7 ways to limit the damage if you get sunburnt this summer

Despite the recent gloomy skies over Sussex, the UV index remains high and warnings have been issued about taking care.
Take care in the sunTake care in the sun
Take care in the sun

A small amount of UV radiation is essential in the production of vitamin D, however too much exposure to the sun can have serious effects on your skin and eyes.

The British Skin Foundation (BSF) has issued a list of handy ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ which will help soothe the pain if you do caught out in the garden or on holiday..

1. Act quickly and get out of the sun

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cover up the affected areas and stay in the shade until your sunburn has healed. Wear loose cotton clothing that allows your skin to “breathe” over the sunburnt areas.

2. Take over-the-counter pain relief

Analgesia or painkillers can help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation caused by sunburn. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are ideal and should be continued for a period of at least 48 hours if there are no contraindications. Paracetamol will help with pain, but has little effect on inflammation.

3. Cool the skin

Apply a cool compress to the skin, eg a towel dampened with cool water, for 15 minutes, or take a cool bath or shower. Aim to keep the temperature just below lukewarm. Make sure the shower has a gentle flow of water rather than being on full power. If blisters are starting to develop, then a bath is preferable. Do not rub your skin with a towel, but gently pat it dry when you get out.

4. Moisturise

After a bath or shower, use an unperfumed cream or lotion to soothe the skin. Repeated applications are necessary to reduce the appearance of peeling and this may need to be continued for several weeks. Aloe vera or soy containing gels or lotions can be beneficial in soothing the skin. Aloe vera not only has a cooling effect on the skin, but also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Be wary of using creams or lotions that contain petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine. These can either trap heat in the skin or cause local skin irritation.

5. Stay hydrated

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sunburn can encourage fluid loss through the skin. Drinking plenty of water will prevent dehydration and help your body recover. Alcohol should ideally be avoided during this time, as it will make dehydration worse

6. Use of mild steroid cream

Using a weak steroid cream such as 0.5-1% hydro-cortisone for 48 hours may decrease pain and swelling caused by sunburn and speed up the healing process. This is best avoided in small children.

7. Leave blisters alone

Try not to pop blisters, as this can lead to infection and scarring. They will settle by themselves after a few days. In the meantime, treat the skin gently.

Dr Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist, and spokesman for the BSF, said: “Sunburn is an acute reaction in the skin that follows excessive over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It causes direct damage to DNA, resulting in inflammation and death of skin cells. The risk is higher in equatorial areas or at altitude, particularly in those with fair skin types.

“Sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of developing melanoma in later life.”

* For more tips on staying safe in the sun, visit the website of It Takes Seven, the British Skin Foundation’s skin cancer appeal, HERE.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: