How to save yourself from sunburn. How to smear sunburns at home for quick and safe healing. Why does the sun get a burn, not a tan?

The long-awaited summer provides an opportunity to enjoy warm weather, blue skies, picnics in nature, relaxing by the water and many other delights of this wonderful time of the year. But prolonged exposure to the street can cause sunburn, which are caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun's rays.

Anyone can get sunburned. What can be done at home and what actions to take to reduce the consequences, how and how to treat sunburn at home?

Sunburn symptoms and causes

The main cause of sunburn is prolonged exposure to the sun. As a result, the skin becomes red, hot to the touch, and pain is felt. Usually appears within a few hours after being exposed to the sun's UV rays or artificial sources, for example, in a tanning bed.

Intense re-sunburning, which leads to sunburn, increases the risk of skin damage and certain diseases. These include dry or wrinkled skin, dark spots, blisters, and melanoma - a virtually incurable form of cancer.

Symptoms may not appear immediately, but after five or more hours, and sometimes every other day or more. Don't think that you can only get sunburned on the beach. Sunburn can occur on any exposed skin: hands, feet, face, earlobes, nose and others, if you stay in the sun for a long time. Eyes are extremely sensitive to solar ultraviolet radiation.

Sometimes a light transparent fabric, which lets the sun's rays through, does not save it.

The first symptoms of sunburn are:

Redness of the skin;

Hot to the touch;

Pain and itching

Swelling;

The appearance of small blisters, which subsequently crack;

Headache;

Temperature, sometimes accompanied by fever;

Nausea and vomiting (in severe cases).

Within a few days, the body can cope with this problem on its own, cleansing the top layer of damaged skin.

Not all people are equally susceptible to sunburn. It all depends on the type and color of the skin. Melanin is responsible for pigmentation. People with dark skin there is more of it than with light.

When exposed to the sun, our body begins to produce more melanin to protect the deeper layers of the skin from burns, which leads to skin discoloration.

People with dark skin tend to get even darker. Conversely, in people with fair skin, it turns red, which is the first sign of a burn. This redness is due to increased blood flow under the skin. This is how the body tries to fight the damage caused.

In addition to sunburn, many people get bumpy dark spots and freckles.

How to treat a burn at home

Home remedies are first aid for sunburn and can help relieve pain and inflammation. Regardless of the type of skin, after what time the first signs of a burn appeared and its degree, the treatment is the same.

The first thing to do is to stop exposure to sunlight by covering exposed areas of the body with a scarf, scarf, clothes, wearing a hat with wide brims, and going into the shade.

How to treat a mild sunburn

The mildest form of sunburn appears as redness on lighter skin, or a shade or two darkening in people with darker skin. With a slight burning sensation, a slight burning sensation is felt, the skin is hot to the touch, which is associated with an increase in blood circulation in this area.

All that needs to be done at this stage is soothing compresses and lotions or taking a bath, which can relieve burning and pain.

Milk products

These are some of the most affordable remedies you can use to treat mild sunburn if you are not allergic to them. The fat, protein and pH of dairy products have a soothing effect on the skin. And the colder they are, the better they help to narrow blood vessels and reduce swelling by providing a gentle effect on the skin.

Apply cool, not cold, milk, kefir, yogurt, sour cream or any other product that is in the house on the body.

Before applying, wash your face, hands or take a cool shower and dry your skin slightly.

Pour the cold milk from the refrigerator into a bowl and let it sit in the room for 5 minutes. You can add 3-5 drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil. Both have additional useful properties, but they are not essential in this moment.

Dip a cotton swab in milk and gently apply to the inflamed areas. Leave it on until it is absorbed into the skin and repeat the procedure several times.

Skim milk works best. But if not, use any.

Wash off the milk film after a few hours and repeat the process.

Likewise, you can use other dairy products by applying them to the skin and leaving them to be completely absorbed into the skin.

You can apply a milk compress to the affected area. To do this, add a little water or ice cubes to the milk. Dampen a towel or cloth with liquid. Squeeze lightly and apply to skin. Leave it on for at least five minutes, or until the napkin is warm. Repeat the procedure three times.

Tea is the second home remedy for first aid for sunburn. Freshly brewed and cooled to room temperature and below, it is able to soothe the skin, relieve the burning sensation.

Regardless of the brand and type of tea, they all contain polyphenolic compounds such as tannins, catechins and epicatechin, which act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. In addition, these compounds have anti-cancer properties against several types of cancer, including melanoma. This property makes tea especially beneficial, as the sun damages DNA, which is one of the main causes of skin cancer.

Bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add 5 tablespoons of tea leaves and remove from heat. You can take 5 tea bags. Let it brew for 30 minutes and drain through a strainer.

You will have a very concentrated brew. Dilute it with 4 cups of ice water.

Dampen a cotton or soft cloth, squeeze lightly and apply to affected areas. You can pour the tea leaves into a spray bottle and apply to your body as often as possible.

You can add 10 drops of peppermint or lemon essential oil to the brew.

Leftover tea bags can be placed on your eyelids after cooling.

Do these compresses daily for several days until the condition improves.

Corn starch

Corn or potato starch is another popular home remedy. It is traditionally used for a variety of skin problems including redness and irritation in babies.

If you burn your nose or earlobes, make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of starch with enough water. Apply it with your fingers and leave to dry completely.

If you've burned your face, prepare a thinner solution by dissolving a cup of starch in 2 cups of water. Apply to the affected area using a damp cloth and let dry.

For back burns, sprinkle starch over the entire skin and spread evenly over the entire surface. At night, you can sprinkle them with a sheet, which you will hide.

Tomato

It can be used with any of the tools listed above. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene and carotenoids with powerful antioxidant protection.

As mentioned earlier, the sunburn you see on the surface of your skin is a consequence of tissue damage that has occurred in the lower layers. It is accompanied by the formation of some highly reactive species called free radicals. If they are not neutralized by antioxidants, they can be very harmful to health.

Drink more tomato juice until the sunburn is over. You can include dishes with tomato sauce and chili. Most lycopene is found and it is better absorbed in tomato salad with vegetable oil.

With a slight sunburn, the symptoms are not very pronounced, only slight discomfort is felt, but it cannot be ignored. Drink plenty of water. lubricate your skin with moisturizer at night.

Treatment for moderate sunburn

If the skin is redder, there is severe pain, burning sensation, then other means may be needed to treat and reduce discomfort.

Coconut milk or butter

Coconut milk is just as soothing as dairy products, but has some additional benefits. It is one of the few sources of lauric acid. It is a fatty acid found in breast milk... In the body, it turns into monolaurin, which has antimicrobial properties. This acid is important for cell growth and repair.

Freshly squeezed coconut milk is a popular home remedy in tropical countries. Fortunately, coconuts are now available all year round all over the world.

Fresh or frozen pulp coconut soak in warm water for 5 minutes and puree. Strain through a sieve and squeeze out the liquid well. Store the resulting milk in the refrigerator.

With it, you can make lotions, compresses or apply with a cotton swab to damaged skin.

Coconut oil is one of the best oils for skin care, if not the best. In addition to its antimicrobial properties, it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

After a cool shower, apply coconut oil directly to inflamed skin. For extensive sunburn, you can add 2 tablespoons of oil to a warm water bath to cover your entire body with a thin film of oil. It will prevent the skin from drying out.

Bath with oatmeal and lavender

Another great way to get relief from sunburn on large areas of the body is to take a bath with oatmeal and lavender essential oil. In aromatherapy, lavender oil is considered to be soothing for many skin problems. It has anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief.

Grind the oatmeal to a fine powder and add it to the water along with 10-15 drops of lavender oil. Do not take a bath for more than ten minutes, as longer use can dry out your skin.

For burns of this degree, you can use:

Mashed potatoes;

Tomato puree.

Apply them on the skin until the pain disappears. Rinsing the affected area with a solution apple cider vinegar Mixed in a ratio of half a cup of vinegar to a glass of water will also help relieve inflammation and pain.

Home remedies for severe sunburn

If you are in pain even when you do not touch it in the affected areas, it can be assumed that it is literally burned out, as in a degree 2 thermal burn. With this degree of burn, blisters soon appear. This can take from 6 hours to two days.

They form when too many cells in the dermal layer of the skin die off, releasing fluid within them. This clear fluid collects between the outermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis, and the dermis below it. Other symptoms of severe sunburn are fever and chills.

Home remedies generally play a supportive role at this stage, especially if there is severe pain, fever, and widespread inflammation requiring pain relievers such as ibuprofen or corticosteroid ointments. For relief, you can use the following tools.

Aloe vera

The leaves of this succulent plant are good for skin care even when it is intact. This houseplant is a popular folk remedy for pain relief from grade 2 and 3 burns and has been used long before modern treatments were available.

The colorless, jelly-like juice is able to maintain normal skin hydration and powerful phyto compounds to heal it.

Take a ripe leaf and remove the tough outer skin. Grind to a paste and apply to skin. Leave until completely absorbed and reapply.

Natural honey is another well-known home remedy for severe burns. In addition to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it moisturizes the skin well due to its ability to draw water from the deeper layers of the epidermis. It can be considered the best way to deal with blisters and for skin healing.

You can apply pure honey or mix it with oatmeal.

Folk recipes for treating sunburn

In the arsenal folk remedies there are many recipes for treating such a problem.

Baking soda

You can find baking soda in every home. It is used not only for baking, but also as a cleaning agent for home care. It has a soothing effect on burnt skin due to its alkaline properties.

In addition, it possesses antiseptic properties to relieve itching associated with sunburn.

There are two ways to use baking soda. The first is taking a bath. When filling with water, add 1 cup baking soda and stir. Take a bath for 15 minutes. Dry your body with a soft towel, or simply dry it without getting dressed.

Do this bath once a day until you get a positive result.

The second way is to apply the paste to the skin. Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a thin paste. Apply it with a cotton swab to the affected area. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and wash off with cool water. Apply the paste once or twice a day for several days, depending on the severity of the burn.

Oatmeal

It has soothing properties that help the skin retain its natural moisture and reduce irritation. With ground oatmeal, you can take a bath or apply directly to the skin.

When taking a bath, add 1 cup flour to the water. Take a bath for half an hour. Then dry with a soft towel. Do this bath once a day until the signs of burns go away.

In the second option, prepare a creamy paste or a little thinner and apply to the damaged area. Leave it on for half an hour and wash off with water. Such masks should be done 1-2 times a day until complete recovery.

Potato

It has already been described above how you can use potato starch. If it is not there at the moment, you can use raw potatoes.

Grind 1-2 tubers in a blender and apply mashed potatoes to the damaged area. As an emergency measure, attach a slice of potato or gently rub it over your skin.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers cool the skin and relieve discomfort. Peel them, cut them into thin slices and attach to the burned area. You can squeeze out the juice and lubricate the damaged areas with it.

Tomatoes

As mentioned above, with a sunburn, it is useful to drink tomato juice. Apply tomato slices directly to the burns.

Vinegar

Although you can often find apple in recipes, the usual white table works in the same way. Acetic acid soothes and moisturizes the skin. And this is what is needed at such a moment. In addition, he is able to improve appearance skin after the burnt skin peels off.

On the face, the vinegar solution should be applied with a cotton swab or disc. For the body, you can use a spray bottle.

Sauerkraut

Before applying, the cabbage should be kept at room temperature and applied for no more than 10-15 minutes. Its principle of action is like vinegar. This treatment is suitable for small burned areas.

Egg white

It relieves redness, swelling and swelling, eliminates burning sensation. The separated protein is applied in a thin layer and left to dry. Then gently rinse with cool water or herbal decoction, tea leaves. Be sure to lubricate with moisturizer.

Cannot be used with blisters, especially ruptured ones, or other open skin lesions.

Cool compress

To reduce the inflammation and pain associated with sunburn, you can apply cold compresses to the affected area. They constrict the capillary vessels, which in turn reduces inflammation.

To do this, wrap some ice cubes with a damp cloth and apply to the burn. Hold the compress until it warms up from the body.

Cool compresses can be done several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Herbs for sunburn

One of the most common herbs used for treatment is calendula. They also use chamomile, oak bark, string.

Decoctions are prepared by brewing a tablespoon of dried herbs with 500 ml of boiling water. Let it brew and filter. Then the infusion is cooled and compresses, lotions are made with it, or they are washed when the face is burned.

Calendula grows almost everywhere. But collecting on flower beds near roads is still not worth it. It can be bought in the form of herbs or in sachets at the pharmacy.

It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties, moisturizes the skin well, relieves pain and irritation.

In addition to infusion, you can make oil by pouring a tablespoon of flowers with 1 glass of vegetable oil. Insist a week in a warm, sunny place and drain.

The oil accelerates the epithelialization of burnt skin and stimulates regeneration.

Sunburn of the face than to treat

The face can be sunburned by prolonged exposure to the sun if it is not protected by a hat. Masks can be used to relieve pain and itching and reduce redness.

To do this, you can use:

Dairy and lactic acid products (lubricate your face and rinse off after a few minutes with cool water);

Tea bags;

Lotions from herbal decoctions;

Cucumber mask;

Aloe vera juice or gel;

Mashed potatoes

and other means mentioned above.

The following masks are helpful.

Mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon olive oil or other cosmetic oil. Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream to this mixture. Apply to face and leave on for a few minutes.

Boil the potato and mash it. Cool and apply to face.

Brew 4 tablespoons of oatmeal with 100 ml boiling water. Cool and apply for 15 minutes. After removing, lubricate your face with moisturizer.

You can apply on the eyelids:

Freshly brewed tea bags;

Chamomile or calendula bags;

Cucumber slices;

Potato slices.

If your lips are burned, it is best to lubricate them with Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment.

How to lubricate sunburn

After a sunburn, the skin becomes dry, itchy and itchy. To soften and moisturize, it is good to smear with vegetable or cosmetic oil. Best suited for this:

Olive;

Sea buckthorn;

Coconut;

Shi or Shea;

But it is better not to lubricate with sunflower oil. It is less absorbed and leaves a thicker oily film on the body, which prevents the skin from "breathing".

How not to get sunburned preventive measures

Perfect even tan - best gift that gives us summer. Sunlight promotes the production of vitamin D, which helps our bodies absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones.

But everything is good in moderation. Excessive exposure to the sun is just as harmful and dangerous as lack of it. Excessive ultraviolet rays affecting the skin destroy collagen fibers responsible for its elasticity, and contribute to the appearance of wrinkles. The skin becomes sensitive and dry. But this is not the only problem.

Ultraviolet light reduces immunity and can cause skin cancer. To avoid sunburn, it is enough to follow simple rules. Don't forget about them even on cool, cloudy or cloudy days.

Be especially careful when carrying water, sand, snow, as they reflect them well. The influence of ultraviolet radiation is higher at high altitudes.

Deciding to sunbathe:

Avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm. It is at this time that it is most active.

Plan your outdoor activities at other times as well. If this is not possible, limit your time in the sun.

Avoid tanning in solariums during the summer.

When going outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat and clothing that covers your shoulders, arms, and legs. Dark colors and dense fabrics provide great protection.

Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or more and a broad spectrum of UV rays. On sunny days, it is recommended to use a cream with an SPF of 30 or more.

Apply it on your body no later than 15-30 minutes before going out. Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if you are swimming in water or sweating a lot.

When using insect repellent, apply sunscreen first. It is recommended to use products that combine insect and sun protection.

Children 6 months and older should also use sunscreen. The best foods for them are those that contain physical blockers (titanium oxide or zinc oxide). For babies under 6 months old, use other forms of sun protection, such as shade or clothing.

Wear sunglasses outdoors with UVA and UVB protection. Remember that darker lenses are not necessarily better at blocking UV rays.

Be aware that some medications increase your sensitivity to the sun. These include antihistamines, ibuprofen, certain antibiotics, antidepressants, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and others. Consult your doctor when prescribing medications for side effects.

Even though home remedies provide some relief from sunburn symptoms, the actual damage to the deeper layers of the skin predominates. In addition to the risk of cancer, photoaging is the main negative result of UV exposure.

The antioxidant foods consumed during this time can help offset some of this damage by neutralizing free radicals.

Another way to make the skin more impervious to UV rays is to gradually build up a layer of melanin. Sunbathe gradually, in the sun for a few minutes a day.

How long does a sunburn last?

How long a sunburn will take depends on several factors:

The degree of the burn;

Skin type;

The size of the burnt area;

Age;

Health conditions;

Care for burnt skin.

Healing may take 1-2 days or more. On average, symptoms go away within 3-5 days. But the consequences can take a week or longer. Especially when there were blisters on the skin and it began to peel off.

An important role is played by the size of the burn and the first measures taken to minimize the consequences. The fact is that the symptoms of a burn may not appear immediately, but after a day or more.

Therefore, when returning home from the beach or a long walk, immediately take preventive measures.

You can take a bath after sunburn

Yes, you can. Only the temperature of the water should be lower so as not to cause an increase in blood circulation, which can lead to blistering.

But it is better to refuse to visit a sauna or a bath, a cedar barrel for a while.

About sunburn in the program "Living Healthy"

The first symptoms of a sunburn are pain, redness, and a burning sensation that may appear in the first hours after sunburn. The most severe consequences are blisters, dehydration, fever and fever. Sunburn is not as harmless as it might seem at first glance. It increases the risk of developing melanoma.

Despite all the safety measures taken, the application of sunscreen, the skin still burned. Unfortunately, nothing can be done about this, but you can minimize the consequences of the burn. What to do after a sunburn, what are the first first aid measures to take, how you can smear your skin, the answers are in this article.

First aid for sunburn

Skin burns if it is exposed to ultraviolet rays for a certain amount of time without proper protection. It's important to start treating your sunburn as soon as you notice. The first thing to do is to go into the shade or put on clothes that cover all open areas of the body, throw in a scarf, scarf or towel. The best way- go into the room.

At the first sign, timely measures will help alleviate the discomfort.

Apply a cold, damp towel to your skin. Do this for 10 or 15 minutes several times a day. This will help relieve the burning sensation of the skin.

Take a cool bath or shower. Better not to wipe the skin, but leave the moisture until it absorbs into the skin.

Be sure to apply moisturizer. Aloe vera cream or gel will do. The main thing is that it should not be very greasy and be well absorbed into the skin.

Do not use products that contain petroleum products, benzocaine and lidocaine. Unnatural oils clog the skin, preventing it from breathing. Benzocaine and lidocaine can irritate her.

Drink plenty of water. Tanning not only dries out the skin, but also dehydrates the body. Therefore, you need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

For mild to moderate burns, use home remedies and folk remedies to relieve redness, burning, and pain.

With severe burns, an ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin tablet will help reduce pain, swelling and discomfort.

Leave blisters alone. Blisters with sunburn, as a rule, do not appear immediately, but after a few days. Their appearance indicates that you have a second degree sunburn. You don't need to open them yourself. They protect the skin from infection. Let the skin peel off on its own. Your task is to moisturize it well.

It is especially harmful to use products containing glycolic, retinoid, salicylic acid to accelerate skin exfoliation. They can be used only three days after the peeling is completely finished.

Take measures to protect the skin after the burn. Wear clothing that completely covers burned areas and does not let the sun go through. Cover your face with a wide-brimmed hat.

When to see a doctor

If you experience dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, or chills after sunburn, you should see your doctor for medical attention.

How to smear sunburn

Sunlight is vital for the production of vitamin D and has a beneficial effect on the skin. But too long exposure to it can be harmful. Many people think that spending a lot of time in the summer on a cloudy day outdoors cannot get sunburn. Alas, this opinion is wrong. You can get sunburned not only in bright sun.

Wearing clothing that covers all exposed skin is the best way to protect yourself from heavy sunburn. What to do and how to smear your skin if you still have a burn.

The first rule is skin hydration. Such burns are accompanied not only by redness and burning, but also by pain. In addition to home and folk remedies, there are many ointments, gels and creams from the pharmacy that will help minimize the effects of prolonged sunburn.

Let's consider which of them can be used against sunburn.

Moisturizing cream

In addition to cosmetics stores, you can also buy such a cream at the pharmacy. They usually contain aloe vera gel. They penetrate well into the skin, creating a protective film that protects against moisture loss. Plus, aloe has anti-inflammatory properties.

Many of these creams contain other ingredients that are good for the skin and are made on the basis of an extract. medicinal herbs, medicinal water. They should not be used for severe burns, when there are blisters and open injuries on the body.

It should be noted that an allergic reaction is possible to some components.

Baby cream

Such a cream usually includes extracts of chamomile, calendula and other medicinal herbs. The composition may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. What unites them is the presence of natural ingredients that soothe baby skin. They are not contraindicated for adults.

Fenistil gel

This drug is for the treatment of skin allergies. Russian drug, it is produced in the form of a gel and drops. As indicated in the manufacturer's instructions, relieves itching, redness, burning. It can sometimes help with mild sunburn. But not in all cases. You need to use it only in consultation with your doctor.

Also, a Russian drug that was developed for difficult situations as a disinfectant and antiseptic. Eplan prevents the development of infections, moisturizes the skin well, since it contains glycerin.

It can be used for sunburn by applying it to the skin several times throughout the day. It relieves pain, redness, accelerates regeneration. For severe burns, it is allowed to use it in the form of applications.

Cream-balm "Rescuer"

A very popular cream that many have in their home medicine cabinet. It contains natural plant and essential oils, echinacea and calendula extract. All these components reduce itching, pain, promote faster healing and restoration of damaged tissues.

The spectrum of its action is wide, including it can be used for thermal and chemical burns. It is applied to the painful area with a thin layer. Applied after sunburns of varying severity.

La Cree cream

Vertex's La Cree range includes several products designed to address a variety of skin-related problems. To treat sunburn, use a cream for dry and sensitive skin.

The cream contains natural ingredients that relieve dryness, irritation, itching, redness.

So, the cream, designed to restore sensitive skin, includes panthenol and bisabolol. For intensive recovery - lecithin, allantonin, bisabolol.

This tool quickly helps to remove the feeling of dryness, burning, itching, redness. It has a slight analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.

Zinc ointment

Famous old cheap drug, which is used to treat sunburn. The ointment has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves burn symptoms.

Apply to the skin in a thin layer or as applications. Those who have a possible allergic reaction need to be careful.

Levomekol ointment

Not intended directly against sunburn. It contains antibiotics that prevent the development of infection. Therefore, it should be used only in case of signs of infection.

Solcoseryl gel

The components present in the composition of the drug help to restore the skin and reduce inflammation. It comes in the form of a gel and ointment. Both are suitable for treating sunburn, including blistering.

Apply to damaged areas 2 to 3 times a day, evenly spreading in a thin layer. Cannot be used on open wounds. Only after full recovery skin.

It is forbidden to use for small children and with individual intolerance.

Celestoderm

It is presented in two forms: in the form of a cream and an ointment. When using it, itching, redness, swelling is removed. It should be noted that this drug slows down tissue repair and can only be used in extreme cases.

Advantan

A hormonal drug that can slow down tissue regeneration. Recommended for severe pain and itching, which are typical for severe burns. Before using, be sure to consult a doctor.

Hydrocortisone ointment

This ointment also applies to hormonal drugs... Like the previous one, it is used only by agreement with a doctor.

Panthenol for sunburn

Panthenol has a broad spectrum of action. The main active ingredient is dexapanthenol, which can often be found in other preparations intended for the treatment of various skin problems.

In addition to the main active ingredient, it contains petroleum jelly, lanolin and paraffin. The drug accelerates tissue regeneration, improves the delivery of nutrients to damaged tissues. Can be used for sunburn of any severity, including eye burns.

It should be applied directly to the burnt area, provided that there are no open, unhealed wounds. Has side effects in the form of an allergic reaction.

Bepanten for sunburn

A drug similar to Panthenol in its spectrum of action. Used to treat problems associated with skin damage. The main active ingredient is dexapanthenol.

It is well and quickly absorbed into the skin, relieves redness, itching and burning, has anti-inflammatory properties, moisturizes and accelerates recovery.

Apply to previously cleansed skin and leave until completely absorbed. May interact with other drugs and manifest as allergies.

What helps with sunburn

To reduce the symptoms of mild sunburn, it is enough to lubricate the skin with sour cream or kefir, take a cool shower or bath, adding vinegar or baking soda, use other available home remedies.

Moderate to severe burns are often accompanied by more severe symptoms, such as severe pain in the burn area, headache, chills, etc. In this case, in addition to ointments and gels, pain relievers and aerosols will help. Today the pharmacy has a fairly large selection of such products.

What pills can you drink

The tablets can be taken for severe pain, including headache, chills, allergies.

Analgin

The most affordable, cheap and well-known drug, designed to relieve pain syndrome of various nature.

It is usually drunk at night, when the pain does not allow normal and sound sleep. It helps with headaches, relieves fever.

With an action similar to analgin, it has an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effect.

Available in the form of granules yellow color from which the suspension is prepared. Used for pain of various origins.

It is most commonly used for fever and fever. It has a weak analgesic effect. Drinking it constantly is not recommended. For sunburn, you can take an aspirin tablet once a day.

Paracetamol

As a pain reliever, it is not considered to be effective. It is taken as an antipyretic agent. Recommended at temperatures above 37.5 degrees.

For children, it is available in the form of rectal suppositories and suspensions.

Suprastin

It is an anti-allergic drug that is often given in conjunction with antibiotics. In case of sunburn, it is recommended only if there is a rash or severe itching. It is not directly related to the treatment of such burns.

Baneocin

Refers to antibiotics. Available in powder form. In case of sunburn, it can be prescribed only if there is or is at risk of developing an infection.

Powder is sprinkled with wounds, sores, festering open blisters three times a day. After application, the affected area must be covered with a sterile napkin.

It is prescribed by a doctor, since the drug has a number of contraindications and side effects.

Mirimistin

Well known to those who often suffer from sore throat. Produced in the form of an aerosol. If the skin is damaged by the sun, it is applied to the affected area as an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. Used for moderate to severe burns when there is a risk of infection.

An aerosol preparation intended for the treatment of various skin problems, including burns, with an antiseptic and mild analgesic effect. It contains sea buckthorn oil and boric acid. Apply directly to the affected area.

There are many other pharmacy products that are not specifically designed to treat sunburn, but can help relieve pain symptoms, speed up healing and skin regeneration. It is simply impossible to list everything in this article. More detailed advice can be obtained from a doctor or pharmacist.

Is it possible to use products with alcohol

V folk medicine vodka is used in the treatment of sunburn. Although this is not recommended. The fact is that alcohol-containing products dry the skin, which can lead to a deterioration in the victim's condition.

In addition, all these funds evaporate quickly and do not have any noticeable effect. Therefore, you cannot use triple cologne, vodka, and even more so alcohol.

Preventing sunburn

Don't repeat your mistakes twice. After getting a sunburn, dermatologists say, it takes three to six months for the skin to heal. In addition, a new layer of skin that appears after peeling off a burned one is more sensitive to the sun. This means that you can burn out faster.

Be sure to use sunscreen even in cloudy weather. It must be applied no later than half an hour before going outside.

It is also better to buy lipstick with the same effect.

During the treatment of a burn, it is useful to drink vitamin E or the complex preparation Aevit. Both of these vitamins are antioxidants and protect against free radicals. These vitamins are useful for lubricating burnt skin.

When showering or bathing, avoid using soaps and hygiene products that dry your skin.

If burned out, then do not make plans for the evening that day. And in the next 2-3 days. It is in the first days that all the symptoms are especially pronounced and discomfort is felt.

If sunburn symptoms persist or worsen, see a dermatologist or therapist for treatment.

And be sure to remember that best remedy from sunburn is prevention.

A rare person in his life was able to avoid meeting with burns, since it is very difficult to do this. The most common provocateur of these wounds is the merciless sun, which all bronze tan lovers strive for. Forgetting precautions, it is easy to get extensive skin lesions that require urgent treatment. Therefore, life-saving drugs should always be at hand. To quickly cope with excruciating pain, it is better to know in advance which remedy for sunburn really helps, and does it quickly and effectively.

First aid for sunburn

At the first unpleasant sensations, you must immediately hide from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Cold showers or compresses used for all types of burns will help in this case as well. Drinking plenty of fluids, taking painkillers (Analgin, Baralgin or Ibuprofen) is necessary.

The next step is to assess your condition. With extensive and severe damage, dizziness, nausea appear, the temperature rises sharply.

These symptoms are extremely dangerous, they indicate a strong defeat, heatstroke is likely. A reasonable solution in this situation is to call an ambulance.

15 most effective remedies for sunburn

Burn sprays, lotions, ointments and creams are drugs that should always be at home. You need to buy a remedy for sunburn and other burns in a pharmacy in advance.

Bepanten

Very effective remedy issued in different forms: there are cream, ointment, spray. The active ingredient of the drug is dexpanthenol. It moisturizes, heals, fights inflammation, and quickly regenerates tissues.

The preparations are applied to the damaged areas of the skin with a rather thin layer, used twice a day. In mild cases, spray treatment is usually preferred, the course is 3-5 days. In case of severe injuries, a cream or ointment is chosen, the treatment lasts a week or more.

Elover

This sunburn remedy has two active ingredients at once - Barbados aloe gel and tocopherol (vitamin E). The drug fights against inflammation, activates local metabolism, improving tissue regeneration.

Sunburns require application of the product 3 to 4 times daily. The skin is lubricated with a thin layer. The course of treatment is a week or two. You should ask your doctor about the advisability of further therapy with ointment.

Zinc ointment

The active ingredient of the known drug is zinc oxide. It disinfects, removes inflammation, relieves irritation, heals, and reduces pain. Zinc ointment for sunburn is allowed for minor injuries.

People with fair skin are at increased risk - they can get burned in the bright sun in a very short period (up to 30 minutes).

The product is applied 2-3 times daily, but if desired, it can be applied up to 5 times. For minor burns, a gauze bandage may be applied. There are no restrictions on the use, usually a week is enough for healing.

Fastin

As part of this remedy for sunburn, there are a trio of active substances: anesthesin, syntomycin, furacilin. The ointment has an analgesic, antimicrobial effect, relieves inflammation, and promotes faster healing.

An ointment is used in the form of applications: it is applied not to the skin, but to a sterile gauze napkin, then applied to the body. Change them twice a day. The duration of therapy is from a week to 10 days, a longer course can cause severe irritation.

Solcoseryl

There are 2 forms of the drug for local treatment: gel (10%), ointment (5%). The active ingredient is called similarly, it is obtained from the tissues and blood plasma of dairy calves. The ointment heals wounds, stimulates the restoration of the epithelium.

The gel is prescribed for the blisters that have opened, the ointment - after they have healed or in milder cases. The agent is applied to the wound surface 1-2 times a day, it is allowed to use it under a bandage. The course of therapy is not limited: it ends after healing.

Actovegin

This is an analogue of Solcoseryl, which has the same active substance. The drug is produced in the form of a gel and cream. It is used for burns, including sunburn, it is safe as a face cream. The product enhances blood circulation, local metabolism, accelerates tissue regeneration.

Apply Actovegin in a thin layer once or twice a day. If dressings are used to treat sunburns, they are changed once a day. The duration of treatment depends on the rate of healing.

Panthenol

This universal remedy is the best remedy for sunburn. In this cream, as in Bepanten, dexpanthenol is also an active ingredient. It relieves dryness, softens, moisturizes, effectively eliminates inflammation and irritation.

The cream or aerosol is applied once (or several) a day. For mild sun damage, a spray is used, more complex burns require cream therapy. The duration of treatment determines only the degree of their severity.

Radevit

Additional treatment with vitamins is necessary for any skin disease. This ointment, containing three of them (A, E, D 2), is quite effective against sunburn. The drug reduces inflammation, increases metabolism, and accelerates cell regeneration.

For solar and thermal injuries, the ointment is applied to the affected areas 2 or 3 times a day. The course of treatment depends only on the condition of the victim. Usually a week of therapy is sufficient. The product is also used to eliminate dry skin.

Sudokrem

This hypoallergenic cream is used for small wounds. The active ingredient is zinc oxide, which has a softening, soothing, healing effect. The tool simultaneously removes painful sensations, disinfects, fights bacteria.

Rub the cream in a circular motion until it is absorbed, leaving a transparent thin film. It is used several times a day (2-4), the duration is not limited: the treatment is continued until the skin is restored.

La Cree

The active ingredient of the cream is dexpanthenol. Auxiliary: oils (avocado, wheat germ, jojoba, karite), plant extracts ( Walnut, licorice, violet, string). The drug nourishes, moisturizes, eliminates inflammation and pain, has an antimicrobial effect.

La Cree is indicated for use with mild solar lesions of the skin: if its integrity is violated, then the therapy is suspended until the cover heals. The cream is applied once or twice daily, it does not require rinsing.

Baneocin

The ointment contains two antibiotics - bacitracin and neomycin. Due to its composition, the product eliminates pathogenic microorganisms, relieves pain, reduces inflammation, stimulates regeneration processes, accelerating healing.

In case of sunburn, it is strictly forbidden to use ice as cooling, wear tight clothes made of unnatural fabrics, scratch the damaged area.

An allergy test must be done before use. If there is no reaction, and the burn area is small, then Baneocin is applied to the damaged skin three times a day. If the burn area is large, then enough times daily. The course is determined by the doctor.

Methyluracil with Miramistin

The name of this ointment was given by two active ingredients. The first stimulates metabolic processes, accelerates skin recovery, heals wounds. The second, being an antiseptic, prevents their infection, promotes cell regeneration.

The ointment is used several times daily, applied in a thin layer. The course of treatment is from 2 weeks to a month. Its duration depends only on the degree of damage: serious injuries may require longer drug therapy.

Amprovisol

Aerosol for the treatment of solar, thermal, chemical burns. It contains anesthesin, vitamin D, menthol, propolis. The drug relieves painful sensations when touched, has a local anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.

Amprovisol is applied to the affected area for 1-5 seconds from a distance of 20 to 30 cm from the burn. Other agents previously applied to the wound will weaken the effect. The frequency of treatment (once or more) depends on the severity of the injury.

Silvederm

The drug is available in two dosage forms - in the form of an aerosol and a cream. The active ingredient is silver sulfadiazine. The main action of the agent is antimicrobial. Silvederm is effective against all microorganisms that can penetrate burn wounds.

The spray is sprayed and the cream is applied in a thin layer. The wound surface is left open or covered with a bandage. In the latter case, it is changed 1-2 times daily, with severe lesions - from 4 to 6 times. The course is 3 weeks.

Elokom

A glucocorticosteroid drug (cream, lotion, ointment) contains a potent substance - mometasone furoate. The tool relieves inflammation, eliminates itching and burning, successfully prevents the formation of fluid in the affected tissues.

Elokom is used for burns of adults and children over 2 years of age, if there are no blisters or they have not yet opened. Apply it 1-2 times daily, after a few days the concentration is reduced - mixed with baby or nourishing cream. Long-term treatment is prohibited.

Other medications

For solar skin lesions, other pharmaceutical medicines are also used:

1. Antihistamines that relieve painful symptoms (itching, burning): gels Bamipin, Fenistil, Ketocin ointment, Suprastin tablets.
2. Corticosteroid creams and ointments: Advantan, Afloderm, Sinaflan, Flucinar, Ftorocort, Celestoderm.
3. Aerosols, balms, ointments with natural ingredients: Lifuzol, Olazol, Rescuer, Keeper.
4. Other medicines with dexpanthenol: Bepantol, Dexpan plus, D-Panthenol, Dexpanthenol, Panteson balm.

What should not be applied to the skin

Supporters home treatment often give very harmful advice. To protect yourself from infections, you cannot:

• lubricate the skin with yogurt, sour cream, butter, vegetable oil;
• apply urine compresses;
• treat the skin with alcohol-containing drying compounds;
• pierce interfering bubbles;
• save the day by wiping the burn area with ice cubes;
• use soap, gels or scrubs to cleanse the affected areas.

Dangerous consequences

The most serious consequence of getting burned is a potential infectious disease. Incorrect treatment, violation of the integrity of the skin increases the risk of a large army of bacteria, viruses, fungi entering the body.

Excessive sunbathing easily leads to other long-term consequences. Among them:

• rapid photoaging of the skin;
• abnormal pigmentation - freckles, nevi, moles, sometimes turning into different types skin cancer;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases - arthritis, lupus, psoriasis;
• a serious decrease in immunity;
• the formation of cataracts.

How to prevent the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin

Excessive solar radiation can be avoided by following these guidelines:

1. Sunbathe only until 11.00 and after 16.00.
2. During the period of solar activity, wear closed clothing, arm yourself with hats and sunglasses, preferably made of glass.
3. Use a sunscreen that does not allow the particularly harmful rays of the B spectrum to pass through.

The UV remedy is applied to a moisturizer before prolonged sun exposure (one hour before going out) and after bathing. It is recommended to update it every 2 hours. It is better to avoid a burn by strictly following the rules than to treat it for a long time and painfully.

Melanin is a dark pigment produced in melanocytes, the skin's protective cells. These cells are located in the lowest ( basal) layer of the epidermis. Melanocytes produce melanin to penetrate keratinocytes and protect them from direct ultraviolet radiation. The presence of melanin in skin cells determines the intensity of tanning and affects skin color. The more melanin in the skin, the darker it is ( or looks more tanned - it all depends on the race).

Vitamin D is a biologically active substance that regulates phosphorus-calcium metabolism. This vitamin is special because it is compared to other vitamins ( for example, with vitamin A, B, C, etc.) is mainly synthesized in the body and, in particular, in the skin, and does not enter it from food (with the exception of certain types of products - eggs, milk, halibut liver and cod, fish oil and etc.). The formation of vitamin D in the skin occurs under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. This vitamin regulates intestinal absorption and urinary excretion of phosphorus and calcium and therefore influences their concentration in the body.

Not receiving the required amount of ultraviolet radiation leads to the appearance of the so-called light starvation ( ultraviolet starvation) due to a lack of vitamin D in the body. Light hunger is characterized by a decrease in overall resistance ( sustainability) of the body, a slowdown in the mental development of children, a violation of ossification of bones and teeth, the appearance of spontaneous bleeding, a decrease in mental performance, a pathological contraction of skeletal muscles.

Ultraviolet radiation is the main harmful factor in the action of sunlight on human skin and is the main reason for the development of pathologies in it when a person is excessively under the open sun.

Ultraviolet radiation can cause the following skin pathologies:

• dark spots;
• solar geroderma;
• photodermatosis;
• malignant neoplasms;
• senile lentigo.

Dark spots

In some cases, ultraviolet radiation can cause the appearance on certain areas of the skin of the body ( face, hands, neck, etc.) age spots. Their occurrence is deterministic ( due to) the genetic characteristics of each person, as well as the duration of his stay in direct sunlight. The mechanism of the appearance of age spots is associated with the uneven formation and distribution of melanin in the skin, as a result of which foci of hyperpigmentation appear in the skin - zones with an increased accumulation of this pigment. The most common types of hyperpigmentation ( increased pigmentation) of the skin that occurs in response to the action of ultraviolet radiation, are freckles and melasma.

Freckles are a type of skin hyperpigmentation in which certain areas of the body ( face, hands, forearm) multiple, small age spots appear. These spots have about round shape, light yellow, brown or dark brown color. As a rule, they are present from birth and not in all people. Their number directly depends on the duration of a person's stay in the sun. Freckles are most common in individuals with fair skin and hair and blue eyes.

Melasma is a pathology characterized by the appearance of uneven hyperpigmentation in certain areas of the facial skin ( lips, cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, etc.), less often in the neck. Unlike freckles, in melasma, pigmented areas are more widespread and less defined. The occurrence of melasma is associated not only with the action of solar ultraviolet radiation and a genetic predisposition, but also with the use of photosensitizing agents, mainly cosmetic, used by women in the process of caring for their skin.

Solar geroderma

With prolonged exposure to sunlight on the skin, its ultraviolet spectrum of radiation can cause solar geroderma or, in simple words, premature aging of the skin. Long-term presence of a person under direct ultraviolet rays can lead to the development of various damaging reactions in the skin, as a result of which the growth of connective tissue will gradually occur in it and the blood supply to its surface layers will be disrupted. Over time, it will lose its elasticity, become wrinkled, dense, dry and rough. A large number of wrinkles, papules, nodules will appear on it.

A person with solar heroderma outwardly looks much older than his age due to an excessive amount of wrinkles and dry skin. This disease most often occurs in men who live in mountainous and tropical regions, have fair skin and hair and are exposed to prolonged exposure to sunlight in the course of their daily activities. This is usually found in sailors, builders, farmers, athletes, fishermen, etc. The severity of solar geroderma also directly depends on the total dose of solar radiation received during life and the presence of sunburn.

Premature skin aging ( solar geroderma) can also occur in women who spend most of their free time under open air (for tanning purposes) at various mountain and beach resorts.

Photodermatosis

Photodermatoses are a group of skin diseases that develop when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, which, in turn, provokes inflammatory reactions in the skin.

Depending on the pathogenetic mechanism(development mechanism)inflammation of the skin is distinguished by the following types of photodermatosis:

• phototraumatic photodermatosis;
• photoallergic photodermatosis;
• photodynamic photodermatosis;
• time-delayed photodermatosis.

Phototraumatic photodermatosis
Phototraumatic photodermatosis is one of the types of inflammatory skin lesions that appears as a result of exposure to excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiation. This type of photodermatosis can be observed in people as in normal conditions with prolonged exposure to the sun ( sunburn), and in some other cases, when there is a deficiency of certain protective factors in the body ( pellagra, bloom syndrome). Because of this deficiency, even a short exposure to the sun can trigger inflammatory reactions within the skin.

Types of phototraumatic photodermatosis

Type of photodermatosis	The reason for its appearance	Typical symptoms
Sunburn (solar dermatitis)	Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the skin.	Limited erythema ( redness) and edema of the irradiated skin, sometimes pain, itching, increased temperature of the skin and the body as a whole. Dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, and decreased ability to work may also develop.
Pellagra	Lack of vitamin PP in the body ( nicotinic acid or niacin), the amino acids tryptophan and the effect of ultraviolet rays on the skin.	Clinical picture pellagra is characterized by the appearance of severe dermatitis ( skin inflammations), as well as the presence of gastrointestinal ( nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, swelling of the tongue, cracks in the corners of the mouth, etc.) and neurological disorders ( dementia, depression, fear, psychosis, hallucinations, etc.). The exposure of ultraviolet radiation to the skin of patients with pellagra causes them the appearance of severe redness ( cherry to reddish brown) and skin edema ( dermatitis). Redness ( erythema) of the skin is often combined with severe peeling, the appearance of blisters, cracks, scars and ulcers on it.
Bloom's Syndrome	Congenital genetic anomaly associated with the presence of high instability in the genetic apparatus of skin cells. Exposure to ultraviolet rays causes instant damage to skin cells.	The presence of erythemal ( red) a rash on the skin in direct sunlight. It is usually observed on the face, arms, neck, and legs. Erythematous ( red) the rash is very often combined with hyperpigmentation ( the appearance of brown spots on the skin), keratosis ( peeling), a decrease in the body's immune defense and some developmental anomalies ( hypogonadism, narrow face, protruding nose and ears, underdevelopment of the lower jaw, etc.).

Photoallergic photodermatosis
Photoallergic photodermatosis is caused by the action of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, which contains certain photosensitizing chemicals, that is, substances that enhance the effect of sunlight on the skin. Such substances can be exogenous ( external) and endogenous ( internal) connections. Exogenous substances penetrate into the skin from the external environment. They may be components of cosmetic, detergents, medicines... Endogenous agents enter the skin through the bloodstream. Usually they are some medications ( for example, sulfonamides, barbiturates, etc.). Less commonly, the cause of these photodermatoses can be tetraethyl lead poisoning, contact with chromium salts.

The mechanism of development of photoallergic photodermatosis is associated with the fact that exposure to ultraviolet rays on the skin causes photochemical reactions, during which the aforementioned photosensitizing substances interact and combine with the structures of skin cells. This is how foreign molecules are obtained, with which their own immune cells interact. With a repeated collision of the immune system with these foreign substances ( for example, with repeated use of sulfonamides, barbiturates) allergic reactions occur. Most often, photoallergic photodermatosis is characterized by the appearance of solar urticaria on the skin ( red blisters), solar eczema ( redness of the skin with swelling) and solar prurigo ( nodular prurigo).

Photodynamic photodermatosis
Photosensitizing substances are also involved in the development of photodynamic photodermatosis. With these skin pathologies, photosensitizing substances also indirectly provoke skin inflammation, as in photoallergic photodermatosis. However, the effect of these substances in this case is due to the fact that they are able to multiply the effects of ultraviolet radiation falling on the skin, due to which it begins to act much stronger and more destructively on the skin.

The penetration of photosensitizing substances into the skin and the development of photodynamic photodermatosis are often associated with the presence of diseases in humans characterized by impaired porphyrin metabolism ( are part of hemoglobin) so-called porphyrias ( hepatic, erythropoietic porphyrias). Another common reason for the appearance of photodynamic photodermatosis is the use of certain drugs ( for example, methotrexate, tolbutamide, amitriptyline, indomethacin, fluorouracil, promethazine, vinblastine, etc.). These dermatoses can also cause various vegetable oils (sandalwood, lemon, bergamot, lime, cedar, etc.), which are part of personal hygiene and cosmetics.

Clinical manifestations of photodynamic photodermatosis are always individual and depend on the genetic predisposition and the amount of photosensitizing substance that has penetrated the skin. Most often in such patients after using any photosensitizer ( photosensitizing substance) on the skin ( on the part of it where the sun's rays fall) there is redness ( erythema), swelling, itching and tingling sensation. In severe cases, peeling, papules, cracks, erosion, blistering, and exfoliation of the epidermis may occur. It is worth noting that the same substance may not be photosensitizing for every person.

Time-delayed photodermatosis
Delayed photodermatosis is a consequence of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin. They are represented by actinic parakeratosis and solar keratosis ( actinic keratosis). Both are characterized by the appearance on the skin of multiple, small hyperkeratosis ( highly flaky) foci with a high degree of desquamation. On external examination, such lesions look like scaly, dry, limited spots that have a pinkish-brown color and sizes from 0.5 to 1 cm in diameter.

Malignant neoplasms

Solar ultraviolet radiation can also damage the genetic apparatus of skin cells, as a result of which they can mutate ( develop and reproduce abnormally). Cell mutation often occurs precisely in the deep layers of the skin and often leads to the appearance of various malignant neoplasms in it. The most common of these are melanoma, basalioma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Melanoma is a tumor made up of melanocytes ( pigment skin cells). Basalioma and squamous cell carcinoma grow from the cells of the basal ( the lowest) layer of the epidermis.

Senile lentigo

Senile lentigo is a pathology in which painless brown spots appear on the skin exposed to prolonged sun exposure. The mechanism of their occurrence is associated with excessive focal proliferation ( reproduction) melanocytes ( pigment skin cells) under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. These spots are usually 10 to 50 mm in size, oval or round in shape with irregular outlines. The intensity of the color of the spots can vary from yellow to dark brown. Senile lentigo is more typical for patients over 40 - 45 years old who are exposed to sun exposure in the open air for a long time. Spot localization is always individual. The most common places of their appearance are the face, hands, neck, top part back.

Sunburn Causes

Sunburn ( solar dermatitis) Is an acute inflammatory pathology that appears on open areas of the skin after natural ( as part of the sun's rays) or artificial ultraviolet radiation. Outwardly, a sunburn looks like a strictly limited redness ( erythema) skin. The skin may be swollen, painful, sometimes burning, itching and tingling may occur in the affected area. With prolonged exposure to the sun in the area of ​​erythema, other signs of skin lesions may occur ( bubbles, vesicles, etc.), indicating a more severe course of the inflammatory process.

A sunburn on the skin irradiated with ultraviolet rays does not develop immediately, but after a while ( usually 3 to 12 hours after exposure) and disappears as suddenly as it appeared, thanks to the regenerating ( self-healing) the ability of the skin. Sunburn is never accompanied by a rash ( papules, plaques) in contrast to photoallergic photodermatosis. Solar dermatitis can be associated with various signs of intoxication such as headaches, dizziness, fever, and nausea.

It is worth noting that after a sunburn, in most cases, only peeling of the skin is observed due to desquamation of the damaged epidermis, and skin pigmentation does not occur, that is, a tan is not formed. In some cases, after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, partial skin pigmentation may occur, but this is not a consequence of the production of melanin pigment by melanocytes, but the result of them ( melanocytes) approaching the surface of the skin due to the destruction of more superficial layers of the epidermis.

Sunlight in its spectrum has ultraviolet radiation of three types of waves ( longwave, mediumwave and shortwave). Sunburns on the skin are formed precisely under the influence of medium-wave ultraviolet radiation. Such radiation is also called type B ultraviolet radiation ( UVB rays). It has electromagnetic waves with a length of 280 - 315 nm.

The mechanism of development of sunburn under the action of medium-wave ultraviolet radiation is associated with its high energy and the degree of penetration into the thickness of the skin. When it gets on the skin, a large number of photoradicals are formed inside the skin ( toxic metabolic products), which have a damaging effect on the membranes of the cells of the epidermis, as a result of which their ( membranes) permeability. This leads to gradual and partial cell death, which explains the flaking of the skin after sunburn.

The appearance of erythema ( redness) of the skin under the action of this type of ultraviolet radiation occurs due to the fact that the products of cellular destruction, as well as photoradicals, stimulate the cells of the immune system, which release inflammatory substances during the immune response ( prostaglandins, kinins, histamine, acetylcholine, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, etc.). A large release of these substances leads to a local expansion and an increase in the permeability of the walls of small arterial vessels of the skin, which is accompanied by an increase in the flow of arterial blood to the damaged tissues of the skin and the development of edema and hyperemia ( or erythema).

Medium-wave UV radiation has more than just harmful effects on the skin. It is thanks to this type of radiation that vitamin D is synthesized in human skin. It is often used in physiotherapy to stimulate metabolic and immune processes in the skin, to relieve pain and to achieve an anti-inflammatory effect in certain diseases of the skin.

Longwave ( UVA raysradiation with wavelengths from 315 to 400 nm) penetrates the skin along with the medium-wave radiation in the composition of sunlight. It stimulates melanogenesis ( the formation of melanin in melanocytes), and is also a harmful factor provoking the development of sun allergies, malignant neoplasms, and skin aging. Therefore, this type of solar radiation is considered the most harmful and dangerous for human skin.

Shortwave ( UVC rays) ultraviolet radiation ( radiation with wavelengths from 100 to 280 nm) does not reach the earth's surface, since it is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere. Therefore, such ultraviolet light does not get on the skin when a person is exposed to direct sunlight. This radiation is often used for physiotherapy ( that is, they use artificial sources of radiation to generate it), due to the fact that it has a high bactericidal ( killing germs), mycocidal ( killing fungal infections), immunostimulating, metabolic ( stimulating metabolic reactions) effects.

Despite the fact that the sensitivity to ultraviolet rays in different people is always individual, the speed and intensity of the development of sunburn on the skin always obeys certain patterns, which are due to the presence of certain predisposing factors.

There are the following main predisposing factors that accelerate the onset of sunburn on the skin and increase their intensity:

• skin phototype;
• different sensitivity of human skin to ultraviolet rays;
• the presence of artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation;
• the state of the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere;
• daily time;
• duration of insolation;
• climate and season;
• the state of the cloud cover;
• age;
• taking medications;
• the height of the place above sea level.

Skin phototype

Skin phototype is a genetically determined ability of the skin to perceive differently ultraviolet radiation falling on the skin during the process of insolation. There are 6 skin phototypes in total. The skin of the first three types is very sensitive to the action of sunlight and therefore, when exposed to it, it quickly burns out, sunburn appears on it. However, after the sunburns have passed, the tan does not appear. The exception is persons of the third phototype, in which the skin can both burn easily and easily tan. In this case, it all depends on the moderation of exposure to the sun. People with the first three skin types should avoid prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen.

The skin of the remaining three phototypes is quite resistant ( stable) to the action of ultraviolet radiation, which means that persons with such skin can easily tolerate it and they rarely experience sunburn. The skin of the last three phototypes tanns less or does not tan at all.

Basic skin phototypes

Skin phototype name	Alternative name for skin phototype	Color of the skin	Additional characteristics of this phototype	Sunburn predisposition
First phototype	Celtic phototype	Milky white skin with a lot of freckles	Blond or red hair, light blue or light green eyes	Very high predisposition
Second phototype	Aryan phototype	Light pink skin with few freckles ( or there are no freckles at all)	Blond, light brown or brown hair, blue or green eyes	High predisposition
Third phototype	Central European phototype	Light dark ( colors Ivory ) leather	Light brown hair and light Brown eyes	Average predisposition
Fourth phototype	Mediterranean phototype	Dark dark skin	Dark brown eyes and dark brown hair	Low predisposition
Fifth phototype	Indonesian phototype	Tan leather	Dark brown eyes and dark brown or black hair
Sixth phototype	African phototype	Black skin		Very low predisposition

Different sensitivity of human skin to ultraviolet rays

Regardless of the skin phototype, different parts of the skin of the human body have different sensitivity to the action of medium-wave ultraviolet radiation. Some of them are highly sensitive ( ) to ultraviolet type B. Other areas of the skin are less pronounced able to perceive this type of electromagnetic radiation ( e.g. skin of feet, hands). The skin of the palms and feet is not at all sensitive to ultraviolet rays, there are few melanocytes in it, and it almost never tans.

The presence of artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation

Sunburn can develop not only under the influence of sunlight. Sometimes this happens when a person's skin comes in contact with medium-wave ultraviolet radiation, which generates some kind of artificial radiation source. Most often, sunburn can occur in those people who work in the printing industry, medicine, in photochemical reactors and are in contact there with gas-discharge and fluorescent lamps, which can produce medium-wave ultraviolet radiation ( depending on the type of gases and phosphors used in these lamps).

The degree and rate of occurrence of burns during artificial irradiation depends on the duration of contact with a source of harmful radiation, as well as on the lengths electromagnetic waves that this source reproduces. As mentioned above, medium-wave ultraviolet radiation is radiation that can cause sunburn - erythema ( redness) on the skin, and the radiation itself is a combination of electromagnetic waves with a wavelength range from 280 to 315 nanometers. In this range, each wavelength has a different ability to induce erythema ( skin burn). This ability is called erythemal efficiency. Knowledge of this fact is very significant, since under normal conditions, artificial radiation sources generate medium-wave ultraviolet radiation with certain wavelengths, that is, monochromatic radiation.

Erythemal efficacy in different types monochromatic ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet wavelength in nanometers	Erythemal efficacy
280	0
285	0,09
289	0,25
290	0,31
292	0,70
295	0,98
297	1,00
300	0,83
302	0,55
305	0,33
310	0,11
313	0,03
315	0,01

This table clearly shows that the most pronounced ability to cause erythema on the skin ( or sunburn) possesses monochromatic medium-wave ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of 297 nm. Next to it in the table are emissions with a high degree of erythemal efficiency with wavelengths equal to 293, 295, 300 and 302 nm. In working conditions, to prevent burns for people working with sources that generate these wavelengths ( as well as some other waves) must issue special protective equipment.

The state of the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere

The ozone layer is a thin shell earth's atmosphere which is part of the stratosphere and contains a large number of ozone molecules. Ozone is a triatomic oxygen molecule. It is formed by photochemical reactions between oxygen and the sun's ultraviolet rays. It is due to the presence of this layer that a large amount of ultraviolet rays do not penetrate the Earth's surface, which protects human skin from excessive radiation.

The ozone layer very well traps the sun's ultraviolet rays of types C ( shortwave) and B ( medium wave). There are geographic locations ( places), where the thickness of this layer is much thinner than in all other areas of the Earth, therefore it is in them that you can get stronger sunburn in a shorter period. These locations are zones of the Earth ( e.g. Peru, Chile, Cuba, Botswana, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, etc.), lying between 35 degrees north latitude and 35 degrees south latitude. The ozone layer is also very thin over large industrial cities, where many different chemicals are released into the atmosphere ( carbon tetrachloride, tetrafluoroethane, trichlorofluoromethane, methyl bromide, etc.) capable of destroying it.

Daily time

Sunburn most often occurs in those people who are under the sun between 10 am and 4 pm. Therefore, at this time it is not recommended to go to rest or work in the open air. The high probability of developing burns during these hours is explained by the fact that during this period solar activity reaches its peak, as a result of which the amount of solar energy ( and hence ultraviolet rays) falling on 1 m 2

The area of ​​the skin is very large.

A gradual increase in solar activity by noon ( and drop it in the evening) is explained by different angles of incidence of sunlight on the Earth's surface ( and on the skin). In the morning, when the sun is visible on the horizon, the sun's rays fall on the Earth ( to the part of it that we see) at an acute angle. By noon, when the height of the sun's standing above the horizon reaches its apogee, the sun's rays fall on the surface of the Earth ( and on the skin) almost at right angles. The intensity of solar ultraviolet radiation falling on the skin at a right angle will always be greater than the intensity of the same radiation falling on the skin at an acute angle.

Insolation duration

The time during which you can get a sunburn depends on the belonging of the skin of a particular person to a particular phototype. People with the first two phototypes can get such a burn within a few minutes after being under the sun. Those with the third and fourth skin phototypes can receive it within 20 - 60 minutes. People with the fifth and sixth phototypes are less prone to getting sunburn. They can get burned as early as one hour after exposure to the sun.

Climate and season

The nature of the climate and the time of year have a significant impact on the occurrence of sunburn on the skin. Sunburn most often occurs in the equatorial, subequatorial, tropical, subtropical, temperate climatic zones of the globe. Such burns are almost impossible to get in colder climatic zones of the Earth ( subarctic, arctic, antarctic, subantarctic). In the summer months, sunburn can be obtained relatively quickly compared to the autumn and spring months.

Cloud cover state

The presence of clouds in the sky greatly affects the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin. The more cloudy the weather, the lower the risk of sunburn on the skin. This is explained by the fact that water vapor, of which, in fact, clouds are composed, have a pronounced ability to absorb solar radiation and, thereby, reduce its penetration into human skin.

It should be noted that the clouds located in the lower tier usually do not let the sunlight through ( i.e. located closer to the surface of the Earth) - Stratocumulus stratocumulus. Other cloud types ( cirrus, highly layered, cirrostratus, etc.), which are located above, most often transmit the sun's rays ( at a certain height of the sun above the horizon).

Age

Older people and children are less likely to get sunburn than adolescents and middle-aged people.

Taking medications

As mentioned a little above, some drugs can be photosensitizers, that is, substances that enhance the effect of sunlight on the skin. Using them can cause sunburn. Therefore, before using drugs, you should carefully read their instructions and make sure that the side effects of these drugs do not indicate their ability to cause photosensitization ( increased sensitivity to light).

The following medications can contribute to the appearance and increase in the rate of sunburn on the skin:

• naproxen;
• furosemide;
• chlorothiazide;
• nalidixic acid;
• psoralen;
• amiodarone;
• chlorpromazine;
• biseptol, etc.

Altitude above sea level

With an increase in altitude above sea level ( for example, when climbing mountains) atmospheric pressure drops, the air becomes discharged, the total amount of dust and water vapor decreases in it. Under such conditions, medium-wave ultraviolet radiation is less absorbed by atmospheric air ( since it is cleaner) and has more energy than what falls on human skin in the more squat layers of the atmosphere. Thus, when climbing to a height ( or vacation in the mountains) the possibility of getting sunburn is much higher than on the seashore.

Sunburn prophylaxis

There are two main types of skin protection against sunburn. The first type is the use of a variety of sunscreens ( sunscreens, awnings, clothing, etc.), which in one way or another are able to minimize the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the human skin. The second type of protection from harmful solar radiation is time, which includes the concept of moderate exposure to the sun and the optimal time of insolation.

There are the following main types of sunburn prophylaxis:

• use of sunscreens;
• moderation of exposure to the sun;
• optimal time of insolation.

Using sunscreen

The use of sunscreen is the primary means of preventing sunburn. Sunscreens or photoprotectors are substances that can interfere with the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin. Today, there are many types of sunscreens that are produced and sold in various non-metered dosage forms - in the form of creams, ointments, sprays, oils, lotions, etc. Lack of dosage is one of the disadvantages of these products, since not everyone applies to the skin the required amount of photoprotector ( sunscreen).

All sunscreens, according to their mechanism of action, are divided into screens and filters. Screens are photoprotectors, the main active ingredient of which are mineral components ( zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, etc.). The protective effect of the screens consists in repulsion ( reflection) from the surface of the skin by ultraviolet rays. This type of sunscreen is considered poorer than filters because they ( screens) when used, part of the ultraviolet light still penetrates the skin.

Filters are photoprotective agents that contain chemicals that can absorb ultraviolet radiation that hits the skin without harm to health. The composition of such ( filters) sunscreens may include para-aminobenzoic acid, avobenzone, salicylates ( homosalate, salol, octyltriazone, octyl salicylate, etc.), benzophenones ( oxybenzone, etc.), cinnamata ( octocrylene, ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate, etc.) and etc.

Commercially available sunscreens can separately protect the skin from the effects of medium-wave ( ultraviolet type B) or long-wave ( ultraviolet type A) ultraviolet radiation. There are also combined action photoprotectors ( that is, they protect the skin from both A and B ultraviolet radiation).

It is very easy to find out from what kind of ultraviolet radiation a particular sunscreen protects. You just need to look at the packaging. Photoprotectors that protect the skin from sunburn ( that is, from medium-wave ultraviolet radiation), have the letter SPF on the packaging followed by a specific number. Sunscreens with only the letters PPD ( persistent pigment darkening), only protect the skin from long-wave UV rays and do not protect the skin from sunburn. If both SPF and PPD are present on the package, then this sunscreen protects the skin from both A and B ultraviolet radiation.

So, all sunscreens labeled SPF protect the skin from sunburn. SPF ( sun protective factor) Is the ratio between the minimum dose of ultraviolet radiation that can cause erythema ( redness) on the skin when a sunscreen is applied to it and a minimum dose of ultraviolet radiation that causes erythema, but without the use of a photoprotector. In other words, this indicator indicates the degree of skin protection ( and not for the possible length of time in the sun) when using this UV sunscreen. This degree in SPF is expressed quantitatively - in numbers from 1 to 100. The higher the number, the more powerful protection from medium-wave ultraviolet radiation.

Classification of photoprotective agents according to the degree of protection

Skin protection	Numerical valueSPF
Maximum protection	from 50 and above ( denoted as 50+)
Increased protection	from 30 to 50
High protection	from 20 to 30
Moderate protection	from 10 to 20
Minimum protection	below 10

It is worth remembering that the use of sunscreens that have only the SPF mark on the package will not protect the skin from long-wave solar radiation, which can cause tanning of the skin, as well as damage the skin and provoke its premature aging and cancer. Therefore, rest in the sun, having previously smeared with a photoprotector ( with only SPF marking) is strongly discouraged for a long time.

In order not to get a sunburn, it is necessary not only to apply photoprotective agents to the skin, but also to know the basic principles of their correct use.

There are the following basic principles for the rational use of sunscreens:

• skin phototype;
• clean skin;
• preliminary application;
• the bigger, the better;
• periodic use;
• transition from large SPF to small;
• critical areas.

Skin phototype
It is recommended to select an SPF number when choosing a sunscreen, mainly depending on the skin phototype. Persons whose skin belongs to the first and second phototypes must necessarily use sunscreen products with the maximum degree of protection ( 50+ ). Those with the third and fourth skin phototypes are also required to use photoprotectors. They can use products with an SPF number equal to 20 - 50. With the fifth and sixth phototypes, the application of sunscreens to the skin is not necessary, but may be justified by prolonged exposure of such people to the sun. In this case, it is more rational to use photoprotectors with SPF in the range of 10 - 30.

Clean skin
Make sure your skin is dry and clean before applying sunscreen. Before using them, you do not need to use various cosmetics that disinfect, nourish, tone and moisturize the skin, etc.

Pre-application
The sunscreen must be applied to the skin in advance, preferably 20 to 30 minutes before the contact between it and the ultraviolet rays occurs.

The bigger, the better
It is recommended to apply as much sunscreen as possible to the skin every time before contact with the sun. This is done not in order to increase the duration of protection, but then to precisely ensure uniform protection of various parts of the body and to be sure that it does not burn out.

Periodic use
During the entire period of exposure to sunlight, you should periodically use sunscreen. In this case, do not rub them hard into the skin for better protection. On average, it is recommended to apply each new portion of the photoprotector every 1.5 - 2 hours. Remember to reapply the sunscreen after towel-drying your skin or after bathing ( despite the fact that the packaging of the product says "waterproof" or "water resistant").

Moving from large SPF to small
When using sunscreens, the principle of a smooth transition from high SPF values ​​to lower ones is also recommended. This is justified in cases where the skin has not been in contact with a large amount of ultraviolet radiation for a long period of time and is not prepared for large radiation exposure. For example, when arriving on a summer vacation on the seashore after a long and cold winter and spring. After spending significant time in the sun every day, it is worth reducing the SPF value ( from maximum and high to medium values) as the skin is tanned.

It should be noted that this principle is recommended for persons who have the third and fourth skin phototypes. It does not fully apply to people with the first and second skin phototypes. They should always use sunscreens with maximum ( 50+ ) the degree of protection. The use of this principle by those in whom the fifth and sixth phototypes is not particularly significant, since their skin is less sensitive to ultraviolet rays from birth.

Critical areas
When applying sunscreens to the skin, special attention should be paid to those areas that are more sensitive ( for example, the skin of the abdomen, lower back, chest, back, neck, face) to the action of medium-wave ultraviolet radiation. You also need to know that the skin protruding above the surface of the body of various anatomical formations ( nose, shoulders, cheekbones, ears, etc.) is highly at risk of sunburn.

Moderation of sun exposure

In hot weather, especially in summer, you should not stay in the sun for a long time without any kind of skin protection, as under such circumstances there is a high risk of sunburn. There should be moderation in everything. The recommended duration of exposure to sunlight primarily depends on the skin phototype. If a person's skin has the first and second phototypes, then he should not be in the sun for more than 5 - 20 minutes without using a sunscreen. This is due to the fact that there are no pigment cells in their skin ( or they are partially present) - melanocytes, which partially protect the skin from the action of medium-wave ultraviolet radiation ( ultraviolet type B).

People with the third and fourth phototypes can stay under the sun longer ( from 10 to 60 minutes). The presence of the fifth and sixth phototypes allows their owners to be in contact with the sun's rays for more than 60 minutes due to the presence of a huge amount of melanin and melanocytes in their skin. It is worth noting that, despite the high skin protection, persons with dark skin can also get sunburn, so do not abuse the time spent in the sun.

The time spent in the sun largely depends on the measures that a person takes to protect his skin, that is, what kind of sunscreen he uses and how qualitatively and quantitatively he uses it. Do not forget that you can get a sunburn much faster if you stay in the same position for a long time. This, for example, often happens when a person falls asleep for a while while relaxing on the beach.

The possible time spent in the sun is also influenced by a lot of predisposing factors, which were discussed a little above ( climate and season, daily time, state of cloud cover, taking medications, altitude of the place above sea level, etc.). Therefore, it is not possible to tell a certain specific person about the exact time during which he can stay under the influence of sunlight.

Based on all of the above, it can be concluded that always, before going outside for a long time, under an open sunny sky, it is worth using sunscreens to prevent the development of sunburn. This is especially true for those people whose skin belongs to the first, second and third phototypes.

Optimal sun exposure time

The optimal time to stay in the sun outdoors is considered to be in the morning ( up to 10 - 11 o'clock) and evening hours ( after 4 pm). This is due to the fact that during these hours the sunlight has a lower radiation activity ( i.e. has less active radiation), so the chance of getting sunburn is ( or burn out) is much lower than in time intervals close to noon ( e.g. 11, 12, 13, 14 o'clock). The greatest probability of getting a sunburn occurs at the moment when the hands of the clock point to the time from 12 to 14 - 15 o'clock. In the period from 10 am to 4 pm, it is generally not recommended to stay under the sun for a long time.

If there is a sunburn, what to do?

When a sunburn appears on the skin, first of all, it is necessary to leave the place of insolation and go under some kind of canopy or indoors ( which can also act as sunscreens). It is better, of course, if such a room is cool, since the coolness will slightly lower the body temperature and reduce the unpleasant sensitivity at the site of the burn.

Secondly, the damaged skin must be treated with local (preparations in the form of ointments, creams, sprays) antihistamines and anti-inflammatory (local glucocorticoids) agents. This will help reduce redness, swelling, and soreness in the area of ​​inflammation caused by sunburn. For severe pain, local cooling anesthetics (pain relievers) can be used. After the swelling subsides a little, the burned skin can be lubricated with tissue regeneration stimulants for faster healing of damaged skin areas.

Thirdly, damaged skin must be treated with topical ( preparations in the form of ointments, creams, sprays) antihistamines and anti-inflammatory ( local glucocorticoids) means.

If there are no medications nearby, cold ( but not icy) compress. This procedure will temporarily slow down the inflammation in the tissues and reduce the intensity of symptoms.

In severe forms of sunburn ( when blisters appear on the skin and the skin swells severely) it is recommended not to open the bubbles, but to use cold, wet-drying compresses with topical steroids ( local glucocorticoids) in combination with a 2% tannin solution. With extensive sunburn, which are accompanied by phenomena of general intoxication of the body ( headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea) you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( aspirin, indomethacin, ibuprofen, etc.), which will reduce the release of inflammatory mediators into the blood ( substances) and improve overall well-being.

Also, contact between sunburned skin and sunlight should be avoided as much as possible. To do this, when going out into the sun, you should wear clothes, hats, use awnings, umbrellas and stay in the open air in the morning ( until 10 o'clock) or evening ( after 4 pm) clock. It is also worth remembering that water does not protect the skin from the action of the sun's rays, but, on the contrary, can intensify them, so you need to be in the water as little as possible during the daytime in the presence of sunburn.

Examples of drugs that can be prescribed to treat sunburn

Group of drugs	What are these funds prescribed for?	Drug name	Dosage
Tissue regeneration stimulants	To accelerate the processes of cell division and growth in the skin. Thus, these drugs help it heal quickly.	Bepanten	Available in the form of a 5% cream or ointment. It is applied to damaged skin 1 to 3 times a day.
		D-Panthenol	Also available as a 5% ointment or cream. You need to use this remedy 2 - 4 times a day, applying it in a thin layer over the surface of the damaged skin.
Antihistamines	These drugs block the action of histamine, a biological substance that causes inflammation in the skin during sunburn.	Fenistil	Available in the form of 0.1% gel. This remedy is recommended to be applied to the affected skin 2 to 4 times a day.
		Psilo balm	Available as a 1% gel. It is evenly applied to damaged areas of the skin with a frequency of 3 to 4 times a day.
		Soventol	Sold as a 2% gel. It is applied topically to the skin area ( 2 - 4 times a day) where the patient suffered a sunburn.
Local anesthetics (pain relievers)	Reduces the pain that occurs with a burn.	Amprovisol	Available in the form of an aerosol can. The agent is sprayed over burnt skin from a distance of 20 - 25 cm for 1 - 5 seconds, 1 - 3 times a day.
Local glucocorticoids	Relieve pain and reduce inflammation in tissues that have been sunburned.	Advantan	Available in the form of 0.1% cream or ointment. The drug must be applied once a day.
		Afloderm	It exists in two forms - in the form of 0.05% cream and in the form of 0.05% ointment. It is allowed to use it from 1 to 3 times a day.
		Momat	This product is sold as a 0.1% ointment or cream. They are applied to damaged skin once a day.
		Beloderm	Both ointment and cream are produced in a dosage of 0.05%. Can be applied to sunburn areas only 2 times a day.

Regardless of the severity of sunburn, you should always consult your doctor before using this or that medication. Sunburn is usually treated by a traumatologist, dermatologist, therapist, surgeon, and family doctor.

Traditional methods of treatment

Traditional methods of treatment have less therapeutic efficacy compared to medications. Therefore, they should not be used as the main method of treatment, but only in combination with drug therapy. Before using such methods, you should always consult with your doctor and not make decisions yourself.

You should be aware that in the treatment of sunburn, it is categorically impossible to use a vegetable or butter, sour cream, petroleum jelly and other products that contain a lot of fat. These fats, when smearing the above products on the skin, smoothly spreading over its surface, form a thermal insulating film on it, which prevents the removal of excess heat from the skin damaged by sunburn. This inhibits its normal healing, and also increases the discomfort at the site of its injury.

The following can be used to treat sunburn. folk methods treatment:

• Oak bark compresses. Take three tablespoons of well-dried oak bark and place in one glass of water. Then boil and filter. The resulting broth must be applied to burnt skin in the form of cold compresses 3-4 times a day ( each time for an hour, with breaks of 10 minutes). Oak bark reduces inflammation, kills harmful germs and has an astringent effect.
• Aloe juice. For sunburn, you can use both pure aloe juice and its aqueous solution ( at a dilution of 1: 1). Aloe juice is applied to damaged skin in its pure form without the use of napkins, gauze, that is, not in the form of compresses. It is recommended to carry out this procedure 1 - 3 times a day. Aloe juice has anti-inflammatory and healing effects on burnt skin.
• Raw potato compresses. Take a few raw potatoes ( together with the peel), rinse and grate finely. Make compresses from the resulting potato porridge. These compresses can be applied to the areas of the skin where the sunburn has formed for 20-40 minutes 3-4 times a day. Raw potato compresses have anti-inflammatory and trophic ( nutritious) therapeutic effects.
• Calendula compresses. Take 1 tablespoon of dried calendula flowers and place in one glass of boiling water. Insist 1 - 2 hours, then strain. Wait until this tincture cools down and make a medical compress from it. Calendula compresses can be applied to burnt skin for 20-30 minutes 3-4 times a day. Calendula flowers contain various anti-inflammatory and bactericidal ( killing germs) substances, which explains the decrease in puffiness and redness of the skin when using it.
• Plantain compresses. Take 1 - 2 tablespoons of dry plantain leaves and place in one glass of boiling water. Let the tincture infuse for 30 - 60 minutes. Then cool and filter it. From the tincture of plantain leaves, make compresses, which should be stirred on the burned areas of the body 2 - 3 times a day and left for 20 - 30 minutes. These compresses have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic ( constrict blood vessels) and healing effect.

What are the severity of sunburn?

Sunburn has three degrees of severity. The first two degrees are equivalent to the first degree in a normal burn. Third degree sunburn is usually equivalent to ( equivalent) the second degree of a conventional burn. The severity of sunburn is determined by the depth and severity of damage to the surface layers of the skin. The deeper and more damaged it is, the more serious the skin burn is. Also, do not forget that the severity of symptoms in a sunburn always depends on its area. She ( symptomatology) will be more significant with more extensive skin lesions. For example, with a slight burn to the entire back and arms, a sunburn will cause much more discomfort and other symptoms than with a burn ( the same degree) of only one leg.

Sunburn can be of the following severity:

• Mild severity. With a mild degree, redness with mild edema appears on the damaged skin, slight discomfort, burning sensation occurs, and mild itching is often possible. With it, partial damage to the upper layers of the epidermis occurs.
• Moderate severity. With moderate severity, the burned skin becomes an intense red color, moderate swelling occurs on it. The skin is very itchy, burning and painful. With this degree, dizziness, headache, weakness sometimes occur. In this case, the damage to the epidermal tissue is deeper.
• Severe severity. With a severe degree of sunburn on the skin, of various shapes blisters filled with serous, clear fluid. The places where these blisters burst become covered with small ulcers. The skin itself is very swollen and sore. It has a bright red color. Severe burning and itching may also be present. With a severe degree of sunburn, symptoms of general intoxication often occur in the form of headache, fever, dizziness, etc. At this degree, there is a large-scale and very serious damage to the structures of the epidermis.

How long does a sunburn usually take?

The rate at which the skin recovers from a sunburn is largely dependent on the severity of the sunburn. In the first severity, sunburn usually goes away in 2 to 3 days. With moderate ( middle) degree, the skin will be able to recover in 3 to 7 days. The longest recovery time can be observed in severe cases. Serious sunburns, on average, go away in 7 to 12 days without scarring the skin. The rate at which the skin heals from sunburn also depends on many other additional factors ( for example, on the age of the patient, area of ​​damage, localization of sunburn on the body, etc.).

The following factors can influence the recovery time of the skin from sunburn:

• the severity of sunburn;
• the timeliness of the use of medications;
• the correct use of medications;
• the area of ​​skin lesions;
• the presence of additional skin diseases;
• level of immunity;
• the presence of purulent complications;
• the age of the patient;
• localization of sunburn on the body.

Why does skin edema develop after sunburn?

Swelling of the face, arms, legs, back and other areas of the body after a sunburn is always the result of inflammation in the affected skin. Inflammatory reactions in this pathology arise due to the fact that medium-wave ultraviolet rays ( ultraviolet type B) have a harmful effect on the surface layers of the skin and, in particular, on the cells of the epidermis. They damage their membranes through the formation of photoradicals in the epidermis itself ( toxic chemicals), which cause the inevitable death of its cells.

Decay products of dead epidermal cells ( epidermal cells) stimulate immune system, resulting in the release of a large number of inflammatory mediators ( substances), for example, prostaglandins, kinins, histamine, leukotrienes in the skin. Inflammatory mediators help attract even more immune cells ( immune cells) into the lesion focus, and also cause expansion and increase in vascular permeability in the surface layers of the skin that has received a sunburn. Pathological changes in the vascular wall ( expansion and increase in permeability) with inflammation lead to an increase in blood circulation in the skin and partial extravasation ( going out of blood vessels) fluid into the tissues surrounding these vessels, which explains the appearance of edema and erythema on areas of the body skin burnt during sunburn.

How to treat a sunburn in a child?

The anatomical structure of the skin of children does not fundamentally differ from the skin of adults. Therefore, when they develop sunburn, most often they use exactly the same medications that are usually prescribed to older people. At the first sign of sunburn ( redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling of the skin) the child should be placed in a cool place and not allowed to go out again in the sun as the sunburn may worsen.

Then it is necessary to lubricate the damaged skin with antihistamines ( e.g. fenistil, soventol) and anti-inflammatory ( afloderm, advantan, etc.) creams ( or ointments, gels). You can also apply drugs to the skin to help it heal quickly ( panthenol, bepanten). These local preparations are best used in combination with cool compresses, which can be made from an ordinary sterile bandage, which must be moistened before use. cold water... In such cases, it is not recommended to place pieces of ice on the burned skin, as they can mechanically injure the already damaged skin.

With large burns, the child may develop fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, and weakness. These symptoms are signs of general intoxication of the body ( which develops in response to extensive tissue damage) and is associated with the ingress of toxins of cellular destruction into the child's blood. In these cases, you can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - ibuprofen, indomethacin, aspirin, etc.

In any case, before using this or that remedy, you should definitely consult with a specialist doctor ( e.g. dermatologist, internist, traumatologist, surgeon), and also read the contraindications to its use on the medicine packaging, since many drugs have their own requirements for use and may not always be suitable for the treatment of sunburn in a particular case.

After a long winter, you want to spend as much time as possible under the rays of the spring sun. But this can lead to skin burning. Each of us. What is a burn. Such stress is harmful to the body.

But how do you choose the best sunburn remedy? Below you will find out exactly what to apply to the skin when burning.

You have been burned. What to do?

Sunburns are divided into 4 degrees by severity:

1. If only a slight reddening of the burnt area is visible, then this should not cause any particular concern. A couple of days will pass, the tan will appear, and the redness will disappear. For prevention, you can apply the best sunburn remedy that you bought for relaxation.
2. The second degree of a burn is accompanied by a headache, the appearance of blisters on the surface of the skin. This reaction was caused by the fact that you have been in the sun for too long and did not follow the rules of tanning.
3. In the third degree of burning, the blisters on the skin fill with liquid. Do not under any circumstances pierce them, otherwise the infection will go. You will also feel pain all over your body and headache, your temperature will rise, and a fever may begin.
4. If more than half of the skin's surface is burned, the body becomes dehydrated, the heart and kidneys disrupt their normal functioning. A fourth degree burn can be fatal.

What signs in the body indicate sunburn?

• The skin turns red. First of all, hands, nose and shoulders turn red.
• When you touch your body, you feel pain.
• The temperature of the skin rises and it becomes dry.
• Feeling weak and tired, dehydration occurs.

Children can become passive and lethargic. It is also possible that the children have increased excitability.

Remember to sunbathe: wear a hat, drink plenty of fluids, cover your most vulnerable areas, and apply the best sunburn remedy to your skin.

Avoid sun exposure from 12:00 to 16:00. This is the period of the greatest solar activity, when the effect of the sun on the skin is maximal.

In case you still have a burn, immediately find a shade, drink as much water and an ibuprofen tablet as possible. Drinking plenty of fluids will keep your body hydrated.

First aid for burns

If you feel your face turn red, don't expect any more disastrous consequences (don't wait for pain and blisters).

Move into the shade and do not go out into the open sun anymore. Apply your best sunburn remedy to your skin.

If you feel okay overall, treat the burned areas of your skin.

Your first steps for burns

• Cool the skin. To do this, dampen a clean cloth with cold water and apply to the burned areas. Hold for about 20 minutes. As soon as the fabric starts to heat up, replace it with a new one. Be sure to cover your forehead as well.
• If a significant area of ​​the skin was exposed to the burn, then wrap yourself in a wet sheet or towel. This will help not only cool, but also relieve the skin from drying out.
• Take a cool shower. But do not use washcloths or gel. The burning sensation should go away a little.
• Drink as much water as possible. Don't add anything extra to it. Including ice. The water should be cool, but not icy.
• If you have a headache or an ache throughout your body, take a pill. Ibuprofen works well. It helps relieve skin inflammation. We do not recommend drinking paracetamol, there is no effect from it. You can use aspirin, analgin, baralgin.

If the sunburn was not severe, then that should be enough. In the event that it gets worse, call an ambulance.

Burns to the face and neck can have serious consequences. They can cause laryngeal edema. It will be hard to breathe. If you are short of air, call an ambulance.

The market gives us a huge selection of products for the care of sunburned skin. Each of them is unique and made for a specific skin type. To understand what is the best sunburn remedy for you, you need to have information on all the main types.

Panthenol

This is the most famous and widespread remedy for burns. If in doubt what to buy, take it, you will not regret it. The composition of the cream or spray must include panthenolic acid. It relieves pain, regenerates the skin and soothes it.

Panthenol products are sold both in pharmacies and in regular stores. The price is quite affordable. The cream can be used by children, it does not contain hazardous compounds. The result from the application is noticeable quickly.

Bepanten

This cream has a cooling effect. Burnt skin is quickly restored as a result of the action of active substances. They are dexpanthenol and chlorhexidine in Bepanten.

In addition to healing properties, the drug also has antiseptic properties. It prevents the development of complications, since the infection cannot get inside.

• The cream acts as the best remedy for sunburn for those who have spent too much time in the sun.
• The cream is easy to rinse off with plain water, it is easy to apply and has good pain relief. Has a lot of positive reviews.
• Suitable for children. It works instantly and quickly regenerates the skin.

Gels containing aloe

Aloe has antibacterial, disinfecting and pain relieving properties from nature. That is why aloe can often be found in the composition of ointments. Herbal ingredients help relieve pain.

Itching decreases, redness begins to disappear, the gel cools the skin and regenerates it well.

Its action is very mild, so the gel can be considered as the best sunburn remedy for those who cannot touch their skin. Within a few hours, you will be able to touch the surface of the skin again, the dryness of the skin will disappear.