Sun Burn

   >>Overview

• Sunburn is a burn of the skin 
• Results from overexposure to the sun 
• Normal exposure results in the production of Vitamin D 
• Most of us become sun burnt at some time in life 
• Sunburn causes a lot of discomfort 
• It can cause premature ageing/cancer 
• Common in children/young adults 

   >>Causes

• Sun's ultravoilet rays during outdoor activities 
• Tanning beds
• Traveling to places at high altitude 

  >> Risk factors

• Light-skinned or fair-haired people 
• Recent exposure to sun 
• Prior skin injury 
• Infections like Herpes, Porphyria 
• Certain Medications like antibiotics, anti-psoriatic drugs 

   >>SymptomsThe skin injury begins within 30 minutes of exposure to the sun

• Redness of the skin 
• Irritation 
• Blisters 
• Pain 
• Skin burning 
• Skin loss 
• Dehydration 
• Flu-like symptons
• Infection 
• Fever 
• If very severe, shock leading to death may occur 

   >>TreatmentSelf-Help

• Get out of the sun 
• Cover the exposed area 
• Take a cool bath 
• Use a cool compress available commercially like, Burow solution
  a. Dissolve solution in one pint of water
  b. Soak a gauze or clean cloth in it
  c. Wring it well
  d. Apply to sun burnt area for 20 minutes
  e. Change the cloth and solution every 2 hours 
• Applyaloe-based solution 
• Avoid using oils, bath salts, perfumed lotions etc 
• Avoid scrubbing/shaving 
• Use a gentle towel 
• Stay out of the sun while sun burnt 

  >> Consult a DoctorIn case of-

• Pain 
• Headache/confusion 
• Blisters 
• Nausea/vomiting 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Sunburn being present along with other medical condition 

   >>Prevention

• Wear hats, long-sleeved dress, long pants while out in the sun 
• Try to avoid exposure to sun 
• Use sun-block creams during exposure to sun 
• Select a suitable SPF number for the sunblock cream
• Sun Blocks should be reapplied every 2-3 hours 
• Avoid tanning beds