Summer has finally arrived and I, like many of you, have been enjoying some long awaited fun in the sun. Unfortunately, I have an embarrassing confession to make. I sit here writing this blog bright red, peeling in areas, and in pain. I, a dermatology practioner, a sunscreen aficionado, an avid proponent of sun-safety, have a sunburn. Oh the shameful burn!
I am diligent making sure every inch of my daughter is covered with sunscreen and reapplied often, but this weekend I was not quite as diligent taking care of myself. It is easy to miss areas with sunscreen or forget to reapply every 2 hours as recommended. In the unfortunate event that you too find yourself suffering from the effects of too much sun, here are some treatment tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org).
1. How bad is it?
Most sunburns can be treated safely in the comfort of your own home. However, anyone experiencing fatigue, dizziness, fever, chills, or blisters that cover over 20% of your body should be evaluated by a medical provider. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
2. Medicate.
Sunburn hurts! As soon as you notice signs of a sunburn take ibuprofen to reduce pain, swelling, and redness. Continue ibuprofen according to directions for the next 48 hours. Sunburns can also lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink extra water for several days following the burn.
3. Chill Out.
Take frequent cool baths or showers. You can also apply a cool damp towel to affected areas for 10-15 minutes multiple times per day. Apply a non-medicated cream or lotion after, such as Sarna Lotion. You can also use over the counter hydrocortisone cream for several days to alleviate discomfort. Avoid products that continue petroleum (prevents the skin from cooling) or numbing creams (lidocaine/benzocaine) that can cause irritation.
4. Hands off.
Resist the temptation to pick or pop any blisters and avoid scrubbing or peeling your skin. Picking can leave you vulnerable to infections and scarring.
5.) Prevention is key.
The best way to deal with a sunburn is to avoid getting one altogether. Apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 daily (even if it is cloudy) 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply often, every 2 hours, more often if swimming or sweating. Avoid the sun between 10AM and 3PM when the rays are the strongest. Invest in sun protective clothing. Coolibar clothing blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays according to the company, while an average t-shirt blocks only 5%. Don’t forget to accessorize with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Sunburns are a sign of damage to your skin that can result in premature aging and skin cancer. Studies show that just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life! Take steps to protect yourself so that you too don’t have to feel the burn. Enjoy your summer and be safe in the sun!
Source: www.skincancer.org
Erin Hegge, PA-C
