Typically, sunburn is maximal about 24 hours after exposure. There are several effective ways to prevent sunburn, including staying out of the sun during peak hours, applying sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing.
Medical experts advise preventing sunburns with these key steps: apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 in the summer (and reapply every two hours or more often if swimming or toweling off) and wear sun protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat.
Generously reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours. Reapply it right away after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Make sure to apply sunscreen to areas that you may forget about, such as your ears, back of neck/hairline, lips, tops of hands and feet.
To protect against sunburn, you should apply a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ or more. If you or your child are prone to sunburn, use a higher SPF. You should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen meaning it will protect you against different forms of UV rays. Make sure the sunscreen is water-resistant.
Put on sunscreen, and keep putting it on.
Keep your lotion handy, applying it to exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. Then, reapply every two hours. Choose a product that says "broad spectrum" coverage with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
“A sunburn is the result of acute damage to the skin due to immediate overexposure to UV rays and does not transition into a tan. A tan is a more gradual process that develops as the skin responds to UV and tries to shield it from further harm. ”
Hell's Itch is an inciting dermatologic reaction that can occur after sun exposure and is often characterized by symptoms such as intense pain, itching, paresthesia, and suicidal ideation.
The fingertip test. Fingertip test for checking that skin blanches which is a normal skin reaction. Skin that does not blanch when gently pressed is damaged. Remove finger and there should be a blanched (pale) area where the finger was.
Vitamin E and C
As powerful antioxidants, vitamin E and vitamin C are both sun protection vitamins that can work wonders to protect your body against sunburn.
While the historical record is somewhat lacking in documentation, it's reasonable to assume that early humans figured out that protecting their skin and scalp with some kind of covering — clothing, rudimentary hats, or headgear — kept them cooler and less likely to burn in direct sunlight.
Apply Aloe
Aloe is a tried-and-true remedy that will soothe your sunburn almost instantaneously. This succulent is known for its moisturizing, cooling and anti-inflammatory effects, providing the much-needed relief you are after.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
Sunburn is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV light may be from the sun or artificial sources, such as sunlamps and tanning beds. UVA is the wavelength of light that can penetrate to the deep layers of skin and lead to skin damage over time.
Simply staying in the shade, especially during midday hours, is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure from sunlight. Protect your skin with clothing that covers your arms and legs. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, face, and neck.
Second-degree burns (also known as partial thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
The signs of a sunburn may not appear for a few hours. It is typically at its worst at 24 to 36 hours after sun exposure and resolves in 3 to 5 days. Ultraviolet rays can also initially cause invisible damage to the skin. Excessive and/or multiple sunburns cause premature aging of the skin and lead to skin cancer.
Sunburns occur from exposure to the sun's UV rays or UV light from artificial sources. You can usually treat first- and second-degree sunburns at home. Third-degree sunburns are very rare but need emergency treatment.
If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort. DO NOT use butter, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or other oil-based products. These can block pores so that heat and sweat cannot escape, which can lead to infection. DO NOT pick at or peel away the top part of the blisters.
Benefits of Aftersun on your skin
Aftersun products provide immediate relief as well as several long-term skin benefits. They work immediately to reduce redness and inflammation caused by sun exposure, providing a soothing sensation. This rapid response aids in the relief of sunburn discomfort.
Hot showers, baths and hot tubs
But even when your sunburn pain subsides, hot water can still be too drying. As your skin recovers from a burn, it needs to maintain all the natural moisture it can. There's no need to take cold showers. A lukewarm or cool shower will do.
If your sunburn is peeling, that means it is healing. This can be an itchy, somewhat painful process—but in some rare cases, the itch can be taken to a whole new level. This is known as hell's itch, or the devil's itch, which can feel like a deep, painful, throbbing itch that lasts for a few days after sunburn.
An oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, others) might help relieve itching as the skin begins to peel and heal underneath. Apply a soothing medicated cream. For mild to moderate sunburn, apply nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area three times a day for three days.
Solar purpura is a skin disorder characterized by areas of purple or red discoloration, found most commonly on the arms, forearms, and legs of elderly people. It is often caused by minor traumas to sun-damaged skin, and it is diagnosed by a thorough medical evaluation.