When an outdoor activity is performed, it is common to expose itself to the sun.
Either al Visit the seathe Poolsduring A picnic or a simple walk, If skin, heat and long periods of sun exposure are not properly protected, they can cause burns.
And although it is possible that the first signs of a burn does not appear immediately, in later hours the skin can become a red color, be sensitive and hot to touch.
In severe cases, you may generate blisters that manifest between hours and days later, according to the Medlineplus site.
To avoid this discomfort, it is indispensable Use sunscreen and re -apply it ideally every two hours.
However, if you were exposed to the sun and your skin has symptoms inflammation, redness, sensitivity to touch or even blisters, we share some tips to relieve discomfort.
Immediate actions before a sunburn
The arms, back and face are the body parts most exposed to solar burns.
Dermatologist Sofía Hernández, provides some tips that can put into practice to relieve discomfort immediately:
- Apply cold through immediate compresses or showers. Avoid using direct ice, as it could cause cold burns.
- Avoid or minimize exposure to the sun or direct heat.
- Take analgesics at regular schedules to relieve ardor.
- Drink water to stay hydrated.
Hydration is the key to recovery
If your skin has sunburn, Hydration is indispensableboth of the affected areas and of the body in general.
According to dermatologist Maureen Barahona, “Hydration must begin as soon as possible with calm creams or lotions, preferably without fragrance or alcohol.” The specialist recommends applying them several times a day, especially after the bathroom.
During this process, the indispensable thing is to provide the skin with the nutrients and humidity that you have lost to favor its regeneration, says the expert.
“For superficial wounds, an excellent measure is vaseline without smell or color, in abundant quantity and constantly re -applied,” recommends Barahona.
Home remedies to relieve sunburn
Yes ok Dermatologists do not recommend the use of home remedies or plants on the skin —It must generate contact or allergies dermatitis, there are some alternatives that can be put into practice to relieve discomfort:
- Frías compresses with very diluted water or chamomile tea.
- Thermal water in spray to refresh and calm the skin.
- Short bathrooms with colloidal oats to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Use of oil or vaseline to retain moisture.
- Dress light and fresh clothes.
“The use of Aloe is preferable when it comes from a product destined for topical use, not directly from the plant,” says Hernández.
Barahona adds that remedies such as butter, oils or toothpaste should be avoided, since the injury could worsen or favor infections. Hernández also recommends avoiding irritating products containing perfumes or alcohol, as well as scratching, touching or rubbing the affected area.
How long does the skin take to recover from a burn in the sun?
According to Barahona, The skin takes between 21 and 28 days to completely renew, time that corresponds to the keratinization process.
However, recovery varies according to the depth of the burn: between 3 and 7 days in mild cases; up to two weeks if there are blisters or peeling; and even several months if the burns are deeper. This depends on the severity of the damage.
The specialist recommends not bursting the blisters or removed the peeling skin, since the inner fluid is sterile and acts as a natural dressing while healing the skin. Manipulating them can increase the risk of infections, spots and scars.
In addition, the recovery depends on the intensity of the burn and the skin phototype. “In clear skin there may be redness and then peeling without a tan, while in darker skin hyperpigmentation or changes in color can occur, even after peeling,” explains Barahona.
Barahona adds that skin color can take weeks to several months to standard. Therefore, it recommends the daily use of sunscreen and moisturizing creams to prevent spots and accelerate recovery.
When to attend the doctor
Although solar burns do not require specialized medical attention, experts recommend going with an urgent professional if:
- The burns are second or third.
- Ampoules are presented along with fever, chills, intense pain, nausea, vomiting or signs of dehydration.
- Burn affects sensitive areas such as face, scalp or large areas of the body.
- The person presents insolation, in addition to the burn.
These recommendations should be taken into account especially with vulnerable people, such as children, older adults or people with disabilities.