Sunburn – How to Protect Yourself and Natural Remedies for Relief

Skin requires special care to withstand external aggressions of all kinds. Sunburns occur due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays or other artificial sources. This problem manifests in different stages, depending on the degree of damage. Although rare, severe sunburns require emergency medical attention. At the same time, any form of sunburn can lead to premature skin aging.

Next, we will discuss aspects related to this dermatological problem, as well as various natural remedies for sunburns. Finally, we will know how to prevent, alleviate, and intervene in case of sunburn.

Sunburns – Why They Occur and How They Manifest

If we were to consider all dermatological problems, differential diagnosis would be extremely difficult. However, there are a few pathologies caused by prolonged sun exposure that need to be differentiated. Most often, sunburns can be confused with sun rashes. Rashes develop due to sensitivity to UV light, which is the common element between them. The distinctive signs are redness of the area, swelling, even blisters, itching, and sometimes pain.

Moreover, not all rashes are the same. For example, there is solar urticaria, which occurs due to UV sensitivity. More precisely, radiation interacts with photosensitive internal or topical allergens, such as those found in sunscreen creams.

How Do Sunburns Appear on the Face and Other Body Areas?

Sunburns occur when the amount of exposure to the sun or another source of ultraviolet light exceeds the functioning capacity of melanocytes in the skin.

Thus, the protective skin barrier is disrupted. Melanocytes are the cells in the skin responsible for melanin production. Melanin is the skin’s protective “colorant” (pigment).

Sunburns on a person with very fair skin can occur in less than 15 minutes of exposure to the midday sun. A person with darker skin can tolerate the same exposure for hours. Thus, it can be said that each individual has a certain degree of sun tolerance. Besides these aspects, it is important to remember a few things.

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Factors Favoring Sunburns

Besides how they manifest, we must also know the elements that favor the occurrence of sunburns.

• People with lighter skin are more susceptible to sunburns. However, darker skin also needs protection.
• Sun rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, especially during the warm season.
• Tanning beds can cause severe burns. The same applies to devices used in salons (for artificial tanning).
• Some medications can make the skin more sensitive to light.
• Some medical conditions (such as lupus) can make us more sensitive to the sun.

Complications of Sunburns

It is best to protect ourselves from sunburns as much as possible, as they can lead to much more serious problems. Therefore, natural remedies for sunburns should be applied preventively or as soon as possible after sun exposure. Otherwise, UV light-induced skin changes can occur. This process is called photoaging and is characterized by:

• Weakening of connective tissues, reducing skin strength and elasticity;
• Deepened wrinkles;
• Dry, rough skin;
• Fine red veins on the cheeks, nose, and ears;
• Freckles, especially on the face and shoulders;
• Dark or discolored spots (macules) on the face, backs of hands, arms, chest, and upper back. Hyperpigmented areas are called “lentigo.”

Other problems that can occur are precancerous skin lesions. These are rough, scaly spots in areas affected by the sun. They are also called actinic and solar keratoses. Over time, they can progress to different forms of cancer.

Excessive sun exposure, even without sunburn, increases the risk of neoplasms, such as melanoma. This occurs due to DNA damage in the skin. At the same time, sunburns during childhood and adolescence can increase the risk of melanoma later in life.

Skin neoplasms mainly develop on body areas most exposed to sunlight, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, or hands. Some types appear as a growth or sore that bleeds easily, scabs over, heals, and then may reopen.

Too much UV light damages the cornea, which can lead to eye injuries. Sun-exposed eyes are painful and tired.

What Are the Types of Sunburns in Children and Adults?

Unfortunately, sunburns affect all age groups, causing very similar symptoms. They can occur more frequently in children who, wanting to play outside, forget to protect themselves from the sun. Moreover, it is important to know that there are several degrees of sunburns, as follows:

First-Degree Sunburns

These types of lesions are very common. They are relatively mild and affect only the outer layer of the skin. The skin will appear red and possibly experience slight discomfort. However, the skin will not form blisters. The good news is that first-degree sunburns can be easily treated at home with various remedies.

Second-Degree Sunburns

In this case, the outer layer of the skin and the dermis beneath it are affected. This sunburn is much more painful than a first-degree burn and is accompanied by blister formation. There are two types of second-degree sunburns. Once you understand how each of them manifests, it’s easy to make a presumptive diagnosis yourself.

Superficial Second-Degree Burns

Superficial partial-thickness burns injure part of the dermis. If we press the sunburned skin, it will turn white. Then, when we release it, it will turn red again. We will probably feel moderate pain and discomfort, and swelling and blisters will appear. Symptoms usually last 48 hours. We should seek professional advice to know what to use for these types of sunburns.

Deep Second-Degree Burns

The burn causes more damage to the dermis and can lead to permanent discoloration and scarring. The affected area will likely be swollen and painful, and we may see blisters. It may also take a few days to realize how deep the burn is. However, only a medical professional can help us with treatments or natural remedies for these types of sunburns.

Third-Degree Sunburns

This type of sunburn absolutely requires medical supervision. The main signs that define this stage are:

• Numbness in the area;
• White or discolored skin;
• Symptoms associated with shock or heatstroke.

What Natural Remedies for Sunburns Can We Use Prophylactically or to Alleviate Symptoms?

Most first and second-degree sunburns can be easily treated at home. It is ideal to always protect yourself and avoid sun exposure on very hot days.

But if you are experiencing such a problem, you can try various quick natural remedies to alleviate symptoms. Since many people wonder what to use for sunburns or what to apply, we have prepared some useful tips.

What to Do in Case of Sunburns?

• Cold compresses can help you feel better. A compress with chamomile tea can also be a suitable remedy.
• Use cooling and moisturizing gels or creams, such as aloe vera gel. It has a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• You can take a cold bath or shower. This will help soothe irritated skin.
• If the blisters enlarge, it is best to consult a doctor.

To prevent sunburns, it is important to use high SPF sunscreen every day. They should be reapplied every 90 minutes when outdoors, especially after swimming and sweating. Another measure is to limit sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM, when radiation is strongest.

How Long Does Sunburn Healing Take?

The good news is that sunburn pain does not last long. They often disappear on their own within a few days to a week. More severe sunburns take longer to heal. However, we must be aware that DNA damage in skin cells is permanent. Every sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Thus, it is important to be careful and avoid sun exposure without adequate protection.

In conclusion, skin must be cherished and protected, as it is extremely valuable to our bodies. Although it is very resistant and strong against many external aggressions, it is important to give it the attention it deserves. Sunburns can be the consequence of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and treatment can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.

References:
1. Han, A., Maibach, H.I. Management of Acute Sunburn. Am J Clin Dermatol 5, 39–47 (2004). https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200405010-00006
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21858-sunburn
4. https://www.instyle.com/sun-rash-7499245
5. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/symptoms/sunburn
6. https://www.completefamilydermatology.com/blogs/types-of-sunburn/