The Effects of Sunburn
Sunburn can lead to various harmful effects on the skin, including:
- Nausea.
- Pain and tingling sensations.
- Redness of the skin.
- Potential issues around the eyes.
- Sunburn may cause skin dryness.
- Childhood sunburns can increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Cooling Treatments for Sunburn
After sunburn exposure, it is advisable to cool the face using the following methods:
- Gently place a cold towel on the face.
- Mix equal parts of milk and water and apply the mixture to the face.
- Fill a bathtub with water or use a large container filled with water; close your eyes, hold your breath, and submerge your face for several seconds.
Tips for Preventing Sunburn
Here are some essential tips to prevent sunburn:
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat (approximately 10.16 cm) to shield the neck, ears, and scalp from the sun.
- Use high-quality sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around the eyes from harmful UV rays.
- Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM, as this is when the skin is most susceptible to burns.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30-50 at least 15 minutes before sun exposure, reapplying it every 1.5 hours. Use water-resistant sunscreen if sweating or swimming.
Treating Burn Scars
The treatment of burn scars can vary depending on their severity, and may include the following approaches:
- For second-degree burns:
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to treat the burn site.
- Cover the burn with a non-stick sterile gauze dressing to protect the affected area from infection and promote healing.
- For third-degree burns:
- Surgical intervention may be required to tighten the skin.
- This procedure often involves grafting skin from a healthy area of the body or from a donor to cover the damaged burn area.