Sunburn: Risks, symptoms and treatment

When it comes to sunburn, the best tip is to avoid it.

Sunburn is damage caused to the skin by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which generally appears within a few hours after excessive exposure to sunlight. Intense and repeated sun exposure, which results in sunburn, increases the risk of skin damage such as the appearance of wrinkles and premature skin aging and diseases such as skin cancer.

The sun produces three different types of UV rays:

– UVA rays: penetrate deeper into the skin, damaging the dermis, which contains tissues that give elasticity to the skin.

– UVB rays: rays absorbed by the superficial layer of the skin (epidermis), the layer that releases substances that cause pain, swelling and redness characteristic of sunburn.

– UVC rays: they are filtered by the earth’s atmosphere, which means that protection against this type of radiation is not necessary.

In general, the factors that increase the risk of burns are:

– exposure to the sun;

– fair skin and blonde or red hair;

– proximity to water or sand, as the rays are reflected and exposure is more intense;

– exposure to the sun between 10 am and 3 pm, when there is greater intensity of UVB radiation.

Symptoms Any part of the body exposed to the sun can burn. Symptoms of sunburn include:

– red, painful skin (erythema);

– skin that is hot and sensitive to the touch and sometimes itchy;

– small bubbles with liquid inside, which may rupture;

– headache, fever, chills and fatigue (in more severe cases);

– peeling of the skin (generally, 4 to 7 days after sun exposure).

Treatment

– avoid sun exposure of affected areas by covering with clothing and staying in the shade;

– stay hydrated to help reduce body temperature and replace the amount of fluid lost through sweating;

– for mild burns, apply a repairing and moisturizing after-sun balm. They help alleviate symptoms. ADELINO has a powerful skin repair effect and helps it recover from redness and sun rash.

– analgesic helps relieve pain and fever. Anti-inflammatories also help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and reduce body temperature (consult your doctor);

Prevention

– Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm, even on cloudy days;

– Make use of hats, caps, umbrellas, t-shirts; – Use sunscreen with UVA protection.

When to go to the doctor

It is recommended to go to the emergency room if the burn has very large blisters, or if the person has a fever, chills, headache or difficulty thinking, as these are signs that may indicate heatstroke, a condition that needs medical treatment.