Ultimate Guide to Sunburn Treatment: Top Dermatology Treatments and Sun Protection Tips

Imagine a sunny day at the beach, a hike under clear skies, or a casual outdoor event; the sun can kiss your skin with its warm embrace. Sounds tranquil, right? But what if that tranquility turns into fiery pain and discomfort? That’s sunburn. It is more than a superficial skin issue; it’s a sign that your skin has been damaged by the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. This can also increase the risk of skin cancer. To heal this issue, you need to start treating it immediately as soon as you realize it. If you have no idea where to start or what to do, then read this blog. This explores the essential tips to beat the burn and protect your skin, the importance of proper sunburn treatment, and the best dermatology treatments.

What is sunburn?

Sunburn occurs when the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, triggering an inflammatory response. While it might seem like a temporary inconvenience, sunburn can have long-term consequences, including premature aging, skin cancer, and a weakened immune response. Symptoms of sunburn can range from mild redness and discomfort to severe blistering and pain.

Types of sunburn

Sunburn can vary in severity and is generally categorised into three types:

• First-Degree Sunburn: It affects only the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The skin appears red and may feel warm or hot to the touch.
• Second-degree sunburn: It affects both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). The blisters filled with fluid may form, and the skin can appear more swollen. It takes several weeks to heal compared to first-degree sunburn.
• Third-degree sunburn: This is the most severe form, affecting all layers of the skin and possibly underlying tissues. The skin may appear white or leathery. There is often severe pain, or in some cases, numbness, due to nerve damage.

What causes sunburn?

Sunburn is a skin reaction triggered by prolonged exposure to the skin’s ultraviolet rays . Two main types of UV radiation can cause sunburn:

• UVB Radiation: It is responsible for the majority of sunburns. UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and are more intense; they directly damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to inflammation and sunburn.
• UVA Radiation: It has a longer wavelength and penetrates deeper into the skin. Although less intense than UVB, UVA contributes to skin aging and long-term damage.

What are the signs of sunburn?

The signs and symptoms of sunburn typically appear within a few hours of exposure and can continue to develop over the next 24 to 48 hours. They include:

• Redness
• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Peeling
• Itching
• Fatigue
• Dehydration
• Fever and chills

Immediate Steps to Take After Getting Sunburned

Taking immediate action can help mitigate the damage and reduce discomfort if you find yourself with sunburn. You can try these sunburn skin home treatment steps:

Pain Relief

• Nonprescription Pain Relievers: As soon as possible after excessive sun exposure, take a nonprescription pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These can help reduce pain and inflammation. Alternatively, try a topical gel pain reliever.

Cooling the Skin

• Cool Compresses: Apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water to the sunburned areas.
• Cool Baths: Take a cool bath with added baking soda to soothe your skin. Cooling the skin for about 10 minutes several times a day can provide relief.

Moisturising

• Aloe Vera and Calamine Lotion: Use aloe vera gel or calamine lotion to soothe the skin. For added relief, cool the product in the refrigerator before applying. Avoid products with alcohol, as they can dry out and irritate your skin further.

Hydration

• Drink Extra Water: Sunburn can dehydrate you, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your skin heal.

Blister Care

• Leave Blisters: Let blisters heal naturally. If a blister breaks, consult a dermatologist for proper care.

Peeling Skin

• Gentle Treatment: As your skin begins to peel, continue using moisturiser to soothe and hydrate the new skin underneath.

Sunburned Eyes

• Cool compresses for eyes: Apply a clean, cool, damp towel to your eyes. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your eye symptoms subside, and refrain from rubbing your eyes.

Sun protection

• Avoid Further Exposure: While your sunburn heals, avoid sun exposure. Use sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade, and using a moisturiser with sunscreen.

Effective Sunburn skin Treatment

Sunburn skin treatment won’t heal your skin overnight, but it can significantly ease pain, swelling, and discomfort. If home remedies don’t provide relief or if your sunburn is particularly severe, consulting a dermatologist is crucial. They might prescribe some topical creams to reduce inflammation. In extreme cases, advanced sunburn skin treatment might be necessary to manage severe sunburn complications.

Consult a dermatologist if you experience:

• Severe pain or blistering
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Signs of infection
• Difficulty breathing

If your sunburn is causing intense pain or the above-mentioned symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic for professional care and guidance.

Dermatology Treatments for Sunburn Skin

Dermatologists offer a range of skin treatments for sunburn, depending on its severity. These may include:

• Topical Steroids: Topical corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and pain. Hydrocortisone cream is commonly recommended for mild sunburns. For severe cases, they may prescribe stronger prescription steroids.
• Hydration Treatment: Sunburn can cause significant dehydration. So they recommend intravenous (IV) fluids; these treatments can replenish fluids quickly, providing relief from severe dehydration symptoms.
• Silicone Gel Sheets: For severe sunburns that cause blisters, silicone gel sheets can help promote healing and reduce scarring. These sheets create a moist environment that facilitates skin repair.
• Antibiotic Ointments: If blisters break, there’s a risk of infection. So, they may prescribe antibiotic ointments that help prevent bacterial infections in the affected areas.
• Pain Relievers: For severe pain, a dermatologist may prescribe stronger pain medications to manage discomfort while the skin heals.

Essential long-term sun protection tips

Preventing sunburn is always better than treating it. Here are essential sun protection tips to shield your skin from harmful UV radiation:

• Use Sunscreen Daily: Shield your skin daily with a broad-spectrum sunscreen boasting an SPF of at least 30. This is crucial for sun protection. Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or immediately following swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats. Look for clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating for added protection.
• Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Use umbrellas or caps when outdoors.
• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV damage by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

Advanced Sunburn Skin Treatment at Evenly Dermatology

If you’ve experienced multiple sunburns or prolonged sun exposure, it’s crucial to address the long-term effects on your skin. Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic offers advanced treatments to repair and rejuvenate sun-damaged skin.

• Chemical Peels: It can effectively address sun-damaged skin by exfoliating the skin’s outer layer using a naturally extracted chemical solution. This process removes damaged skin cells, revealing smoother, fresher skin. It also helps to fade age spots, soften wrinkles, and improve skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels vary in depth, from superficial to deep, depending on the severity. Our dermatologists decide the type of peel.
• Microdermabrasion: For milder sun damage, our specialists may perform this non-invasive procedure. This treatment procedure gently exfoliates the outer layer of dead skin cells, promoting the growth of new, healthy skin. It also addresses various skin concerns like fine lines, rough skin texture, pigmentation, clogged pores, and many others.
• Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing: When deeper sun damage is present, laser resurfacing is a more aggressive approach. We use fractional CO2-concentrated beams of light to target damaged skin with precision, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin regeneration. This advanced procedure is also effective in reducing the appearance of sun spots, scars, age spots, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. It provides a more dramatic improvement in skin quality.

How to choose the right sunscreen?

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Here are some tips for selecting the best sunscreen for your needs:

1. Ensure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Select a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, as it blocks 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%.
3. If you’ll be swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen.
4. For sensitive skin, opt for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
5. Avoid sunscreens with harmful chemicals.

Why Choose Evenly for Your Sunburn Treatment?

• Our large team of experienced dermatologists delivers exceptional results with the utmost care.
• Backed by a strong track record of satisfied customers.
• Utilises cutting-edge, FDA-approved technology for safe and effective treatments.
• We prioritise your comfort and well-being throughout your recovery.
• Our treatments are customised to address your specific skin concerns.
• Recognised for exceptional patient care and innovative treatments.
• We offer a wide range of skin treatments beyond sunburn, including acne, aging, and pigmentation.

Sunburn is not just an inconvenient and painful experience; it can have lasting effects on your skin’s health. By understanding the best sunburn treatment options and adopting effective sun protection habits, you can enjoy the sun safely.

For personalised advice and advanced sunburn treatments, book an appointment with our experienced dermatologists at Evenly Skin and Hair Clinic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this information is helpful. If you have any skin and hair-related questions or would like to discuss personalized solutions, please reach out to us at 7337899030. Our team of specialists is committed to delivering personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a consultation with us today. Your journey to vibrant skin and stronger hair begins here.