Sunburned Skin- How to Ensure Skin Health- Tips by Skin Doctor

Have you been to a high-altitude location on your vacation and ended up having sunburned skin? Or did you get your skin sunburned due to prolonged, unprotected skin exposure to the sun’s UV rays? In either case, this article has got you covered!

 

Here you can learn everything about sunburned skin. Don’t miss Dr. Gulhima Arora, Best Dermatologist in Delhi recommended tips to ensure skin health and prevent sunburned skin this summer. Dr. Gulhima Arora, a renowned dermatologist is available for consultation and treatment of sunburned skin at Mehektagul DermaClinic.

 

About Sunburned Skin

 

Sunburned skin is a dermatological condition that features- inflamed, red, hot to the touch, and painful skin. It occurs in areas where the skin is overexposed to the ultraviolet rays from the sun.

 

Detailed Signs of Sunburned Skin

 

• Inflamed skin or swelling

• White skin appearing pink or red; black or brown complexion may hardly show redness.

• Skin feels warm or hot to the touch

• Itchy, painful, tender skin

• Small, fluid-filled blister formations, which can easily rupture 

• Gritty or painful eyes

• Fever, nausea, headache, and fatigue (in severe cases).

 

The above-mentioned signs usually become noticeable within a few hours of sun exposure and take a few or several days to naturally heal.

 

Causes and Risk Factors of Sunburned Skin

 

Sunburned skin is caused by excessive exposure of a particular area of the skin to ultraviolet light, coming from the sun or artificial sources like sunlamps and tanning beds. The sun’s light has UVA rays that can go deep into the skin to cause extensive damage over time, and the UVB rays, which only affect the skin surface and cause sunburn.

 

The direct UV light can significantly harm the skin, damaging the cells. The body’s immune system response causes increased blood flow to the areas affected, causing erythema- the inflamed skin, also known as sunburned skin.

 

Sunburned skin is not necessarily caused on hot days. It can happen on cloudy or cool days due to reflecting surfaces like snow, sand, and water.

 

The risk of sunburned skin is higher in people:

 

• Who are fair and red-headed

• Who had sunburn previously

• Working or swimming outdoors under the sun

• Living or being on vacation in a place at high altitude or a place with sunny, warm weather

• Who doesn’t use sun protection

• Taking photosensitizing medication

• Who mix outdoor recreation and consume alcohol.

 

Tips to Maintain Healthy Skin and Prevent Sunburn

 

Everyone should follow these skin doctor-recommended tips:

 

• Daily, generously apply broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 above, even if it's cloudy or cool outside. Reapply the sunscreen after every 2 hours, if you've been swimming or perspiring a lot.

• Avoid going outside, especially in the afternoon. If going outdoors, stay more in the shade.

• Wear sun-protective clothing to fully cover the sun-exposed areas. For better UV protection, make sure the fabric is tightly woven and dark.

• To protect the eyes and surrounding skin, wear proper sunglasses.

• Keep the skin well-moisturised and hydrated with proper moisturisers and sufficient water intake.

• Avoid smoking, alcohol intake, or anything that affects skin health and can cause sunburn.

• Avoid using sun tanning beds.

• Have a balanced, skin-friendly diet.

• Go for routine skin health check-ups to keep monitoring your skin for any unusual changes.

 

Tips for Healing Sunburned Skin

 

For those having their sunburned skin, they should follow these tips until their affected skin heals:

 

• Apply, damp, cool clothes or take cool baths or showers to soothe pain and inflammation.

• Restore the skin’s moisture with aloe vera or hyaluronic acid-based moisturiser.

• Drink sufficient water to address dehydrated skin and cool down the skin.

• Take painkillers to alleviate pain or discomfort.

• Use anti-inflammatory or anti-itch cream, on a doctor’s prescription.

• Avoid topical products that have alcohol, harsh ingredients, or anything that can irritate and worsen the sunburn.

• Let blisters heal on their own. If they rupture, clean the area with gentle soap and water, apply an antibiotic, and then cover the area with a sterile bandage.

• Schedule a visit to a skin doctor in case of severe sunburned skin. 

 

When to Visit a Skin Doctor for Sunburned Skin?

 

Do not delay in seeing a Skin Specialist In Delhi for sunburned skin if you have:

 

• Small or large blisters on the face, hands, or genitals

• Intense swelling of the affected skin

• Signs of infected skin

• Worsening pain, headache, nausea, confusion, chills, or fever

• Eye pain or vision changes

• Sunburned skin not healing despite at-home care

• Fever

• Confusion

• Signs of Dehydration

• Faintness, Dizziness, or Cold skin.

 

If one has skin tanning and pigmentation, they can get it managed with best dermatological treatment and advice shared by Dr. Gulhima Arora, a leading dermatologist who practises at Mehektagul DermaClinic, a leading and best Best Skin Clinic In Delhi.

From sunburn, tanning to pigmentation management all treatments are offered by her at the clinic. Visit now for details!