Remedy for sunburn. What to do if you get sunburned - quick instructions. Do stretch marks tan in the sun?

The much-desired vacation has finally arrived, the weekend coincided with good weather, a trip to the seaside took place, or you finally got out to your favorite dacha. In such euphoria, few people think about safety measures; everyone is simply enjoying their vacation. However, the sun is very insidious; in just a few hours it can burn your skin so that you will remember the delights of a long-awaited vacation for a long time. In order not to spoil your well-being for the rest of your vacation, you need to carefully monitor your skin and protect it from the sun. Today we’ll talk about tanning - what it is and why it’s dangerous, how to avoid it and what to do if your skin is burned.

Sunburn

Each of us has experienced sunburn at least once in our lives and knows what it is. A tan is not only characterized by red and inflamed skin. The patient’s general condition often worsens - he feels chills, a headache appears, and his body temperature rises. The skin becomes hot and may develop blisters and blisters. A couple of days after receiving a burn, the skin may experience itching. With severe burns and damage to the epidermis, secondary infection may develop if bacteria or microbes get into the open wounds of the blisters. A burn in children may be accompanied by weakness and drowsiness.

There are four degrees of sunburn. The first degree is redness of the skin without damage. The second degree is the appearance of blisters, bubbles, papules, accompanied by high temperature. Third degree is damage to more than half of the skin. The fourth is severe dehydration of the body, changes in the functioning of the heart, kidneys and liver; such a burn can lead to death. Third and fourth degree burns require mandatory hospitalization.

Treatment of sunburn is a complex matter. It is necessary to relieve inflammation, relieve the patient of local and general hyperthermia, suppress itching, and support skin restoration. However, many people make a number of common mistakes that you should be aware of. Never rub the burned areas with pieces of ice. Sudden temperature changes can lead to devastating consequences for the skin. Also, do not wash burned skin. laundry soap– it contains a lot of alkali, which destroys the protective layer of the epidermis. Do not treat the skin with alcohol tinctures - this will cause an even worse burn. Also, do not lubricate the burn with thick and thick creams and ointments, such as Vaseline. It creates a dense layer on the skin through which air simply does not pass. Blisters that have formed on the skin should not be punctured or pressed to avoid infection. But what rules should you follow when getting a sunburn?

What to do if you get sunburned

Once you discover that your skin is burned, you need to get out of the sun as soon as possible so as not to worsen the intensity of the burn. Remember, even if there are clouds in the sky, ultraviolet rays reach your skin, especially if you are near water. People who like to float on an air mattress are in great danger - in this case, they can get burned in a matter of hours. What to do in such a situation?

The first thing you need to do is wash yourself with cool water. Water will relieve burning sensation, reduce local temperature, relieve skin from dehydration, and wash away sea salt and sand. If possible, you need to fill the bathtub with water and lie in the cool water.
When taking a shower, do not use soap, washcloths, scrubs or other objects that can damage or injure the burned skin. Do not rub your skin with a towel, but just lightly pat it dry.
Take a small piece of gauze and soak it in cold water. Apply gauze to damaged areas of skin. When the gauze warms up, repeat the manipulation again. This should be done for as long as possible. If you cool the skin in this way for an hour, the effects will be much less pronounced.
Drink two liters of water to stay hydrated and protect yourself from heat stroke.
Drink an antipyretic, apply one of the medicinal ointments, which we will talk about a little later, protect the skin from direct sunlight for another 5-7 days.

These are the basic first aid measures for sunburn. If you are burned, you need to take very careful care of your skin, treat and restore it.

Here is a description of some groups of medications that may be helpful if you are sunburned.

Anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs. Take a tablet of Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Fanigan. This will reduce inflammation, redness and swelling, and relieve fever - both general and local.
Antihistamines. They are needed to relieve swelling and relieve itching. Especially antihistamines should be given to a child if he is burned. This will allow your baby to sleep better at night. Give what you have at home for allergies - Cetrin, Zodak, Diazolin, Zyrtec, etc.
Vitamins A, E and C. Regular intake of these vitamins promotes active skin regeneration and restoration of the epidermis. Vitamins can be taken both internally and externally, applying the composition to damaged areas of the skin.
Panthenol. This is one of the most powerful and effective anti-tanning products, which works great both immediately after a burn and a few days after skin damage. You can use any ointment, cream and spray that contains Panthenol - these are Bepanten, D-Panthenol, Dexpanthenol, Pantoderm, etc. This ingredient perfectly relieves pain, relieves inflammation, regenerates the skin, and helps restore the protective layer.
Healing and restorative ointments. There are quite a lot of drugs that have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and analgesic effects. Livian aerosol softens and soothes inflamed skin, Psilo-balm and Boro-plus ointment cool and heal it. Fenistil and Radevit perfectly relieve itching and swelling. In the treatment of burns, you can use such products as Sudocrem, Eplan, Flotseta gel, Actovegin, Solcoseryl, Olazol, Zinc ointment. You probably have some of these products at home. If you don’t have any of this, you can use simple sea buckthorn or almond oil. They perfectly soften, relieve inflammation and itching.

If you feel severe dizziness, nausea, or if the damage to the skin is quite serious, it is better to seek help from a doctor.

In the arsenal of home secrets there are many recipes that will help you relieve pain and burning using improvised means.

Dairy products. It can be kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk. It is important that the products are kept cool. It is necessary to apply the product to the skin in several layers, without allowing the epidermis to dry out.
Whipped protein. Chicken protein needs to be beaten and applied to the skin; when it starts to dry out, apply another layer. And so 5-10 times.
Watermelon juice. Watermelon juice perfectly soothes inflamed skin, relieves redness and itching. You can simply apply the juice to the skin with a brush or soak a napkin in the juice and apply it to the burned areas of the skin.
Raw potatoes. The pulp of raw potatoes will help relieve burning and redness. Take a couple of tubers, peel them and chop them using a blender, meat grinder or grater. Apply the pulp to damaged skin, relief will come instantly.
Soda. You can make a soda compress - moisten a napkin or handkerchief in a soda solution (a tablespoon of powder per liter of water) and apply to the affected skin. It is very effective to make soda baths - dissolve the pack baking soda in the bath and sit in the water for at least half an hour.
Nettle and mint decoction. These herbs are great for cooling and healing the skin. Prepare a strong decoction, cool it and make a lotion based on the cool decoction.
Clay. Clay relieves burning, itching and redness very well. You can use any at home cosmetic clay- white or blue. Just mix it with water and apply the paste to the inflamed skin. If trouble finds you on the beach, you can use the most common clay from the coast.

Use our tips to get rid of pain and sunburn quickly and effectively.

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. This rule is especially true for sunburn. If you don’t want to spend half your vacation in a hotel, you need to protect yourself from the sun. You can sunbathe only before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Sunbathing is prohibited for young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Use it in the sun sunscreens with a high SPF level. Light-skinned people especially need to protect themselves. Moreover, the cream should be applied every 2-3 hours or after each bath. Start tanning gradually; you don’t need to stay in the sun on the first day of rest.

Tanning is not always beautiful and successful. Some people will never achieve a bronze tan due to their skin type. Holders light skin, as a rule, can be either white or red. Try to protect your skin from the aggressive effects of the sun, because ultraviolet radiation is very harmful. The sun can cause early aging and the appearance of premature wrinkles. But the worst and most dangerous thing is that ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer. Protect yourself from the sun to avoid treating sunburn.

Video: what to do if you get sunburned

How many holidays have been ruined simply because people underestimated the threat posed? A tanned bronze body certainly looks attractive and beautiful. But there must be moderation in everything. And if you abuse sunbathing, the results can be very disastrous. Burns, pain, increased body temperature - these are not all the consequences of a passionate and irrepressible desire to tan. But if he is a person and how to help himself, he should know.

Experts may recommend anti-inflammatory drugs. Taking them will prevent serious skin damage. And in addition to such special medications, it would be useful to take medications - Ibuprofen or Aspirin. These pills will also relieve pain.

If a person is sunburned, he sometimes does not know what to do. For example, do you know that you need to drink a lot of water? After all, the rays of the sun greatly dehydrate the body. The liquid will help him recover, and you need to take it even if you are not thirsty. If a person is sunburned, what should you do? First, take a shower. Only it should be cool, and not hot at all. And do not use soap; it is better to give preference to a soft gel.

What to do? This question is especially acute when you get home. Here are some tips to help relieve redness, pain and burning sensation. Firstly, damaged skin can be lubricated with high-fat sour cream or cool kefir. Potato juice also helps. Secondly, try brewing strong green tea, then cool it and make a compress with gauze. Leave it on the skin for 10 minutes. Thirdly, ordinary vodka will also help you out. If you lubricate the reddened area with it, the very next day it will turn bronze-brown. Fourthly, aloe always helps. Its leaves should be placed in the refrigerator for half an hour, and then the juice from them should be applied to burns.

Now in pharmacies, when a customer asks: “I got sunburned. What to do? Please tell me!" - usually, instead of answering, they immediately offer special sprays, foams or gels. After application to the skin, the pain goes away almost immediately. An example is the drug “Panthenol”.

If you are sunburned, it is better to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages. The alcohol they contain dries out the skin, which will worsen an already problematic situation.

Many people are concerned about what to do, an allergist or dermatologist will tell you. In any case, this problem should not be ignored.

If you are going on vacation, do not skimp on purchasing special sunscreen and tanning creams. And before using them, decide what your goal is - to get a beautiful, even bronze skin tone or to maintain its original color. The cream must be chosen based on who produced it. Don't buy questionable cosmetics.

Every person has been exposed to the sun at least once in their life. This trouble can happen even if you have never been to the beach. After a long winter, everyone undresses and their snow-white skin is exposed to the powerful rays of the sun. As a result, we get the following problems:

skin redness (becomes hot and dry);
the occurrence of edema (swelling) and increased sensitivity;
itching;
blisters form;
the temperature rises, the person begins to freeze;
headaches appear;
with improper care, infection of the skin occurs;
the body becomes dehydrated.

Many people who experience sunburn believe that this problem is a minor issue. Well, your shoulders will hurt, but in a couple of days the redness will turn into a beautiful tan. There is some truth here, but not everyone knows that a severe burn can cause serious health problems.

For example, severe sun damage to the skin of the face and neck can lead to widespread swelling, which can cause suffocation. In addition, ultraviolet rays can cause the development of diseases such as skin cancer.

We hope that we have convinced you that sunburn is not a joke and should be prevented and treated if it occurs.

In order to understand how to correct the situation when you still have trouble, you need to know about the degree of skin damage .

1st degree. The skin is slightly reddened and painful sensations, but besides discomfort, there are no other symptoms.
2nd degree. The skin turns red and blisters form and fill with fluid. In addition, headaches and fever may occur.
3rd degree. 60% of the entire skin surface is damaged and the structure of the dermis is disrupted.
4th degree. Dehydration occurs, which negatively affects the functioning of the heart and kidneys. If the situation is not controlled, it can be fatal.

The first 2 degrees can be treated at home, but having received 3 and 4, you need to seek medical help from a doctor.

Who shouldn't sunbathe?

In order not to correct the consequences of severe sunburn, it will be interesting and vital for you to find out who ultraviolet rays are contraindicated.

Babies under 1 year of age;
Elderly people;
Pregnant women;
People who take these medications, like antibiotics, antidepressants, corticosteroids. These medications may cause skin sensitivity.
People with neurological and cardiovascular diseases, patients with tuberculosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.

What to do if your child gets sunburned

If babies burn in the sun, then in addition to all the signs that were described above, a change in his behavior may be added. The child may become lethargic, drowsy and weak, or, conversely, overly excitable. You can help the little man in the following way.

Take him away from the beach.
Rinse in a cool shower.
Place on the bed in a cool room.
Give a lot to drink.
Lubricate the skin with external products that will help the skin recover.
Give painkillers, anti-inflammatory and antihistamines to drink. Ideally, consult a doctor so that he can independently assess your child’s condition and prescribe treatment.

Children must be treated independently if they receive a 1st degree burn. In other cases, it is better to show it to medical professionals.

Sunburned skin: first aid

Regardless of the degree of burn received, all victims should be provided with first aid. Signs of sun exposure on the skin may not appear immediately, but may take several hours.

Every person should know how to alleviate the general condition of the victim, and in severe cases, make every effort to save his life until doctors arrive.

The algorithm for providing first aid for sunburns is as follows:

Transport the person to a cool place. This can be in the shade, or ideally in a cool room.
Realistically assess the condition of the victim. If you understand that this is not a first-degree burn and the person’s condition is worsening, call an ambulance.
After this, try to relieve the pain by applying clean gauze soaked in water to the affected areas of the body. You need to change the gauze every 10-15 minutes. An alternative to rags and gauze can be a wet sheet. Please note that the cloth and water used must be clean.
If possible, it would be a good idea to take a cool shower (the water should not be hot or icy, but cool).
Give the victim water to drink to prevent dehydration.
For severe skin lesions and acute pain, painkillers can be given.

If you are sunburned, you can provide first aid to yourself.

What should you not do if you get a sunburn?

There are cases when a person receives a not very severe burn, but due to proper treatment, the recovery period drags on for many weeks.

In order not to worsen the condition of a person who has been sunburned, you need to know what not to do in case of such injuries.

IT IS FORBIDDEN:

Apply ice to affected skin surfaces. You may think that ice will provide great pain relief, but in fact it will further injure the damaged dermis, which will lead to tissue death. Do not use ice packs.
Lather the skin with soap and rub it with a brush. Avoid using cosmetics containing alkaline components. Do not scrub your skin with a washcloth. Just rinse off in the shower.
Use products containing alcohol. It has a negative effect on burnt skin. Alcohol definitely won’t bring any benefit or relief.
Apply Vaseline and oily cosmetics to the skin. In case of serious burns, the use of such products can aggravate the general condition. This is due to the fact that Vaseline forms a greasy film, as a result of which the thermoregulation of the skin is disrupted. It does not cool naturally.
Treat the skin with urine. Among people there are fans of urine therapy, but you need to understand that by smearing the skin with urine, you can cause an infection.
Puncture the resulting blisters. Otherwise, the skin may become infected.
Continue sunbathing. If you have a first-degree burn and feel fine, this does not mean you can repeat sunbathing the next day. It is better to avoid them for the next few days until the skin recovers, otherwise the situation will worsen.
Drink alcohol and strong tea, coffee. Eating them will lead to dehydration.

Treatment of sunburn

If your back is sunburnt, your arms or legs are red, but your condition is satisfactory, you can try to help yourself. All treatment can be divided into several stages:

Treatment with medications taken orally.
Treatment of the skin and relief of the condition with external means (use of ointments, sprays, creams, etc.).

Treatment with drugs intended for internal use

Few people know that in addition to ointments and sour cream that are applied to the skin, it is necessary to help the body recover with medication. For this purpose, doctors often prescribe the following medications:

Vitamins A, C, E- These are antioxidants that help the skin recover faster and prevent the malignant degeneration of cells.
Anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal)- This is the well-known paracetamol and ibuprofen. These drugs reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Used if the temperature has risen.
Antihistamines These are allergy medications. Thanks to them, itching and swelling are reduced.

Take medications carefully, but remember that self-medication is possible for 1st and 2nd degree burns; for 3rd and 4th degree burns, you should urgently consult a doctor.

Treatment with external agents

The affected areas of the skin will sooner or later begin to heal. But this process can drag on if you don’t help yourself with remedies in the form of ointments, creams or sprays.

If you don’t know what to apply to burns, then a selection of the most popular products that help with thermal injuries will be useful to you.

Panthenol– promotes rapid skin restoration and pain relief. If your shoulders are burned, this is the best remedy.
Libyan aerosol– a drug that has excellent antiseptic properties, anesthetizes and soothes the skin.
Elovera ointment– a product that promotes rapid healing of the skin. It cannot be used by persons under 18 years of age.
Karatolin solution– this solution prevents malignant degeneration of cells and accelerates their metabolism.
Vinyl balm– is a powerful antiseptic and prevents infection of the skin. In addition, it has an anti-inflammatory effect and promotes rapid wound healing.
Zinc ointment– used for small burns (for example, if your nose is burned). It has a drying effect and also disinfects affected areas of the skin.
Sea buckthorn oil– promotes rapid healing, has an antioxidant effect, and triggers skin regeneration processes.
Olazol aerosol– a bacteriostatic agent that promotes rapid healing of the skin.
Solcoseryl gel– promotes rapid growth of skin cells.
Psilo-balm– a gel that cools and anesthetizes the skin, relieves swelling, reduces itching and pain.

If you are not a supporter of medications sold in pharmacies, then you can alleviate the condition after a sunburn with the help of prescriptions traditional medicine. Based on the experience of past generations, you can understand how to remove redness or what to do if your head is burned.

Let's look at the simplest and most accessible recipes, the preparation of which will not take much time.

Applying with a damp cloth

Apply a damp, fragrance-free wipe to damaged skin. Change it after it dries. This helps to moisturize the skin and reduce pain.

Using ice

Place ice or frozen product at some distance (5-7 cm) from the damaged area of skin. This way you soothe and cool the skin, reducing pain. It is better to use for small burns, for example, if your lips are burned.

Applying egg white

Apply the protein with light movements to the damaged area of skin, and after it dries, repeat the procedure. After this manipulation, the pain will decrease and the skin will calm down a little.

Application of fermented milk products

Take kefir or yogurt and constantly apply it to the damaged skin, without letting it dry out. This will help minimize pain and soothe the skin.

Uses of watermelon juice

The product is suitable for burnt eyes and more. Take watermelon juice, soak a napkin in it and wipe away sunburns or use as compresses. Thanks to this remedy you will eliminate redness and prevent infection.

Using compresses made from mint leaves or nettle flowers

Pour boiling water over a handful of leaves or flowers and cool the infusion. After this, moisten a clean cloth and apply it to the burn. Thanks to this procedure, you will get rid of itching and pain, the skin will cool and recover.

Applying gruel from fresh root vegetables

Potatoes, carrots, beets or pumpkin are suitable for this procedure. Grate one of the listed vegetables on a fine grater and place the resulting pulp on the burn. Used as a compress. Relieves itching and discomfort, relieves pain.

Using soda solution

Take 1 tbsp. l. soda and dissolve it in a glass of cool boiled water. Wipe your skin with the resulting solution. Such procedures help reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Uses of cucumber

Cucumber will help relieve sunburn. To do this, you can cut the vegetable into slices and apply it as compresses.

Consequences and complications of sunburn

Many women, in pursuit of the perfect tan, forget that the sun's rays not only bring benefits, but also cause harm to the body.

Burning the skin leads to swelling, which can cause difficulty breathing.

If the legs or arms are burned, and most of the extremities are affected, the victim may feel numbness in these parts of the body due to poor circulation.

If you are exposed to sunlight for a long time and periodically suffer from burns, you may develop oncology (skin cancer).

Prevention and protection against sunburn

In order not to suffer from painful sensations and regret about a ruined vacation, it is better to make every effort not to injure the skin. To do this you need:

Do not be exposed to direct sunlight between 11:00 and 16:00.
Wear clothes made from 100% natural fabrics. They attract less rays.
To be in the sun, you need to wear a hat with a large brim or a cap with a long visor.
During the first days of your stay on the beach, stay under the sun for no more than 15 minutes. After this, go into the shade.
Use sunscreen.

Let's look at the last point in a little more detail.

All people are different, so some people quickly burn in the sun and get severe burns, while others may only have red skin. Therefore, sunscreens must be chosen individually. Moreover, in the first days after arriving at the sea coast, products should have stronger protection (for example, cream with factor), and after you tan and your skin adapts, you can use products with factor from 25 to 15.

Not bad sunscreen is coconut. It can protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight, prevents it from drying out and promotes an even tan.

Folk recipes for dealing with sunburn.

Conclusion

No one is immune from sunburn. But you should not take such an injury lightly and rely only on the regenerative properties of your body. If you were unable to protect yourself, and your skin is red and sore, help it recover using traditional medicine or drugs purchased at the pharmacy. Thanks to this, the recovery period will be easy and without complications. And only good memories will remain about the time spent at sea!

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

What is a sunburn?

Sunburn is a superficial injury to the skin, mucous membranes or eyes ( less often). This damage in most cases manifests itself as mild inflammation, but can sometimes lead to serious problems. The direct cause of sunburn is excessively intense ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Sunburns most often appear on the following areas of the skin:

face;
hands;
shoulders;
back.

It is these parts of the body that are usually not protected by clothing in the warm season, so they are exposed to direct sunlight. However, not all people get sunburns with the same frequency. The risk of such skin damage depends on many factors. This explains the fact that some people hardly get sunburned, while others get burned several times throughout the summer.

The appearance of a sunburn, its severity and symptoms depend on the following factors:

skin type;
color of the skin ( people with dark skin burn much less often);
individual sensitivity to sunlight;
presence of associated skin problems ( acne, moles, etc.);
burn site ( since the skin on different parts of the body has different structure);
usage various means sun protection ( creams, balms, etc.);
taking certain medications.

People spend a significant amount of time in the sun throughout their lives, so everyone usually knows how they react to solar radiation.

In most cases, sunburn does not pose a serious risk to human health and does not require medical care. This is a temporary cosmetic problem that also causes minor discomfort. However, some patients with severe burns develop very serious symptoms and are at risk of complications.

What is the difference between sunburn and sunstroke?

Sunburn and sunstroke are different conditions that require different approaches to treatment. These terms are sometimes confused because both pathological conditions often occur simultaneously. In the case of a sunburn, we are talking about superficial local damage to the skin. Most symptoms are localized in the area of the most intense exposure to sunlight, and only with some complications may other problems appear. With sunstroke, we are talking about overheating of the whole organism, and all symptoms are generalized ( general) character. Sunstroke occurs when the head is exposed to the sun's rays for a long time and is not protected by a hat. As a result, almost all symptoms are neurological in nature.

Sunstroke, unlike sunburn, can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

confusion;
unstable pulse and breathing;
convulsions ( in severe cases).

For ordinary sunburn, all of the above symptoms are not typical. Sunstroke is a much more dangerous condition. If the consequences of a burn are predominantly cosmetic in nature, then patients with sunstroke ( without the necessary help) may fall into a coma and even die.

If the patient has received sunstroke and there are also burns on the skin, priority is given to eliminating the consequences of the blow. In general, these pathological conditions are treated in parallel and independently of each other.

Why does a burn appear under the sun's rays, and not a tan?

Both suntan and sunburn are a consequence of skin exposure to ultraviolet rays. However, the mechanism of their appearance is somewhat different. A tan appears with regular and moderate exposure to sunlight. The skin adapts to new environmental conditions to protect itself from damage. In the epithelium of the skin ( epidermis) contain special cells, melanocytes, which are responsible for the production of pigment that gives the skin a bronze or brown tint. In people with dark skin, this process goes faster. Genetic predisposition and the climate zone in which a person previously lived also influences.

Sunburn occurs due to one-time strong exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The cells simply do not have time to adapt, and some die from excessive absorption of the energy carried by the radiation. As a result, intercellular connections are destroyed, the skin cells themselves are destroyed, and the inflammatory process begins. People with pale skin get burns faster and more often, and it is more difficult for them to get a good, beautiful tan.

What does a bad sunburn look like?

Externally, recognizing a sunburn is quite simple. This is an area of redness with slight swelling of the skin that is painful when touched. Such burns can go away on their own and do not require serious treatment. However, you need to be able to recognize more severe skin damage that cannot be ignored.

Severe sunburns that require care have the following characteristics:

the skin is not red, but burgundy, strongly contrasting with normal skin that has not been exposed to the sun;
blisters filled with a cloudy yellow liquid form on the skin;
rapid detachment of the upper layers of skin occurs;
a small swelling in the form of a cushion may form at the border of the burn;
during the healing process, the skin may crack, ulcers, crusts, and skin erosion may appear;
severe burns may be accompanied by general symptoms - swelling of the legs, fever, headaches, vomiting, etc.

If these symptoms are present, spontaneous healing of the burn is possible, but there is a risk of various complications. Therefore, patients are advised to pay attention to the treatment of damaged skin or consult a doctor for more qualified help.

What is the difference between a sunburn in the mountains and a sunburn at sea?

Both near the sea and in mountainous areas, excess ultraviolet rays can lead to sunburn. Skin burns most often occur near the sea. This is explained by the fact that the rays hit open areas of the body, and the person himself sweats additionally ( because of high temperature ), which creates a kind of greenhouse effect. In the mountains, due to lower temperatures, skin burns occur much less frequently. Most often these are just age spots, since acute inflammation does not develop due to cold. However, in the mountains the risk of getting a retinal burn is much higher. This is due to the intense reflection of sunlight from the snow cover. This is why it is recommended to use tinted glasses in the mountains.

Causes of sunburn

The direct cause of sunburn is always ultraviolet B radiation ( more specifically, a spectrum with a wavelength of 280 – 315 nm). It is these waves that affect the skin in the most harmful way, causing cell damage and inflammation. However, there are a number of other factors that can increase or decrease your risk of sunburn.

Severe sunburn can sometimes occur for the following reasons:

taking medications or using cosmetics with a phototoxic effect ( increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation);
presence of skin problems and dermatological pathologies;
high individual sensitivity to sunlight ( skin phototype or tendency to photodermatoses);
tan after swimming ( on damp skin) occurs by refracting the sun's rays, which act like a magnifying glass.

Thus, there are various conditions in which even those people who have never been highly sensitive to sunlight can get a sunburn. In some cases, sunburn also occurs in a solarium or at work ( where technology is used that distributes ultraviolet radiation of the harmful spectrum). In this case, the patient is usually at a loss, since the same lesions form on the skin as with sunburn, although the person has not been in the sun.

Phototoxic drugs

There are a number of substances that, when introduced into the body, affect metabolic processes. As a result, your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight and your risk of sunburn will increase significantly. Cosmetic products are most often phototoxic. Low quality and some natural oils that are applied directly to the skin. However, a number of pharmacological drugs also exhibit phototoxicity.

The most common substances with phototoxic properties are:

tetracycline and doxycycline ( broad spectrum antibiotics);
amiodarone and cordarone ( antiarrhythmic drug for the heart);
biseptol ( antimicrobial agent);
oils of some plants ( bergamot, orange, etc.);
a number of cosmetics ( creams, balms, etc.).

Usually the manufacturer indicates on the packaging or in the instructions ( in section with side effects ) that a particular product is phototoxic. When taking such drugs, the patient needs to spend less time in the sun and refrain from tanning, even with the use of protective creams.

Sensitive skin

Individual skin sensitivity to sunlight largely determines the risk of sunburn. There are six skin phototypes, each with its own characteristics. You can approximately determine your phototype yourself, based on external signs. A dermatologist can more accurately classify it during a consultation.

The following skin phototypes are distinguished:

Celtic. The main feature is very light, even pale skin. Such people usually have light eyes, very often have freckles, and veins are clearly visible through the skin. People with the Celtic skin phototype get sunburned very quickly ( including strong ones), but they hardly sunbathe. They definitely need to use strong sunscreen.
Aryan. People with the Aryan phototype have skin that is not so pale, often has a pinkish tint and a healthy glow. People with this phototype also have light hair and eyes ( light brown, chestnut, etc.). The risk of sunburn is also high.
Central European. People with this skin phototype may have different reactions to sunlight. Their natural skin color is darker, their skin is not pale, and tans well. Hair and eyes can be of different colors and shades. People with this phototype get sunburn only after prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Sunbathing in the morning and evening hours, when the sun's exposure is not so aggressive, they may not use sunscreen.
Mediterranean. People with this phototype have dark skin, eyes and hair are usually dark colors and shades. Under intense exposure to ultraviolet rays, the skin may darken even more, acquiring a pronounced brown tint, but sunburn is rare.
Indonesian. Owners of this phototype have yellow-brown skin. It does not change the shade much even with prolonged exposure to the sun, and sunburn almost never occurs.
African. Black skin of this phototype is found exclusively in representatives of the Negroid race. Even prolonged exposure to direct sunlight does not cause sunburn in such people. Exceptions are cases when there are initially skin problems ( acne, scars, etc.) or in case of taking drugs with phototoxic side effects.

From a medical point of view, skin phototypes differ from each other in the saturation of the melanin pigment. This determines the degree of absorption of ultraviolet rays and affects the rate of tanning and burns.

Does the temperature outside affect the risk of sunburn?

Air temperature is of secondary importance when it comes to sunburn. The most important is the damaging effect of ultraviolet radiation, which does not heat the air. This is why sunburn can appear even in seemingly not too hot weather. However, air temperature plays a role in this process. In the heat, the sweat and sebaceous glands work intensively. They secrete sweat and sebum onto the surface of the skin, which causes the metabolism on the surface of the epithelium to deteriorate and the risk of getting a severe burn increases.

What are the types of sunburn?

There is no uniform classification of sunburns, since most of these skin lesions are temporary. cosmetic defect and do not require medical attention. Some experts distinguish several stages and degrees of severity of burns. There are also some differences depending on which area of the skin is burned.

Degrees and stages of sunburn

In principle, in medicine it is not customary to distinguish the stages and degrees of sunburn. This problem is quite common, but usually does not pose a serious threat to human life or health.
From a practical point of view, such a division would be very arbitrary, since sunburn in different people and on different parts of the body may have its own characteristics. However, there is a fairly clear classification of burns in general. With certain amendments, it is successfully used in the case of sunburn. The main criterion is the depth of tissue damage.

Sunburn can be roughly divided by severity as follows:

Light burn. A minor burn refers to damage to the upper layers of the skin. In this case, the main symptoms are pronounced local redness, moderate pain, and slight swelling of the affected area. The vast majority of sunburns are mild. Such burns go away on their own within a few days, even without special treatment.
Moderate burns. The main symptom of such a burn is the formation of blisters on the affected area. They are filled with a yellowish liquid. The pain is much worse. Possible severe swelling, anxiety, general weakness, swelling of the legs ( against the background of a strong inflammatory process). The healing process takes 1 – 2 weeks.
Severe burns. Such sunburns are extremely rare, since ultraviolet radiation in most cases cannot damage the deep layers of the skin. In this case, we are talking about a combination of a large dose of ultraviolet radiation and individual skin sensitivity to sunlight. The resulting blisters are accompanied by allergy symptoms ( severe itching, swelling). Complications affecting the entire body are possible ( and not just the affected area) – rapid breathing, uneven heartbeat, headaches, sleep disturbances, etc.

The area of the burn also plays a significant role in the severity of the burn. If a small area of skin is severely burned, this still does not lead to serious consequences. The healing process will just take longer. But even light burns over a large area ( the entire back, chest and stomach, both legs, etc.) can cause general malaise, nausea, and increased body temperature. This is explained by the fact that with any burn, a significant number of skin cells die. The more cells die, the more breakdown products enter the blood. These breakdown products are moderately toxic and can affect the kidneys, meninges, heart, and other organs. That is why, with large area burns, the symptoms can be very diverse.

If we talk about the stages of development of a sunburn, then it is also difficult to identify a certain pattern. Symptoms may appear in different orders at different intervals. This is largely influenced by the severity of the burn and a person’s individual sensitivity to the sun.

In most cases of sunburn, the sequence of symptoms and complaints is as follows:

in the first few hours a person may not even notice that he has received a burn;
in some cases, immediately after a person goes into the shade, a feeling of burning or tightness of the skin appears;
after 1 – 3 hours ( depending on the degree of burn) a more or less limited area of redness appears;
with a severe burn, blisters begin to form soon after redness;
at this same stage itching may appear;
on the second day after receiving a burn, blisters have already formed, and with light burns there is redness and painful sensations usually reach a peak;
swelling ( more often than legs) usually appears on the same day the burn was received, in the late afternoon.

After a few days, in case of a minor burn, the skin gradually recovers. Intensive peeling of dead layers begins. With more severe burns, the blisters dry up first, the liquid is absorbed, and only then the shell falls off.

Sunburn in adults, children, infants and infants

The symptoms and manifestations of sunburn largely depend on the person’s age. In healthy adults, the body copes well with such injuries. The risk of serious complications is present only in the case of very severe and extensive burns or in the presence of chronic diseases. In young children, sunburn symptoms may be more severe and the risk of complications is slightly higher. At the same time, in children of primary school age and adolescents, severe burns, on the contrary, are less common than in adults.

In general, burns in different age groups can manifest as follows:

In newborns and infants, the skin can burn quite quickly. Moreover, children at this age are characterized by the appearance of general symptoms that are rarely found in adults. These are sleep disturbances, lack of appetite, vomiting, increased body temperature. There is also a risk of an allergic reaction. The burns themselves usually heal quite quickly, since childhood the cells' potential for regeneration is higher.
In primary school children and teenagers, severe sunburn is rare. Typically, children of this age spend a lot of time in the sun, and their bodies adapt well to environmental conditions. If burns appear, they heal quite quickly and without consequences. Some complications are possible in the case of acne or hormonal disorders, which are typical for teenagers.
Sunburn is quite common in adults. They can be of varying degrees. Symptoms in most cases are limited to the area of the burn.
In older people, sunburn is less common because their skin is better adapted. The symptoms of a burn are not too pronounced, which is explained by the reduced reactivity of the body ( responses to the inflammatory process are weaker). However, in the case of a severe burn in older people, the risk of complications and residual effects is high ( the appearance of moles, skin erosion, ulcers, age spots). This is due to worse metabolism compared to a younger body. In general, the burn itself also heals more slowly.

Thus, the patient's age plays a significant role in the risk of getting and developing symptoms of sunburn.

Burns of various parts of the body ( ears, head, face, back, legs, neck, lips, shoulders, arms, nose, etc.)

In principle, sunburn can be localized to almost any part of the body. Ultraviolet radiation, which causes burns, in excess amounts can cause damage and death of any cells. In practice, burns are more common on those parts of the body that are not covered by clothing. Also of some importance is the cellular structure of the skin, which differs in different parts of the body. For example, on the heels, in the elbows or on the front of the thighs, the skin is quite thick. Burns do not appear so often here, and their symptoms are not so pronounced. At the same time, the skin on the face, ears, front of the neck or chest is more delicate, and under the influence of sunlight it burns faster.

It should also be noted the possibility of sunburn of the mucous membranes. The most common burn is the lips, which are slightly modified skin. With such burns, cracks may appear on the lips ( as if chapped), the surface layer may peel off, and the lips themselves lose sensitivity.

In practice, sunburns of different areas of the skin do not differ much in symptoms or treatment methods.

Sunburn scar

A scar is a collection of scar tissue that forms at the site of injury or other deep damage to normal tissue. As a rule, even after complete healing, the surface of the scar differs in structure from normal skin. In particular, there are no melanocytes, the cells responsible for darkening the skin and protecting it from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. As a result, scar tissue burns faster during prolonged exposure to the sun, although the symptoms ( redness, pain, itching, etc.) are less pronounced in this place. People with similar scars are advised before going to the beach ( or with prolonged exposure to the sun in general) Apply sunscreen to the surface of the scar.

Scar formation after a sunburn is very rare. The fact is that for scar tissue to form on the skin, damage must occur to the so-called basement membrane - the deepest layer of the epithelium. This is only possible with deep burns, which the sun, as a rule, does not cause. The appearance of red spots with wrinkled skin on the surface is not always a classic scar. In most patients, such damage goes away on its own over time. However, if a sunburn leaves a scar-like mark on your skin, it is best to consult a specialist.

Sunburn moles

A mole is a collection of pigment cells - melanocytes. In the vast majority of cases, they do not pose much of a problem. However, any damage to the mole ( nevus), including sunburn, is potentially hazardous to health.

For people with moles, excessive sun exposure can be dangerous for the following reasons:

excess ultraviolet radiation can lead to the formation of new moles;
in some cases, moles begin to enlarge after prolonged exposure to the sun;
Regular exposure to the sun can contribute to the malignant degeneration of moles ( to melanoma or other types of skin cancer).

As a rule, with a sunburn of a mole and the surrounding skin, the symptoms do not differ from those of other burns. The skin turns red, itching appears, and then peeling of the skin. Changes in the mole itself largely depend on the type of formation. The skin may become rough and slightly change color or shape. Such exposure is clearly interpreted as harmful due to the potential risk of malignant degeneration. When treating the burn site with any means, under no circumstances should you injure the mole even more. For severe burns, it is better to consult a dermatologist.

In general, people with a large number of moles are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. They can sunbathe, but only in the morning or evening hours, when the effect of the sun's rays is not so aggressive. When the sun is at its zenith, even thin clothing or plasters, which some people use to cover moles on the beach, cannot protect you from ultraviolet rays. The nevus still receives a certain dose of these rays, and there is a risk of complications. You can find out more about the prognosis for a particular patient from a dermatologist, who will determine the type of mole and give more precise recommendations.

Sunburn of skin with acne ( acne, pimples)

Sunburn in people with acne is a very common problem. In general, acne appears predominantly on the face, neck, shoulders and back - that is, in those places that are most often exposed to sunlight. The effect of long exposure to the sun in these cases can be twofold. On the one hand, ultraviolet rays disinfect the skin. If acne is caused by any bacteria, sunbathing helps reduce it. Attending doctors often even prescribe spa treatments for patients to improve their skin health.

On the other hand, acne is not always caused by bacterial growth. Metabolic disorders or hormonal imbalances often occur. In addition, only ultraviolet rays with a certain wavelength are useful for acne, and not the entire spectrum of solar radiation. Therefore, procedures with special ultraviolet lamps, where the radiation characteristics can be adjusted, are more effective. Sunburn and acne definitely do not provide a positive effect in treatment.

Sunburn is harmful for acne-prone skin for the following reasons:

the skin dries out quickly because its normal metabolism is disrupted;
microcracks that accompany burns or peeling of the skin can become a gateway for new bacteria to enter, which will only intensify the rash;
the burn leads to superficial damage, which, if acne is present, will heal very slowly;
the risk of pigment spots increases ( excess ultraviolet radiation stimulates the formation of pigment during the healing process).

Thus, people with acne should avoid sunburn, although sunlight itself is beneficial for them. Sunbathing is recommended only after consultation with your doctor, who can advise special creams or ointments.

Symptoms and consequences of sunburn

In the vast majority of cases, people experience mild sunburn, which is not characterized by any complications or unusual symptoms. The main signs of such damage are redness, dry skin and local soreness. As healing progresses, itching may occur or the surface layer of skin will peel and flake. However, depending on various factors, people may experience other symptoms, effects, or complications of sunburn. First of all, this is influenced by the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and the time a person spent in the sun. The greater the radiation dose absorbed by the skin, the more serious the consequences will be. There are also people with very sensitive skin who can get sunburned even after a relatively short period of sun exposure.

Typically, the first symptoms of sunburn begin to appear within a few hours. At first it is just redness of the skin and local soreness. As the inflammatory process develops, itching or, in severe cases, the formation of blisters filled with clear liquid may occur. Various consequences and complications of such a burn appear later, as the skin heals and restores. Most often this is uneven skin pigmentation ( spots), surface erosion ( cracks, wrinkled skin, etc.), and sometimes small ulcers.

Redness

This symptom is the most persistent and common of all manifestations of sunburn. When the skin is burned, cells are damaged by solar radiation. This begins a sequence of cellular reactions that leads to the appearance of all symptoms and manifestations.

Redness appears due to the gradual development of the following reactions:

from damaged cells substances enter the intercellular tissue that normally should not be there ( enzymes, proteins, fragments of a destroyed cell, etc.);
cells responsible for immune reactions, which are found in any tissue of the body, recognize foreign substances and respond to damage;
the reaction consists in the release of special substances - inflammatory mediators;
inflammatory mediators also affect arterioles ( the smallest vessels that carry arterial blood), and these vessels dilate;
externally, the expansion of many small vessels looks like redness on the skin.

As other cells “recycle” foreign substances and the tissue is restored, the redness gradually disappears. This process usually lasts several days.

Itching

Itching during sunburn is an optional symptom and does not appear in all patients. It has several development mechanisms at once. Firstly, during the healing process, the surface layers of the epithelium die off ( layer usually only a few cells thick). As scales form and peel off, a person may experience mild itching. Secondly, exposure to sunlight causes allergic reactions in some people. This involves the use of immunocompetent cells located in the area of damage. In these cases, the itching may be more severe.

Pain

Painful sensations are ( along with redness) is the most consistent symptom of sunburn. The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of sunburn and its area. This symptom itself occurs due to tissue damage and irritation of nerve receptors located in the thickness of the skin throughout the body. Typically, pain appears a few hours after intense exposure to sunlight and bothers the patient for several days.

The most severe pain from sunburn occurs in the following cases:

with a large area of damage;
when blisters form ( and especially if they are opened);
when the sun or heat in general comes into contact with the burnt skin again;
when burning areas of the skin with a large number of nerve receptors ( face, ears, hands, feet, neck, lips, etc.).

The pain is less pronounced in the case of burns on the legs, forearm or shoulder, or back. There are fewer sensitive receptors in these areas.

Patients themselves characterize the pain of a sunburn in different ways. They may indicate a burning sensation, skin tightness, painful wrinkling, increased pain when touched, etc.

If the pain after a sunburn does not go away for a week or more, although the skin itself is already actively healing, it is better to consult a doctor. For severe sunburn, some patients are prescribed special ointments or even tablets with an anesthetic effect. This is necessary, since sunburn on the back or stomach prevents you from sleeping normally ( especially for young children), interfere with wearing clothes and generally create discomfort in everyday life.

Rash

The rash is a symptom that is not typical of a regular sunburn. Skin rashes in these cases are of an allergic nature and can occur under the influence of sunlight even without a burn. This disease is a type of photodermatosis ( increased skin sensitivity to sunlight). The main difference between photodermatosis and a burn is that even a short exposure to the sun is enough for the development of dermatosis. This starts a chain of reactions that lead to the appearance of characteristic symptoms. A burn always takes a longer time.

Photodermatitis ( inflammation due to photodermatosis) and sunburn are not mutually exclusive. These pathological conditions may well develop simultaneously. In these cases, the symptoms and manifestations of the burn will be more severe. A rash appears precisely in the case of such a combination.

The type, size and speed of appearance of the rash largely depends on the sensitivity of the skin. This symptom may look different in different patients. Sometimes the first elements of the rash appear even before redness from the burn, sometimes after. Without special treatment, the rash usually goes away within a few hours or days. It may reappear if a person is exposed to the sun again. Almost always, the elements of the rash are limited to open areas of the skin ( face, shoulders, arms). If during a sunburn a rash appears not only on the damaged skin, but also in other places ( not under the sun), it is better to consult a doctor, as this may indicate a severe allergic reaction.

Feeling cold

Some people experience a cold sensation at the site of the burn after a sunburn. As a rule, this does not reduce pain when touched, and the sensation itself gradually passes. This symptom is due to damage to thermoreceptors ( cells that recognize temperature environment ), who cannot perform their functions normally.

Blisters and blisters

Blistering is possible with severe sunburn. People with light, sensitive skin are more likely to burn to this extent. Blisters are caused by the peeling of the top layers of skin. As a result of the inflammatory process, fluid accumulates in the cavity formed between the layers of the skin. When this symptom appears, patients should be careful. The blisters themselves are not dangerous. They gradually dry out, and the top layer of skin ( transparent membrane of the blister) disappears on its own when it is restored underneath normal skin. This process usually takes from several days to several weeks. The larger the blisters at the burn site, the longer it will take for the skin to recover.

You cannot open blisters yourself for the following reasons:

the membrane and liquid cover and protect the deeper layers of the skin;
after opening the blister and premature removal of the membrane, an area of erosion remains on the skin, which is very painful ( even air entering exposed nerve endings causes pain);
there is a risk of infection and the formation of a wound or ulcer that will require additional treatment ( possible accumulation of pus);
the open wound at the site of the blister quickly dries out, and the process of skin regeneration proceeds more slowly.

When blisters appear, it is best to carefully treat their surface and surrounding skin with disinfectants. After this, a bandage is applied to the damaged area of skin. Do not tighten it too much so that the blisters do not burst. Bandaging and treatment of the burn is carried out 2-3 times a day, trying not to accidentally open the blisters. As a rule, on the 3rd – 4th day they gradually disappear, and the healing process proceeds faster.

If a blister breaks ( accidentally or intentionally) or the appearance of blisters over a large area of skin, it is better to consult a doctor for advice.

Spots during and after a burn ( dark spots)

The appearance of sunburn spots is possible in two cases. Firstly, we can talk about photodermatosis, when the patient, in addition to a burn, has increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays. Then the spots are the result of a false allergic reaction. As a rule, they are pink or red, located at the site of the burn, but sometimes they spread beyond it. At home, without exposure to sunlight, the spots gradually disappear, giving way to the uniform redness characteristic of a sunburn. In parallel with such spots, swelling or a rash may appear, characteristic of a local allergic reaction.

More often there are pigment spots that appear as the skin heals. They can appear only on days 5–6, when the inflammation has already ended and the surface layers of the skin have peeled off. Such stains may not go away for a very long time ( weeks, months). These are areas of skin that are darker ( or, less commonly, lighter) color than the surrounding skin. They appear due to excess ( or, accordingly, insufficient) production of the pigment melanin, which normally provides tanning. As a result of a burn, the skin is injured and pigment is not produced evenly. As a result, tan spots remain on the skin, although all other burn symptoms have already passed. To eliminate such consequences and restore normal skin color, it is better to consult a specialist.

Edema ( legs, face, eyelids)

In some cases, sunburn is accompanied by swelling. It most often affects the legs, but swelling may also occur in the face, eyelids, thighs or ( less often) other parts of the body. As a rule, such swelling is not very pronounced. The mechanism for the appearance of this symptom is quite complex. In some cases, there is an allergic component. For example, when the legs are burned, due to vasodilation, fluid begins to accumulate in the intercellular tissue. Quite pronounced swelling forms around the burn site.

If swelling does not appear in the same area that was sunburned, the causes of this symptom may be different. Most often, the problem lies in chronic diseases of other organs. This could be kidney disease, liver disease, hormonal imbalances or a number of other pathologies. Sunburn ( especially strong and large in area) leads to the release of a number of substances into the blood, which, in combination with chronic diseases, can provoke the appearance of edema.

If swelling appears after a sunburn, you should consult a doctor in the following cases:

if the swelling is clearly defined and easily visible to the naked eye ( this indicates problems with blood vessels or water-electrolyte balance);
with severe swelling outside the burn area;
with the rapid appearance and increase of edema ( sometimes even before severe redness from the burn appears), since this may indicate a severe allergic reaction;
if swelling does not decrease over time ( they usually go away on their own within 1 – 2 days, even after severe sunburn).

Sleep disorders

Most often, this symptom occurs with sunburn in young children. Due to their age, children sleep a significant portion of the time. Due to the pain that the burn causes ( especially when touching the affected area), sleep becomes restless and superficial. Burns on the back, chest or shoulders can also cause sleep problems in adults, as it is difficult to find the optimal sleeping position. The best solution in both cases is the use of painkillers and antihistamines ( against itching).

Chills

A chill is an involuntary contraction of some of the body's superficial muscles. Unlike cramps, chills are not always visible from the outside. Sometimes a person himself feels an involuntary muscle contraction, but does not make any movements. With sunburn, this symptom appears quite rarely. It can be caused by a pronounced inflammatory process if a large area of skin is burned. One of the possible reactions of the body will be vasospasm, which contributes to the appearance of chills and a subjective feeling of cold. In young children, chills may also appear when the body temperature rises, which is a universal protective reaction of the body.

Dermatitis

Dermatitis is any inflammatory lesion of the skin. Thus, the term “dermatitis” covers sunburn in general. In this case, we are talking about photocontact dermatitis, since the damage is caused by exposure to sunlight. The inflammatory process is based on physical tissue damage and an allergic component, the role of which in the inflammatory process is largely individual for each patient.

The main symptoms of dermatitis are:

skin redness;
local soreness;
moderate swelling in and around the damaged area;
burning sensation.

It should be noted that in some cases, dermatitis can be considered a complication of sunburn. This happens in cases where the burn was quite severe, and due attention was not given to its treatment. For example, when blisters are opened, infection can spread to the surface of the wound. Since the normal skin is destroyed here, bacteria begin to actively multiply, feeding on dead tissue and gradually destroying living tissue. In this case, we will talk about infectious dermatitis, which has become a complication of sunburn. The healing process with this course of the disease can be very prolonged. Patients should consult a doctor, as infection requires different treatment tactics.

Crust formation

The formation of a crust usually occurs during the healing process of a burn, after the burnt and dead layers of skin have peeled off. This symptom is typical for severe burns ( with blisters and severe pain). The crust on the surface of the wound is a protective cover of coagulated blood and plasma components. It appears in cases where the burn was severe enough to affect more than just the superficial layer of the skin. As the skin heals and restores itself, the crust disappears on its own.

You can expect a crust to appear 2–3 days after the burn in the following cases:

with premature opening of blisters;
for large area burns ( in several palms);
in case of repeated injury to the skin during the healing process;
when an infection occurs with the formation of deeper wounds or ulcers.

The crust itself means that the healing process is proceeding normally, but it will take a little longer due to deeper damage. After the crust falls off, pigment spots often remain on the skin, which go away on their own over time.

How dangerous are sunburns?

Most sunburns do not pose a serious health risk to patients. These are superficial injuries to the skin that gradually go away on their own without any consequences. However, in some cases there is the possibility of certain complications or residual effects. To avoid them, you should pay attention to any unusual symptoms that appear during tissue healing.

With severe sunburn, the following complications and consequences are possible:

Long-term tissue restoration. After severe burns, blisters may form. This indicates quite deep damage to the skin. Premature opening is fraught with the formation of a crust, the appearance of cracks, erosion and even small ulcers. Such wounds take quite a long time to heal, but usually disappear without any traces.
Dark spots. Pigment spots may appear on the skin as it recovers from a sunburn. They are not dangerous, but in some cases they are a noticeable cosmetic defect.
Getting infected. Sunburn involves damage to the upper layers of the skin. Normally, the skin is an impassable barrier for the vast majority of pathogenic bacteria, but due to a burn, the protection is weakened. In the process of peeling the skin or opening blisters, the gateway to infection opens. Symptoms, tactics and duration of treatment in these cases will depend on the type of bacteria that has entered the wound.
Allergic reactions. Sun exposure can cause allergic reactions in some people. They are usually not too intense, and the symptoms resemble a normal sunburn. But in rare cases it is possible serious complications (severe swelling, dizziness, problems with heartbeat and breathing).
Formation of moles. The formation of moles at the burn site usually begins 1 to 2 weeks after the person is burned. In most cases this is a cosmetic defect.
Malignant degeneration of moles. There are quite a few types of nevi ( moles). Each of them has a specific cellular composition and its own characteristics. Some moles are potentially dangerous due to the high risk of developing melanoma ( type of skin cancer). Sunburn of such moles can become a kind of impetus for malignant degeneration.

Is sunburn dangerous during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman's body is more vulnerable to most harmful environmental influences. Sunburn during this period is not a very serious problem, but for a number of reasons they occur in pregnant women somewhat more often than in other people, and the consequences can be more serious.

Taking sunburn seriously during pregnancy is important for the following reasons:

Changes in hormonal levels. During pregnancy, significant hormonal changes occur in a woman's body. This may also affect the condition of the skin. In particular, she becomes more sensitive. This is why exposure to direct sunlight causes burns faster. In addition, during pregnancy there is an additional burden on some organs. The inflammatory process from a burn aggravates the situation and increases the risk of various complications. For example, nausea and vomiting, which are not typical symptoms of sunburn in most cases, are quite common in pregnant women.
Increased risk of allergies. Changes in the immune system can also make a pregnant woman's skin more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. The allergic component of a burn intensifies the symptoms.
Threat to the fetus. In case of severe burns over a large area, there is a risk of various pregnancy complications. Ultimately, this poses a certain threat to the growing organism. Severe burns are especially dangerous in the first trimester. Cell death “clogs” the blood with waste products, and some toxic substances enter the fetal bloodstream. In severe cases, there may even be a threat of miscarriage.

Burns in pregnant women require regular treatment. An infection on a burned surface can cause the formation of an abscess, and in severe cases, the infection even spreads throughout the body. For treatment it is necessary to use antibiotics, which can also have a detrimental effect on the unborn child. To prevent such complications, it is better for pregnant women to avoid sunburn, and if they occur, consult your doctor for advice.

Is there an allergy to the sun? photodermatitis) in the form of a burn?

The so-called sun allergy and sunburn are diseases of different nature. In both cases, we are talking about an inflammatory process in a certain area of the skin, but the mechanism of development of this inflammation is different, although most of the symptoms and manifestations are very similar. That is why it is not entirely correct from a medical point of view to say that a burn is an allergy, or an allergy manifests itself in the form of a burn.

Sun allergies and burns have the following differences:

allergies occur mainly in people with sensitive skin ( it depends on the individual characteristics body), but anyone can get burned;
For some people to develop an allergy, it is enough to spend strong sun a few minutes, but a burn takes longer;
the first symptoms of an allergy appear quickly, and with a sunburn - a few hours after the person is burned;
potentially an allergy is more dangerous than a burn, since excessive sensitivity can cause not only skin lesions, but also other, more serious problems;
Allergy symptoms usually go away faster than sunburn symptoms;
The medical approach to the treatment of photodermatitis and burns is different.

In allergies, skin damage is caused by the release of substances from special skin cells that damage tissue and change vascular permeability. Under the influence of these substances, not only redness, but also a rash, severe itching, and severe swelling may appear. Ultraviolet rays also damage skin cells, but do not cause the release of substances characteristic of an allergic reaction. Many people with sensitive skin experience both sunburn and allergies, expressed to varying degrees, after prolonged exposure to the sun.

What to do if moles appear in its place after a sunburn?

The appearance of moles at the site of a sunburn is a relatively common occurrence. It most often occurs in people with sensitive skin who have a large number of moles from birth. In general, such people are not recommended to stay in the sun for long periods of time, as the consequences may be more serious for them.

Ultraviolet radiation, which causes sunburn, is also responsible for tanning. This occurs because certain skin cells ( melanocytes) begin to produce the dark pigment melanin more intensely. A mole is a collection of these same melanocytes, rich in melanin. Due to genetic predisposition, skin type and a number of other factors, in some people melanocytes group more easily and quickly into moles. Sunburn can become a kind of trigger for the formation of new moles. They appear gradually as the skin heals. In some cases, such moles may disappear on their own over time.

Sunburn of the eyes ( retina)

Sunburn of the retina is a fairly common problem not only in summer ( as opposed to a skin burn). The retina of the eye is normally responsible for the perception of reflected light rays, while all other structures of the eye are responsible for the refraction of rays and their focusing on the retina. A burn can occur due to a large number of ultraviolet rays hitting one point of the retina. This often happens in clear days on the sea ( light reflects off water), in the mountains or in winter ( rays reflected from the snow). That is why, when there is excess light, sunglasses should not be perceived as fashion accessory, but as an effective means of eye protection.

If you receive a retinal burn, you should definitely consult an ophthalmologist. Only this specialist will be able to assess cell damage and prescribe the correct treatment. Most often it lasts for several weeks ( although symptoms usually go away more quickly) and comes down to taking medications and vitamin preparations that improve metabolism in the retina. This stimulates cell restoration, and the patient gradually returns to his previous visual acuity.

In the case of severe retinal burns, serious consequences can occur. Cell death in a certain area leads to the appearance of scotomas ( loss of a certain area of the visual field). In other words, a certain area of the retina ceases to perceive the image, and a person develops a “blind spot”. This symptom does not pose a serious threat and usually does not interfere much, but it can create some discomfort.

What are the main symptoms of eye sunburn?

It is quite difficult from the outside to understand that a person has received a sunburn on the retina. The main symptoms are the subjective sensations of the patient himself.

The most characteristic symptoms of a retinal burn are:

pain and pain in the eyes;
immunity to sunlight ( the eyes close and squint on their own);
the appearance of sun spots and bunnies before the eyes;
dizziness and headache;

All these symptoms do not go away even after the person has already gone into the shadows or entered the room. In such cases, you need to urgently contact an ophthalmologist to prescribe the correct treatment. Self-medication or prolonged ignoring of symptoms can aggravate the situation and lead to serious consequences. Before use, you should consult a specialist.

Tanning in a solarium - recommendations, safety rules. Which sunscreen should I buy? What is instant tanning and how does it differ from self-tanning?

5263 09/11/2019 5 min.

After a long, long winter and a fleeting spring, everyone is looking forward to real summer, with its warm sunny days. Everyone is trying to get out on vacation as quickly as possible - to get their portion of the gentle rays of the sun. But in pursuit of beautiful bronze skin, many forget about safety, and in just a few hours of being outdoors they burn.

Most often, fair-haired and light-skinned people get burned; they need to be extremely careful about the time they spend in open sunlight, and as soon as they feel a slight tingling sensation, they should immediately take emergency measures.

If your face is very tanned

The face area suffers more than other parts of the body from excessive sun exposure - the nose, cheeks and forehead are redder. After all, it is impossible to cover them with any clothing; they always remain open, accessible to the sun’s rays. Lips often suffer, they crack and then begin to peel.

All this is very unpleasant, and even in many cases painful, what emergency measures should be taken:

In the video, what to do if you get very tanned in the sun:

Tips: While your skin is irritated and there are signs of a burn, try to spend less time in open sunlight - go under the shade of trees, wear a hat with a wide brim, and it’s better to stay at home until everything passes.

Watch for peak sun activity - it lasts from about 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is the most dangerous time to be outside without sun protection. Before leaving home, use effective means from sunburn, and the whiter your skin, the higher the protection rating should be.

Which is the best is detailed in the contents of this article.

If your body is badly burned

This is also quite unpleasant - you can’t lie on your back, clothes cause pain, bending your arms and legs hurts. If you feel tingling on your skin, this is sure sign strong tan.

What to do as soon as possible:

In the video, what to do if your back is very tanned:

If you don’t have anything like this in your home medicine cabinet, then you can help yourself with simple homemade products; these recipes have been used for centuries, and they will still help today: and how to do it correctly, the information from the article will help you figure it out.

How to use is detailed here in the article.

Tips: try to add various juices, compotes, fruit infusions to your diet - this way you will replenish the supply of moisture consumed at elevated air temperatures. Even if you notice watery blisters, under no circumstances pierce them yourself, and if it breaks open on its own, you should immediately treat it with any antibacterial agent, for example, syntomycin liniment.

Well, if you feel bad, you constantly feel nauseous, or your head is very tired, call a doctor immediately, sunstroke is not something to joke about!