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Today we are going to focus on a somewhat… painful subject! And yes, you spent the day at the beach, hiking, and you did not take all the necessary precautions? In the evening, in the shower… Surprise! Is the pain coming? Hmm, it's probably a sunburn ...
In this article, we will focus on sunburn, and the different methods to relieve it.
What are the different types of sunburn?
First of all, a sunburn can be defined as a heat burn; however, it is not due to direct contact (hot source such as barbecue, etc.) but to indirect solar radiation.
It follows that the burn is less intense and shallower than a heat burn.
Sunburn can cause different types of burns.
First degree burns
Resulting in redness of the skin, without blisters, which generally occurs between 6 hours and 24 hours after exposure. They are often linked to vasodilation of the superficial skin vessels. Usually, this type of burn goes away within a week without leaving any pigmentation or scarring. On the other hand, if it is about a sunburn a little more important, it will be at the origin of a desquamation; that is, the skin will peel.
Superficial second degree burns
Resulting in the appearance of blisters with a red area, filled with a transparent liquid, immediately after exposure. This type of burn will heal spontaneously in two weeks, without sequelae but may leave some dark traces, slow to disappear.
Deep second degree burns
Serious burns which generate blisters this time surrounded by white since the vessels have been affected and may leave scars.
What to do after a sunburn?
There are different actions to adopt in case of sunburn. However, it is important to remember that in the event of an extensive second degree burn (therefore with blisters), it will be essential to consult your doctor.
The first thing to do is to immediately stop sun exposure (and if that is not possible, cover up).
Cool the burned area with tap water (between 15 and 25 ° C) for about fifteen minutes, until the pain disappears. The cold will relieve pain and reduce local inflammation, ideal for sunburn!
P ensez to rehydrate you internally and externally! Indeed, sunburn has caused water to evaporate from the surface of your skin.Externally , aqueous formulas will be ideal, for example, a water-based body milk or a linseed gel! To be applied without moderation; as soon as the skin has finished absorbing it, do not hesitate to put on a diaper. Be careful, however, in this case, avoid putting an oil on it thinking that it will be able to hydrate the skin since it will have a harmful effect: it will cause an impermeable layer preventing the accumulated heat from dissipating through the pores.
For first degree burns, do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist who will advise you on a sedative cream to apply locally. For superficial second degree burns, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned using soap and dermal antiseptic to avoid any risk of infection. It is important not to pierce the blisters !
Grandma's tips!
There are also grandma's remedies for sunburn relief:
- A thick layer of Greek yogurt : indeed, the lactic acid contained within it; has anti inflammatory properties and can therefore soothe sunburn.
- Aloe Vera gel orgel de lin.
- A grated potato with lemon juice, all mixed with a tablespoon of olive oil . The potato will help absorb the fire associated with sunburn and the honey / lemon mixture will help ease the pain.
- Cut a cucumber into thin slices and put them on the sunburn, this will reduce the burning sensation by its cool effect!
And there you have it, you have all the keys in hand to reduce your sunburn. However, we cannot repeat it enough, the most important thing is to protect yourself well upstream! Prevention remains the key to having a peaceful summer.
