|
|
|
SunburnIntroductionSunburn is the damaging effect on the skin of the ultraviolet (UV) light contained in sunlight. With too much exposure to UV light, your skin overheats and becomes red and painful, and may later peel or blister. Ultraviolet light causes changes in the surface and in the deeper layers of the skin. It reduces the stretchiness of the skin and can cause premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, as well as the formation of age spots. Deeper in the skin, it causes changes in the structure of cells, and increases the risk of skin cancers. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces a pigment called melanin to help protect itself against ultraviolet light. This is what makes your skin go darker and is what you see as a suntan. It stops you burning so easily but doesn't prevent the other harmful effects of UV such as premature aging and cancer. The less melanin you have, the less protected you are against the effects of UV light. If you have fair skin or red hair, or have not been in the sun much, you have less melanin so are more likely to burn quickly. Sunburn doesn't just happen in hot weather - reflection of light off the snow can also cause sunburn. Although a breeze, cloudy sky or swimming may make you feel cooler, the sunlight can still get through to damage your skin. Symptoms Sunburnt skin is red and sore. It is warm to the touch, even after attempts to cool it with water or by moving into the shade. After a few days, the redness may fade into a tan, or in very fair people with little melanin pigment in the skin, it may just return to white. The skin may also flake or peel after a number of days. Dark skin can also burn and become damaged if exposed to enough UV light, although because it contains more pigment it can tolerate sunlight without burning for longer than paler skin. Severe sunburn can cause blistering, swelling of the skin and fever. At the same time there may also be symptoms of heatstroke, such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. The symptoms of sunburn are not usually immediately obvious, and the worst pain occurs 6-48 hours after being in the sun. Treatment If a baby or small child has been sunburnt, or if blisters, a rash, or fever occur, seek medical advice from your GP, NHS Walk-in centre, or by phoning NHS Direct on 0845 4647. Avoid direct sunlight by covering up and staying in the shade, until the sunburn has healed. Cool the skin by sponging it with tepid (lukewarm) water or having a cool shower or bath. Drink plenty of fluids to replace the water lost through sweating in the sun, and to cool down. Don't drink alcohol because it will dehydrate you further. For mild sunburn, apply a moisturising lotion or a special after sun cream from a pharmacy. Aftersun helps to cool the skin as well as moisturising and relieving the feeling of tightness. Calamine lotion can also be used to relieve itching and soreness. For adults, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Severe burns may require special burn cream and burn dressings. Ask your pharmacist for advice; you may need to see your GP and have your burns dressed by a practice nurse. In very severe cases you may need treatment at your local Accident and Emergency Department. For severe sunburn try using Lavender essential oil. Make a solution of 12 drops of Lavender essential oil to 1 tablespoon of boiled and cooled water and dab this onto the burnt area if there is no blistering and the skin is not broken. If the skin is blistered you can apply Lavender oil neat to the burns. Chamomile essential oil will soothe and cool burning skin. The fastest way to relieve a large area of redness and stinging is to take a lukewarm bath with a few drops of Chamomile. Obviously the best advice here is that prevention is much better than cure so use a high factor sun cream especially at the beginning and don’t expose your skin to mid day sun. |
|
| Copyright © Think Aromatherapy 2008 | Web design by 7Soft.co.uk |
