People with black skin produce melanin so efficiently that they are not as likely as white people to get cancer, no matter how long they are exposed to the sun. People with vitiligo (unpigmented areas of the skin) or chloasma (excessive pigmented areas of the skin) should avoid exposure to sunlight. In the first case, the skin quickly burns, in the second, the spots darken and become even more noticeable. If you have dermatitis, you should also not be in the sun: already dehydrated areas of the skin dry out even more, which worsens its condition.

Sunbathing, however, can help those suffering from acne. One way to clear the opening of the sebaceous gland is to cause slight peeling of the skin. This method is the basis of treatment with ultraviolet rays. Exposure to natural sunlight has the same effect. When peeling, along with dead cells, the scales that clog the mouth of the sebaceous gland come off from the surface of the skin, and its functions are restored. Psoriasis is another skin condition that may benefit from sunbathing.

Elderly people, children under 2 years of age, pregnant women, as well as persons suffering from chronic lung diseases (especially tuberculosis), cardiovascular diseases, neurasthenia, lupus erythematosus are contraindicated in the sun for a long time. The timing and regimen of sun exposure in such cases should be agreed with your doctor.

Increased sensitivity to sunlight can develop in people with impaired liver function as a result of diseases or alcohol abuse. If you are hypersensitive to the sun's rays when outdoors, you should stay in the shade, wear clothes made of light, light-colored fabrics with sleeves, lubricate exposed skin with sunscreen, and use a light-colored umbrella and safety glasses.

Unfortunately, even knowing that the sun is harmful to the skin, many people actively tan, believing that a tan will make them more attractive.

You need to tan gradually. The first day you should be in direct sunlight for no more than 10-15 minutes, and residents of areas with a temperate climate, and especially northerners vacationing in the south or in the mountains, should use a sun umbrella for the first few days. If well tolerated, increase sun exposure by 5 to 10 minutes every day. The maximum period for an already tanned person should not exceed 1-1 1/2 hours. Lubricating the skin before sunbathing with clove, nut, peach or other vegetable oil helps to achieve an even tan.

The most favorable time for tanning in the southern zone is before 11 - 12 o'clock. (morning hours), in the middle and northern from 11 to 13 hours. When sunbathing, the head is covered with a scarf, Panama hat or straw hat. It is better to wear dark glasses: under the influence of direct sunlight, inflammation - conjunctivitis - can occur in the mucous membrane of the eyes, which does not have a protective stratum corneum. You should not sunbathe immediately after eating or on an empty stomach; sleeping in the sun is extremely harmful. Excessive exposure to radiation, the desire to tan as quickly as possible, in addition to general painful phenomena (malaise, irritability, headache, insomnia, chills, fever), can cause skin burns and sunstroke.

Folk remedies that help protect the skin from tanning and eliminate its unpleasant consequences

• An old recommendation -“The main trouble that remains after tanning is the changed color of the skin and its roughness, which sometimes remains for some time. Frequently luring sunburnt areas with soft water or juice from raw potatoes most likely helps here. These products easily destroy heat and tanned skin and strengthen the outer skin, which often remains uneven and rough. If anyone wants to eliminate the roughness and cracking of the skin, as a consequence, remaining after tanning, then he should use the above-mentioned remedies, to which crushed brown bitter almond shells can be usefully added.”
• Means for protecting the face from sunburn –“Take an arbitrary amount of ox bile, Roman alum - 1 spool for each pound, rock salt - 4 spools, camphor - 1 spool. All this is combined together and mixed for a quarter of an hour, then it settles and this is repeated 3-4 times a day for 2 weeks in a row or until the bile becomes as clear as water. It is then filtered and stored for consumption. You should wipe your face before going into the sun, and wash your face with cold water in the evening.”
• Cucumber
  • Tincture of cucumber seeds. Prepared with vodka or 40° alcohol in a ratio of 1:10. Leave for 2 weeks, strain. Before use, dilute the tincture with water in a ratio of 1:10 and wipe your face daily until the desired result is obtained. It is used as a product that protects the skin from sunburn and the appearance of freckles. You can also make a mask from this composition for 5 - 10 minutes.
  • Vodka tincture of the upper skin of cucumbers is used to rub the face and hands against sunburn and freckles.
• Yogurt
  • To some extent, the skin can be protected from the effects of the sun with curdled milk.
  • If there is persistent redness of areas of the skin, lubricate them with sour milk, cologne or vodka and refrain from further exposure to the sun until the redness disappears.
  • To reduce uneven pigmentation caused by tanning, wipe exposed skin with sour milk or lemon juice.
  • Remedy for sunburn and chapping. Take a little raw yolk from a fresh chicken egg in your palm and generously lubricate your face. When the yolk hardens on the face, it should be washed off with soap and water. The result is always great.
• Sun protective creams. Creams designed to protect the skin from adverse atmospheric influences cool the skin and protect it from the strong effects of the sun's rays. These creams are used in the mountains, on the beach:
  • Spermaceti - 3 g, Vaseline - 47 g, water - 48 ml, glycerin -1.5 ml, perfume - 0.5 ml.
  • Salol - 7 g, petroleum jelly - 47 g, lanolin - 25 g, water - 25 ml.

Remedies for sunburn

• Potato
  • Peel the potato tubers, grate them on a fine grater and squeeze out the juice through cheesecloth. Lubricate your face with it or soak a gauze pad in it and apply it to the affected areas of the skin. Potato juice has an anti-inflammatory effect, so it is used in the treatment of sunburn. The juice can be mixed with oatmeal or wheat flour and apply a mask to the face for 75 - 20 minutes.
  • Mask for sun-scorched skin. Boil several potato tubers in their skins, peel, mash into a puree and mix with fresh sour cream or cream to the consistency of a well-spreadable mass. Apply the warm mixture to the face for 10-15 minutes, then wipe the skin with a cotton swab.
  • Immediately applying raw grated potato to a severely burned area of ​​skin will soothe the pain and prevent blistering.
  • For sunburn, apply a layer of grated raw potato gruel to the burned areas for 20 - 30 minutes.
  • Reddened and irritated facial skin should be powdered with potato flour.
  • If after exposure to the sun there is slight redness of the nose, it should be generously powdered with starch several times.
• Tea
  • For sunburn, it is recommended to apply a compress of strongly brewed tea (brew a teaspoon of tea in 1/4 cup of boiling water, leave for 30 - 40 minutes, strain). Procedures are carried out 2-3 times a day for 20-30 minutes. Compresses relieve pain and burning sensation.
  • After using the tea drink, the pulp can be used as a compress.
  • Pre-lubricating the skin of the face or other parts of the body with strong brewed tea prevents sunburn.
• Decoction of leaves of fireweed angustifolia - Take 10 g of dry leaves, pour 1 cup of boiling water, boil for 15 minutes. Use as a lotion for sunburn.
• pharmaceutical camomile
  • Chamomile infusion (1 tablespoon per glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes) is used for lotions and compresses for sunburn and frostbite.
  • It is useful to add an alcohol tincture or 5 - 10% aqueous chamomile decoction (pour one tablespoon of dry inflorescences with a glass of water, boil for 5 minutes, leave for about an hour) to any fatty or fortified cream. A cream with this additive helps with skin irritation and sunburn.
• Quince Pour quince seeds with boiled water in a ratio of 1:50, shake for 5 minutes, and then strain through cheesecloth. It is recommended to lubricate the burned areas with the resulting mucous infusion 1-2 times a day. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times in a row at intervals of 10 - 15 minutes.
• Aloe
  • It is recommended to lubricate burned areas of skin with juice from fresh aloe leaves.
  • For burns, aloe juice diluted with boiled water (1:1) is also used. Wipes soaked in diluted juice and wrung out are applied to the burned surface 1 - 2 times a day every 5-10 minutes. In one hour.
• Watermelon - For burns, use a lotion made from equal parts of watermelon and cucumber juice.
• Cabbage - Sauerkraut leaves are used for burns, applying them to the burned area.
• St. John's wort
  • St. John's wort decoction. Take 1 tablespoon of dry herb (leaves and flowers) St. John's wort, pour a glass of boiling water, boil for 10 - 15 minutes. and strain immediately. Use for lotions and wiping for burns.
  • St. John's wort oil. Take 3 tablespoons of dried and crushed herb or St. John's wort flowers, pour in 200 g of vegetable oil, leave for 2 - 3 weeks in a glass container, tightly closed with a lid, shaking occasionally. Strain the resulting extract through cheesecloth. Store the butter in the refrigerator. Used for burns, long-healing wounds, for lubricating very dry facial skin, for inflammatory processes and skin irritation.
• Oak – For skin burns, use a 10-20% decoction of oak bark (20-40 g of bark per 200 ml of water). Strain the broth immediately after heating, cool and use for lotions, which are applied to burned skin for an hour every 5-10 minutes.

With what anticipation we sometimes look forward to summer! You can throw off all your fur coats and jackets, exposing your body to the warm rays of the sun. Some people like to sunbathe on the shores of the seas. Others go to their dachas to get a golden skin tone through pleasant gardening chores. However, if you spend just a little longer in the sun, she risks getting a sunburn instead of a bronze color. The fight against it can drag on for several weeks, knocking you out of your usual rhythm.

Causes of burns

Often, a person gets a sunburn after being overly involved in the process of tanning on the beach or in the garden. However, a solarium can also become a source of redness if the permissible time is exceeded.

Victims of radiation are most often fair-skinned people. They can get severe sunburn even if exposed to bright rays for a short time. For dark-skinned people, excessive use of tanning can also lead to quite unpleasant consequences. But this requires much more time, since this type of skin is naturally protected from ultraviolet radiation.

Symptoms

Excessive sun exposure provokes an inflammatory reaction. It is accompanied by rather unpleasant symptoms: pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes blisters. The first signs make themselves felt literally after half an hour of exposure to direct rays. Redness of the skin indicates that you have a sunburn. What to do in this case? Treatment methods directly depend on the severity of the burn.

The mild form is characterized by skin redness, burning, a feeling of tightness, and burning. People who are sensitive to the sun may also experience other symptoms such as fever, chills, dizziness, nausea and weakness.

The severe form significantly affects the condition of the victim. Sometimes an excessive dose of ultraviolet radiation can provoke fever, loss of consciousness, and hyperthermia. The skin becomes blistered. If a sunbather experiences such a sunburn, treatment should be entrusted to a doctor. Otherwise, you risk getting a burn disease.

Diagnosis of a burn

It is not always necessary to see a doctor to determine the extent of skin damage. Mild forms do not require any medical intervention. By using special remedies for sunburn, you can cure yourself at home.

But if there are warning signs, such as persistent headache, general weakness, painful vomiting, or blisters form on the affected area of ​​the skin, you should consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will conduct an examination and may recommend tests. Based on this, he will decide how to treat sunburn and where the patient will undergo therapy: in a hospital or at home. Remember that ignoring the problem is fraught with quite serious consequences.

Burns are especially dangerous for children. Having delicate skin, babies suffer several times more from the sun. Sometimes even a state of shock is possible. In this case, the child looks somewhat stunned, his skin becomes sticky and cold, and breathing becomes difficult. In some cases, loss of consciousness is possible. In this situation, seeking medical help is simply necessary. Parents should clearly understand that a burn to the baby’s skin seriously increases the risk of cancer.

How to prevent a burn

Every person quite often hears many recommendations to avoid the unpleasant consequences of exposure to the sun. Despite this, most people get sunburned every year. What to do to avoid skin damage?

Sunscreen is one of the most effective means of protecting the body from ultraviolet rays. Of course, it does not guarantee 100% effectiveness, but it can significantly reduce the harmful effects of the sun on the skin.

Try not to be in direct light. On the beach, look for a place under special shelters - “mushrooms”, umbrellas. Try to take a dip in water more often or moisturize your body with a water spray. For work in the country, choose light-colored clothing that covers most of the skin as much as possible. The head must be covered with a Panama hat or hat. Give preference to a headdress with wide brims. It will protect not only your head, but also your face and neck. Try to wear sunglasses.

First aid

Sometimes, even with maximum protection methods, it is not possible to protect the skin. If the victim feels the first signs of sunburn, immediate action must be taken.

First aid for sunburn:

• It is necessary to hide in the shade as quickly as possible. It is best to go into a cool room.
• It is recommended to remove excess clothing. This will allow the skin to breathe freely. At the same time, heat transfer will increase.
• It is necessary to take a painkiller if the victim feels the need for it.
• Doctors advise consuming more cool liquids. But by no means cold!
• A bath with slightly cool (not cold) water helps relieve pain very well. This procedure can be replaced with cool compresses applied to damaged areas.
• Try not to irritate your skin, so avoid any cleansers. You should also not dry yourself with a towel. This will only further injure the skin.
• Burnt areas should be treated with special means. Use only medications specifically designed for this purpose. All of them should have the recommendation: “Use after sunburn.” Do not replace them with regular creams. In the absence of special medications, it is better to abstain from this procedure altogether.
• If the victim develops blisters, it makes sense to apply sterile dressings. This will protect the damaged parts from possible infection.

Do not rush to unnecessarily cool the room with air conditioning. The body is quite weakened from the burn. Therefore, any hypothermia can lead to ARVI, and sometimes to pneumonia.

Treatment of burns

Remember that proper and timely assistance to the victim will save him from many unpleasant consequences. Literally within a day, it becomes visually noticeable what stage the sunburn is acquiring. Treatment of mild forms is possible at home using appropriate medications. It is worth remembering that more severe stages require contacting a specialist doctor.

Further help for sunburn necessarily includes cooling compresses. They are recommended to be applied for approximately six hours after skin damage. After them, the treatment should be as follows.

Reddened skin must be moisturized either with aqueous solutions, or with gels and creams that have wound healing and antiseptic properties. The most preferred are: “Panthenol”, “Actovegin”, “Bepanten”, “Agrosulfan”, “Rescuer”, “Synthomycin ointment”, “Levosin”, “Methyluracil”, “Fastin”.

After a few days, the damaged skin begins to peel off. In its place, a new epidermis forms. At this time, it’s a good idea to add creams and ointments on a more oily basis. They will perfectly protect the delicate layer of skin and provide sufficient hydration. For such purposes, it is recommended to use sea buckthorn and vaseline oil. In the absence of these, any vegetable will do.

If the burn is accompanied by the appearance of blisters, treatment tactics depend on their size. For small forms, the same treatment is required as for reddened areas of the skin. Blisters are not punctured under any circumstances. They will open on their own in a few days, only when the skin is protected by a new layer of epidermis. Large blisters are opened exclusively in a medical institution by a specialist, where it is possible to observe all precautions. There they are treated with water antiseptics and the blisters are carefully pierced with a needle. After the fluid is evacuated, the tissues are left in place. They serve as a biological dressing, protecting the skin from various microorganisms and from possible suppuration.

Spontaneous opening of blisters or the presence of wounds requires special treatment, which is prescribed for thermal burns.

The choice of method is completely individual and depends on the stage. Most often, a combination treatment is required, consisting of alternating different drugs. It is important to remember that you should only use sunburn products. Only they are able to give the required effect. Damaged surfaces must be treated with antiseptic solutions that do not cause damage or irritation to tissues. This is, as a rule, furacilin, chlorhexine. If the wounds are not deep and are themselves covered with a thin layer of scab, then they are left open. Otherwise, they must be covered with ointment bandages. For these purposes, Solcoseryl, Levomekol, Methyluracil, Oflocain are used.

In some cases, edema syndrome may occur. Then antihistamines are included in the treatment: Loratodine, Claritin, Erius. In very difficult situations, glucocorticoid hormones are prescribed locally or systemically.

Modern drugs

Numerous medications can sometimes be confusing. Often, while in a pharmacy, a person who has received a sunburn has absolutely no idea what to apply to it. To avoid getting into such situations, you should know the basic medications that will allow the victim to return to their normal rhythm of life much faster.

Wound healing medications:

• "Panthenol". May be in the form of a gel-like foam, cream or ointment. This diversity has its advantage. Thanks to it, the drug can be used for almost all stages of burns. It perfectly moisturizes, effectively protects and stimulates the restoration of damaged tissue. To cure a sunburn much faster and easier than smearing the wounds with cosmetic creams, the benefits of which are quite questionable, it is much more effective to use the product “Panthenol”.

• "Solcoseryl". Another drug that has proven itself in the treatment of burns. It also has different dosage forms: gel, ointment, jelly.
• "Methyluracil". This is a paraffin-based ointment. Perfectly stimulates skin regeneration. Recommended for the treatment of superficial wounds or deep ones at the healing stage.

Antiseptic medicines

• "Miramistin". It has excellent antibacterial properties against many microorganisms and fungi. As a rule, it is prescribed for burns of any form in the initial stage.
• "Argosulfan". The medicine is based on silver. This drug is used exclusively for minor skin injuries.
• "Oflocain". It is a combination of lidocaine and an excellent antibacterial substance. It has an excellent effect on the wound, protecting it, moisturizing and pain relief. At the same time, it stimulates the process of rejection of dead tissue, which greatly facilitates the healing process.

Combination medications

• "Fastin." It is an ointment containing anesthesin, furatsilin, syntomycin. Used for superficial burns.
• "Rescuer". Made from beeswax and sea buckthorn oil. Forms a protective film on the fired surface. It has wound-healing, moisturizing, softening and analgesic effects.
• "Kremgen". The drug contains an antibiotic and a hormonal substance. Effective for injuries accompanied by swelling.

Facial burn

During tanning, it is very difficult to determine when a completely harmless process takes on a rather unpleasant form. If the moment is missed and there is a sunburn on the face, immediate action must be taken. You should start with cooling. Apply a cloth soaked in cool tea to the affected areas of your face. If possible, tea can be replaced with chamomile decoction or aloe juice. Cucumber is also perfect for these purposes. It needs to be cut into thin slices and applied to the surface of the face for 30 minutes.

For more serious burns, all of the above remedies are excellent. Just remember that the face also requires enhanced cell nutrition. It is best to discuss the choice of suitable products for your skin type with a specialist. And don’t forget, if your skin starts to blister, a trip to the doctor is required.

Folk remedies

It’s just great if, when going to the seas, you take with you a complete first aid kit - for all occasions. But most often, redness of the skin takes you by surprise. The answer to the question “how to treat sunburn” is becoming increasingly important. Of course, you can go to the pharmacy and buy the necessary medicine. But, as a rule, the pain is so strong that sometimes even such a campaign seems like a heroic feat.

In this case, we should remember our ancestors, who did without medicine at all, and use a folk remedy for sunburn.

Among the best are

• Sour cream. The most effective and affordable method. The product perfectly relieves pain and redness. It is necessary to apply a layer of sour cream to the burned areas of the body. Such a mask should remain on the skin for about 30 minutes. If you do not delay time, but carry out the procedure on time, then the skin will not peel off at all. But even if you hesitate, you will still make recovery much easier.

• Potato. An amazing remedy that will get you back on your feet the very next day. To make it, boil several potatoes in their jackets. Peel and beat them with sour cream. Apply this ointment to the burns for half an hour. Then rinse gently with cold water.

If blisters appear on the body, then lubricate the affected areas of the skin with raw potato gruel. It should be kept on the burns for up to 40 minutes. Potatoes even help with allergic reactions to the sun.

• Egg yolks. An excellent folk remedy that our grandmothers used to treat themselves. It is necessary to boil hard-boiled chicken eggs. The yolks are removed and fried over low heat until a viscous black ointment forms. This composition should be used to lubricate sunburns. The product is so effective that damaged areas heal instantly. By the way, this remedy perfectly treats any burns, including severe ones.

Preventive measures

It is much easier and much more beneficial to prevent sunburn than to look for a panacea for problems. Following some simple rules will help you with this:

• Sunbathe exclusively before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m. The specified time may vary depending on the region. To determine when the sun's strongest activity begins, take a close look at your shadow. If she is shorter than you, then it’s time to hide. Remember that you risk getting not only sunburn on your skin, but also heatstroke.
• During peak solar activity hours, you need to wear closed clothing and a hat in open spaces. It is quite important to have sunglasses. By the way, it is better to choose them with real glass rather than plastic. Because the latter does more harm to the eyes than helps.

• Refrain from sleeping on the beach, otherwise waking up may be a real nightmare.
• Use special creams. If you have pale skin, choose products with a protective index of 20. For dark-skinned people - from 15 and below. If you have fair skin and bright red hair, your index is 30. All sunscreens should be applied to clean and dry skin. It is best to carry out this procedure an hour before going out into the open area. After bathing, creams and oils are washed off. Therefore, after each rinsing, they must be reapplied.

Remember that even cloudy weather will not protect you from the possibility of getting a sunburn. Ultraviolet rays tend to pass through clouds perfectly.

What cannot be treated

It is quite important to remember that the skin after a sunburn is very sensitive and vulnerable. It requires quite careful treatment and proper treatment. Therefore, when providing first aid, know which methods are strictly prohibited:

• Do not apply products containing alcohol to burn areas. This will incredibly increase the pain and dry out the already damaged surface. And it will increase the affected area.
• Burnt skin should not be washed with various chemicals (gels, foams, soaps). This may trigger allergic reactions.
• The use of fatty creams is unacceptable. They will have the exact opposite effect. By significantly preventing the skin from cooling, they will lead to more severe damage.
• Never pop blisters yourself. Such a procedure, if carried out incorrectly, without following the rules of antiseptics, will result in infection of the burns. Needless to say, the treatment will become much more complicated and protracted.

Instead of a conclusion

The long-awaited sun is so relaxing that you often don’t have the strength to leave the beach on time. And it doesn’t seem so burning, but a golden tan is still so far away... And only in the evening, when you feel that your skin is starting to burn, do you involuntarily remember all the recommendations about gradual tanning. After all, it is very difficult to determine the line when a light tan turns into a sunburn.

In pursuit of a fashionable, beautiful tan, many girls, without calculating their strengths and capabilities, get sunburned. Peeling skin has never been fashionable, and the feeling of being burned is such that you don’t even think about beauty.

Sunburn occurs as a result of excessive exposure to UV rays on the skin, so you can get sunburned not only on the beach, but also get burned in a solarium. To protect your skin from troubles, you need to skillfully use sunscreens while tanning, and know your skin type well in order to determine the optimal time of exposure to the sun.

If you are not very badly burned, i.e. the skin is red, peeling, there are no large blisters, which means you can cope with the burns yourself with the help of folk remedies or medicines from the nearest pharmacy. If large blisters form, your skin is severely damaged and you should see a doctor immediately.

First aid for sunburn

1. After a sunburn, first of all, get out of the sun indoors, since outdoors under a canopy you are still exposed to UV radiation.

If the blisters are very large, see a doctor immediately.

3. A cold compress or shower can help relieve pain.

4. Apply cold aloe juice or soothing after-sun cream to the affected area of ​​skin. Remember that you should never lubricate a burn with butter or vegetable oil!

How to properly treat burns

If your skin is very hot, you need rest. Until the burn is completely healed, try to stay out of the sun.

If the burn is not severe, the skin is only red and burns a little, use soothing after-sun creams. They will cool the skin, restore, moisturize, and relieve itching.

Doctors consider sprays and creams containing panthenol (for example, the drug Panthenol spray) to be the most appropriate medications for sunburn. For burns accompanied by skin damage with blisters and cracks, Solcoseryl cream is an excellent remedy.

To reduce pain, relieve fever and inflammation, it is recommended to take the usual painkillers - aspirin, ibuprofen.

Burnt skin is very dry and can be softened with calamine lotion. To prevent dehydration, drink more fluids.

Never puncture blisters or pick off peeling skin. You can get an infection, cause bleeding, and discoloration of the skin.

Vitamins for skin renewal. Burnt skin needs vitamins during recovery. After cooling, apply vitamin E cream to your skin; taking vitamin E orally will also help. This way the burns will heal faster and won’t leave marks behind. When treating large sunburns, it is recommended to take additional vitamins C and D.

Sunburn: folk remedies

Potato masks against sunburn. Potatoes are one of the most effective folk remedies for treating sunburn. It can be used raw, boiled, or you can buy pure potato starch.

1. Lightly sprinkle potato starch onto burned skin several times a day. The skin will calm down and recover faster. Starch can be diluted in water and applied to the sore spot in the form of lotions.

2. Grate raw potatoes, cool in the refrigerator, apply to gauze and apply to the burn as a compress for 15 minutes. This recipe helps with both sunburn and sun allergies.

3. Boil the potatoes with their skins on, then peel and blend with sour cream in a blender. Apply to burned skin for half an hour, then rinse with water at room temperature. Burns go away very quickly.

Sour cream against burns . In folk medicine, it is a very popular remedy for sunburn, as dairy products soften, cool the skin and soothe the burning sensation. Just lubricate the burns with chilled sour cream or kefir several times a day. When the sour cream begins to dry out on the skin and you feel tightness, wash it off with a damp cotton swab and apply a fresh one. Attention: if your skin is severely damaged, there are large blisters, this method of treatment cannot be used, the result may be the opposite.

Curd compress will help cool the skin and reduce pain. Wrap the cottage cheese in cheesecloth and lightly freeze until solid. Apply to burnt skin as a compress. You can add a little buttermilk to the cottage cheese, apply the mixture to a towel and apply to the burn for 30 minutes. As the compress warms up, change it to a new one. Cottage cheese can be replaced with sour cream, kefir or sour yogurt.

Oat flakes with sour cream for burns. Mix the steamed flakes with chilled sour cream or milk and apply to the skin for 15 minutes, rinse with water. Repeat several times during the day until the condition improves.

Egg white draws heat out of the skin, soothes, softens, accelerates healing. Just cool the protein in the freezer and apply it to the skin with a cotton swab, rinse with water as it dries and apply a new layer.

Cabbage leaves - a popular remedy for burns, quickly cools and soothes the skin, relieves swelling, and reduces pain. It is better to pour boiling water over the cabbage so that the leaves become soft and manageable, then cool them slightly and wrap the painful areas, secure with a bandage.

Herbal cooling compresses

Using herbal compresses you can simultaneously cool, moisturize the skin, reduce pain and, thanks to the properties of medicinal herbs, speed up healing.

Prepare an infusion of chamomile, elderberry, calendula, or lavender. Cool the broth in the refrigerator, then apply lotions to the burned areas.

Lotions made from black or green tea effectively cool and soothe the skin, relieve pain and irritation. Brew several tea bags, cool in the freezer and apply to the burned areas.

Aloe. Another magical cure for sunburn that perfectly moisturizes, cools and quickly restores sunburned skin is chilled aloe juice. You can buy aloe gel at the pharmacy.

Cucumber juice - a popular folk remedy for sunburn, it cools, soothes the skin, relieves itching and irritation, and promotes rapid healing. Cool the cucumber, cut into small circles or grate on a fine grater and apply as compresses several times a day.

Parsley mask from burns. Parsley can be used fresh or a decoction can be prepared from it. Cool the parsley, grind the leaves into a fine paste, apply to problem skin as a lotion for 15 minutes. Vitamins A and C, contained in large quantities in parsley, will help speed up the process of skin regeneration and relieve swelling.

Essential oil for sunburn

For minor minor burns, you can moisten the skin with cool water and add a few drops of chamomile essential oil.

If the burn is severe, with blisters or open wounds, dilute a few drops of lavender oil in water and gently wet the affected skin.

To soften dry skin when treating burns, it is useful to rub wheat germ oil into it.

Consequences of sunburn

1. Severe sunburn of the skin can cause swelling. Sunburn on the face and neck can cause difficulty breathing. In this case, immediate medical attention is required.

2. If large areas of skin on the arms and legs are affected, blood circulation may be impaired. If you notice that your arm or foot is numb or blue, consult a doctor immediately.

3. To speed up the healing of burns, do not wear clothes made of rough synthetic fabrics. Clothing should be loose, made of silk or cotton.

4. Do not forget that if you stay in the open sun for a long time, you can get heatstroke.

People relax and work under the sun, which not only saturates the body with important vitamin D, but can also cause burns on the dermis. You can get a sunburn by sunbathing at sea, in nature, working in the country, gardening, construction (roofs of houses), etc. So let's look at sunburn and heatstroke in a child and an adult.

What is sunburn

Sunburn is an inflammation of the dermis, the cause of which lies in excessive exposure to the sun's rays (ultraviolet radiation). You can also get a burn in a solarium, from various light sources.

Sunburn can have different external manifestations (minor, slight swelling, extensive, multiple appearances containing a clear, yellowish liquid). After blisters appear, the upper layer of the dermis peels off.

The risk of sunburn depends on the following factors:

• depth of lesion;
• duration of exposure to rays;
• skin type;
• square.

We will talk about the symptoms of sunburn below.

Sunburn on the face (photo)

Symptoms

A sunburn does not become noticeable immediately, but only after some time (8 – 12 hours). The defeat manifests itself as:

• redness;
• soreness;
• minor injury;
• loss of moisture;
• increased sensitivity.

Peel off usually 4 – 7 days after getting a sunburn.

If the resulting sunburn is mild, it will go away without serious consequences. At the same time, they can provoke the occurrence of photodermatoses). In cases where the degree of burn is more severe, the following non-healing defects on the dermis may occur:

When exposed to the rays of the sun, various neoplasms (benign) can occur on the dermis:

• . These age spots occur in different areas of the body. They are dangerous due to their transformation into melanomas (malignant tumors). Therefore, if they are present, it is necessary to be observed by a specialist;
• . This manifestation is observed in adulthood.

Exposure to the sun's rays can provoke various photodermatoses:

• (polymorphic);
• phototoxic reactions;
• lupus erythematosus;
• summer solar dermatitis (benign).

Sunburns received in childhood increase the likelihood of developing. Excessive exposure to UV rays dries out the dermis and causes premature aging.

This video talks about the degrees and characteristics of sunburn:

First aid

(red, inflamed) is considered a wet compress. This compress should be kept for 15 to 20 minutes on the area affected by the sun's rays. If possible, experts recommend taking a bath in which the water temperature is at room temperature.

To alleviate the condition after sunburn, you can use one of the many traditional methods:

• rub the burn area with aloe juice;
• take a bath containing soda and starch.

You can also use the following burn remedies:

• decoction of oak bark;
• sour cream;
• milk;
• chamomile decoction;
• kefir;
• St. John's wort decoction;
• raw potatoes;
• brewed tea.

If you notice a sunburn, go into the shade. This is the first thing you can do for inflamed skin. The burned dermis needs cooling, which is performed without temperature contrast. It is recommended to apply compresses and take a bath several times during the day.

It is prohibited to use soap and scrubs. These substances help remove the upper layer of the dermis. Thus, the burned skin will remain without protection from infection.

We will tell you below what to do in case of a sunburn and how to treat it.

Dr. Komarovsky will tell you about sunburn and heatstroke in a child in the video below:

Follow-up treatment at home

If sunburn is of minor severity, the affected area can be treated independently, at home. In some cases, you should seek help from specialists. A doctor's help will be needed in the following cases:

1. If there are blisters on the dermis.
2. In the presence of severe damage to the dermis of the face.
3. In the case when the burn covers about 50% of the body.
4. With fever, nausea, presence. They may indicate sunstroke.

Read below about creams, ointments and other remedies for mild and severe sunburn of the skin.

Medication

There are many medications available in pharmacies that may be needed after sunburn. The action of these funds is aimed at:

• pain relief;
• softening the dermis;
• moisturizing the skin;
• regeneration;
• disinfection;
• inhibition of the inflammatory process.

The following active substances, which are included in various medications, have a positive effect on the inflamed dermis:

• . It is a hormone of the adrenal cortex. It is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. The substance is used in the creation of ointments that help reduce itching, inflammation, and swelling. Medicines containing this drug reduce pain after a sunburn.
• from sunburn. This substance is a vitamin that is diluted with water. This vitamin is considered an integral component of coenzyme A. This substance promotes cell regeneration. The drug is contained in aerosols and ointments. This medication covers the dermis with a film, thus protecting it from external factors, stimulating the recovery process.
• Painkillers, which are represented by analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

To relieve symptoms indicating sunburn, experts recommend using products from the following groups:

1. Medicines with steroid hormones. Their effect is manifested in the rapid relief of itching and inflammation. They are safe for external use (short term). This group includes: ointment “,” cream “,” Elokom lotion.
2. Local anesthetics(menthol, lidocaine, anesthesin). This group includes: Amprovisol spray, Luan gel.
3. Antihistamines. The action of these non-hormonal drugs is aimed at suppressing the release of “inflammatory mediators”. Thanks to them, inflammation and itching are eliminated. Gel "Bamipin", ointment "Ketotsin", gel "".
4. Antiseptics should be used if bubbles are present. Products containing miramistin, chlorhexidine, and silver sulfadiazine are needed to prevent infection. They are contained in: Silveder cream, Agrosulfan, Miramistin ointment.
5. Healing accelerators should not be used in the first hours after damage to the dermis. They are used after the acute period has passed. "Lifuzol" (with linseed oil), spray "Olazol" (contains sea buckthorn oil), "".
6. Dexpanthenol is a derivative of pantothenic acid. Necessary for accelerating regeneration and reducing inflammation. "", "Pantesol", "Panthenol".

Of all medications, experts prefer the use of a spray. They are very convenient to use (they are convenient to distribute over the affected area) and do not cause damage to the dermis.

Read below about the treatment of swelling after a sunburn and the burn itself.

Therapeutic

Therapeutic treatment of sunburn involves treating the most problematic areas. If there is a burn on the face, it is recommended to use a compress with green tea. You can also apply a damp towel (it should be soft).

Experts do not recommend using cooling gels or ointments to treat the dermis on sensitive areas of the dermis. On the face, the nose, chin, and cheeks are endowed with increased sensitivity. The dermis of the ears, shoulders, and neck is also very sensitive.

Do not use ointments containing the following substances to treat sunburn on these areas:

• lidocaine;
• petrolatum;
• benzocaine.

Also, do not apply oils (for sunburn). They will only significantly slow down healing.

• After applying the compresses, it is recommended to treat the skin with a spray, a special cream with a moisturizing effect. After applying the moisturizer, you need to give the affected skin rest. You need to make sure that the sun's rays do not fall on it. If you show weakness or fatigue, you need to take Paracetamol and Aspirin.
• An excellent way to help the burned dermis is to take a cool shower or bath prepared with a (weak) vinegar solution. To soothe the dermis, you can use lotions with tinctures of calendula, chamomile, and oak bark.
• If signs of dehydration appear (dry mouth, fever, nausea, headache), specialized help is needed. You can call a doctor or go to a medical facility yourself.

This video will tell you about the prevention of sunburn:

The first symptoms of a sunburn are pain, redness, and a burning sensation, which may appear in the first hours after sunbathing. The most severe consequences are blisters, dehydration, temperature and fever. Sunburn is not as harmless a problem as it may seem at first glance. It increases the risk of developing melanoma.

Despite all the safety measures taken and the application of sunscreen, the skin still burned. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about this, but you can minimize the consequences of the burn. What to do after a sunburn, what first aid measures to take, what to apply to the skin, answers in this article.

First aid for sunburn

Skin burns when exposed to UV rays for a certain period of time without proper protection. It is important to begin treating sunburn as soon as you notice it. The first thing to do is go into the shade or put on clothes that cover all exposed areas of the body, throw on a scarf, scarf or towel. The best option is to go indoors.

At the first signs, timely measures will help relieve discomfort.

Apply a cold, damp towel to your skin. Do this for 10 or 15 minutes several times a day. This will help relieve the burning sensation of the skin.

Take a cool bath or shower. It is better not to wipe the skin, but leave the moisture until it is absorbed into the skin.

Be sure to apply moisturizer. A special aloe vera cream or gel will do. The main thing is that it should not be very greasy and be well absorbed into the skin.

Do not use products that contain petroleum products, benzocaine and lidocaine. Unnatural oils clog the skin, preventing it from breathing. Benzocaine and lidocaine may irritate her.

Drink enough water. Tanning not only dries out the skin, but also dehydrates the body. Therefore, you need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

For mild or moderate burns, use home remedies and folk remedies to relieve redness, burning, and pain.

In case of severe burning, a tablet of ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin will help reduce pain, swelling and discomfort.

Leave the blisters alone. Sunburn blisters usually do not appear immediately, but rather after a few days. Their appearance indicates that you have a second-degree sunburn. You don't need to open them yourself. They protect the skin from infection. Let the skin peel off on its own. Your job is to keep it well hydrated.

It is especially harmful to use products containing glycolic, retinoid, and salicylic acid to accelerate skin exfoliation. They can be used only three days after the peeling is complete.

Take measures to protect your skin after a burn. Wear clothing that completely covers the burned areas and does not let the sun's rays through. Cover your face with a wide-brimmed hat.

When to see a doctor

If you experience dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever or chills after getting a sunburn, you should contact your doctor for medical help.

How to apply sunburn

Sunlight is vital for the production of vitamin D and has a beneficial effect on the skin. But exposure to it for too long can be harmful. Many people think that spending a lot of time outside in the summer on a cloudy day will prevent you from getting a sunburn. Alas, this opinion is wrong. You can get sunburned not only in bright sunshine.

Wearing clothing that covers all exposed skin is the best way to protect yourself from severe sunburn. What to do and what to apply to the skin if a burn does occur.

The first rule is to moisturize the skin. Such burns are accompanied not only by redness and burning, but also by pain. In addition to home and folk remedies, there are many ointments, gels and creams from the pharmacy that will help minimize the effects of prolonged tanning.

Let's consider which of them can be used against sunburn.

Moisturizing cream

In addition to cosmetics stores, you can also buy this cream at the pharmacy. They usually contain aloe vera gel. They penetrate the skin well, creating a protective film that protects against moisture loss. In addition, aloe has anti-inflammatory properties.

Many such creams contain other ingredients beneficial to the skin and are made from extracts of medicinal herbs and medicinal water. They cannot be used for severe burns, when there are blisters and open lesions on the body.

Please note that an allergic reaction to some components is possible.

Baby cream

This cream usually contains extracts of chamomile, calendula and other medicinal herbs. The composition may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. What they have in common is the presence of natural ingredients that soothe baby’s skin. They are not contraindicated for adults.

Fenistil gel

This medicine is intended to treat skin allergies. A Russian drug, it is available in the form of a gel and drops. As indicated in the manufacturer's instructions, it relieves itching, redness, and burning. Sometimes it can help with mild sunburn. But not in all cases. It should be used only in consultation with a doctor.

Also a Russian drug that was developed for difficult situations as a disinfectant and antiseptic. Eplan prevents the development of infections and moisturizes the skin well, as it contains glycerin.

It can be used for sunburn by applying to the skin several times throughout the day. It relieves pain, redness, accelerates regeneration. For severe burns, application in the form of applications is allowed.

Cream-balm “Rescuer”

A very popular cream that many people have in their home medicine cabinet. It contains natural plant and essential oils, echinacea and calendula extract. All these components reduce itching, pain, promote faster healing and restoration of damaged tissue.

Its spectrum of action is wide, including can be used for thermal and chemical burns. It is applied to the painful area in a thin layer. Used after sunburn of varying severity.

Cream La-Cri

The Vertex La-Cri line includes several products designed to solve various skin problems. To treat sunburn, use a cream for dry and sensitive skin.

The cream contains natural ingredients that relieve dryness, irritation, itching, and redness.

Thus, the cream intended to restore sensitive skin contains panthenol and bisabolol. For intensive recovery - lecithin, allantonin, bisabolol.

This remedy quickly helps to remove the feeling of dryness, burning, itching, and redness. It has a slight analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Zinc ointment

A well-known old cheap drug that is used to treat sunburn. The ointment has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves burn symptoms.

Apply to the skin in a thin layer or in the form of applications. Those who may have an allergic reaction should be careful.

Levomekol ointment

Not directly intended against sunburn. It contains antibiotics that prevent the development of infection. Therefore, it should only be used if there are signs of infection.

Solcoseryl gel

The components present in the drug help restore the skin and reduce inflammation. It is available in the form of a gel and ointment. Both products are suitable for treating sunburns, including blisters.

Apply to damaged areas 2 to 3 times a day, evenly distributing in a thin layer. Cannot be used on open wounds. Only after complete restoration of the skin.

Prohibited for use by young children and those with individual intolerance.

Celestoderm

Presented in two forms: cream and ointment. When used, itching, redness, and swelling are relieved. It should be taken into account that this drug slows down tissue repair and can only be used in extreme cases.

Advantan

A hormonal drug that can slow down tissue regeneration. Recommended for severe pain and itching, which are typical for severe burns. Before use, be sure to consult your doctor.

Hydrocortisone ointment

This ointment also applies to hormonal drugs. Like the previous one, it is used only in consultation with a doctor.

Panthenol for sunburn

Panthenol has a wide spectrum of action. The main active ingredient is dexapanthenol, which can often be found in other drugs intended to treat various skin problems.

In addition to the main active ingredient, it contains petroleum jelly, lanolin and paraffin. The drug accelerates tissue regeneration and improves the delivery of nutrients to damaged tissues. Can be used for sunburn of any severity, including eye burns.

It should be applied directly to the burnt area, provided there are no open, unhealed wounds. Has side effects in the form of an allergic reaction.

Bepanten for sunburn

A drug similar to Panthenol in its spectrum of action. Used to treat problems associated with skin damage. The main active ingredient is dexapanthenol.

It is well and quickly absorbed into the skin, relieves redness, itching and burning, has anti-inflammatory properties, moisturizes and accelerates recovery.

Apply to previously cleansed skin and leave until completely absorbed. May interact with other medications and manifest as allergies.

What helps with sunburn

To reduce the symptoms of a mild sunburn, just lubricate the skin with sour cream or kefir, take a cool shower or bath, adding vinegar or baking soda, and use other home remedies.

Moderate to severe burns are often accompanied by more severe symptoms, such as severe pain in the burn area, headache, chills, etc. In this case, in addition to ointments and gels, painkillers and aerosols will help. Today, the pharmacy has a fairly large selection of such products.

What pills can you take?

Tablets can be taken for severe pain, including headache, chills, and allergies.

Analgin

The most accessible, cheap and well-known drug designed to relieve pain of various natures.

They usually drink it at night, when pain prevents them from falling asleep normally and soundly. It helps with headaches and relieves fever.

With a similar effect to analgin, the drug has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects.

They are produced in the form of yellow granules from which a suspension is prepared. Used for pain of various origins.

It is most often used for fever and fever. Has a weak analgesic effect. It is not recommended to drink it constantly. For sunburn, you can take an aspirin tablet once a day.

Paracetamol

It is not considered effective as a pain reliever. Taken as an antipyretic. Recommended for temperatures above 37.5 degrees.

For children it is available in the form of rectal suppositories and suspension.

Suprastin

This is an antiallergic drug that is often prescribed in conjunction with antibiotics. In case of sunburn, it is recommended only if there is a rash or severe itching. It is not directly related to the treatment of such burns.

Baneocin

Refers to antibiotics. Available in powder form. For sunburn, it can be prescribed only if there is a risk of infection or if there is a risk of infection.

Powder is sprinkled on wounds, ulcers, and festering open blisters three times a day. After application, the affected area must be covered with a sterile napkin.

It is prescribed by a doctor, as the drug has a number of contraindications and side effects.

Mirimistin

It is well known to those who often suffer from sore throat. Released in aerosol form. If the skin is damaged by the sun, it is applied to the affected area as an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. Used for moderate to severe burns when there is a risk of infection.

An aerosol preparation intended for the treatment of various skin problems, including burns, with an antiseptic effect and a weak analgesic effect. It contains sea buckthorn oil and boric acid. Apply directly to the affected area.

There are many other pharmaceutical products that are not specifically designed to treat sunburn, but can help relieve pain symptoms, speed up healing and restore the skin. It is simply impossible to list everything in this article. More detailed advice can be obtained from a doctor or pharmacist.

Can I use products with alcohol?

In folk medicine, vodka is used to treat sunburn. Although this is not recommended. The fact is that alcohol-containing products dry out the skin, which can lead to a worsening of the victim’s condition.

In addition, all these products quickly evaporate and do not have any noticeable effect. Therefore, you cannot use triple cologne, vodka, and especially alcohol.

Preventing sunburn

Don't repeat your mistakes twice. According to dermatologists, after receiving a sunburn, it takes three to six months for the skin to recover. In addition, the new layer of skin that appears after the burnt skin peels off is more sensitive to the sun. This means that you can burn out faster.

Be sure to use sunscreen even in cloudy weather. It must be applied no later than half an hour before going outside.

It is also better to buy lipstick with the same effect.

During the treatment of a burn, it is useful to drink vitamin E or the complex drug Aevit. Both of these vitamins are antioxidants and protect against free radicals. These vitamins are useful for lubricating burnt skin.

When taking a shower or bath, avoid using soaps and hygiene products that dry out the skin.

If you are burned out, then do not make plans for the evening on this day. And in the next 2-3 days. It is in the first days that all the symptoms manifest themselves especially clearly and discomfort is felt.

If sunburn symptoms persist or worsen, contact a dermatologist or physician who can prescribe treatment.

And be sure to remember that the best cure for sunburn is prevention.