Summer Sunburns

Backyard barbecues, sitting by the pool and more fun in the sun are all signs that the summer months are here. But nothing can ruin a summer day faster than a sunburn. That painful, red, and swollen patch of skin can really put a damper on your plans, especially when your plans are to stay outside for even longer, making the burn even worse. Here are a few tips to avoiding sunburn this summer, and some remedies that may help if you do get a burn.

Sunburn is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet light emitted by the sun. This UV light, when absorbed by the skin, causes melanin in the skin to be produced at a higher rate. Melanin is responsible for the darkening of skin, which will cause a tan. A tan is the body’s natural way of defending itself against additional UV light, but it can only do so much. Here are a few more ways to protect your self against UV light and sunburns:

§ Use sunscreen. This is perhaps the most effective way to prevent sunburn and the damage caused by UV rays. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, and apply frequently and liberally. Its best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours, or after getting wet or sweating heavily.

§ Cover Your Skin. Throw on a hat to cover up your face. A wide brimmed hat, like a sunhat, will also protect your ears and the back of your neck, more than a baseball cap will. Wear tight-woven clothing to minimize the exposure to your skin also, especially if you will be out in the sun for an extended period of time.

§ Wear Sunglasses. It’s pretty hard to protect your eyes with sunscreen, so wear sunglasses when you’re outside. Look for a pair that blocks 99 or 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays – these are the frequencies of ultraviolet light that are most damaging to the eyes.

§ Avoid the Sun Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. These are the peak hours for the sun’s strength, so if you can, try to minimize your sun exposure during these hours. Schedule outdoor activities outside of these hours if at all possible.

If it’s too late, and you’re already burned, relief is possible. It’s hard to minimize the skin damage following sunburn, but some of the pain can be relieved:

§ Take anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These drugs will help decrease the inflammation in the burned area, thus decreasing some of the pain.

§ Apply a cool rag to the area, or a cold compress to the area to relieve some of the pain associated with sunburn.

§ Apply aloe or moisturizing cream to the area. The skin may start peeling after a few days, so continue to use moisturizing cream as this happens. You can also use a light hydrocortisone cream, .5% or 1% concentration, to the area. This may help reduce some of the inflammation as well.

§ If blisters form, don’t pop them. Opening up the blisters will increase the risk of infection. If many blisters form, or if the blisters ooze and break on their own, apply an antibiotic cream to the area.

§ Drink plenty of fluids. Dehydration is often associated with sunburns, so drink plenty of fluids to remain properly hydrated.

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com