Sunburn is superficial damage to the skin caused by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. In most cases, sunburn is harmless and can be easily treated at home. However, in some patients, a severe burn can be accompanied by severe symptoms and lead to the development of complications.
Next, we will consider: how to properly provide first aid for a sunburn, which helps to quickly restore the skin, what treatment is used at home, as well as what prevention methods are most effective.
What is a sunburn?
A sunburn is a superficial injury to the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes (less commonly). This damage usually results in mild inflammation, but can sometimes lead to serious problems. The direct cause of sunburn is excessively intense ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Sunburns most often appear on the following areas of the skin:
- face;
- neck;
- hands;
- shoulders;
- back.
It is these parts of the body that are usually not protected by clothing in the warm season, so they are exposed to direct sunlight.
Characteristic features of a sunburn are the appearance of erythema (redness), swelling, pain, burning, and itching on the skin. In some cases, people who have received such a burn may experience a rise in body temperature, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, decreased ability to work, etc.
Most often, a sunburn does not appear on the skin immediately upon contact with the sun's rays, but after some time (usually 3 to 12 hours after irradiation).
