Overexposure to sunlight leads to skin burn also known as Sunburn. It is a type of radiation burn caused due to excessive exposure to UV rays present in the sunlight. The ultraviolet rays in the sun damage the skin and can be harmful enough to cause cancer when the exposure is for longer duration and of a severe degree. It is characterized by skin irritation, redness along with a burning sensation on the skin. Sometimes, after severe sunburn, blisters appear on the burnt skin which are called as Sunburn blisters.
Sunburn blisters appear as small fluid-filled boils on the surface of the skin, which can turn nasty and get infected if not treated. One should undergo a proper sunburn treatment in order to get rid of sunburn blisters. There are different sunburn remedies including medicated creams or lotions while home remedies for sunburn can be used to manage Sunburn or even sunburn blisters before you head to the doctor.
What causes Sunburn blisters?
Prolonged exposure to the scorching Sun is the chief reason for sunburn blisters. A sunburn can occur with Sun exposure of short duration or for long hours depending on the sensitivity of the skin. Sunburn blisters usually show up after 2-3 days of initial exposure. They are small, white fluid-filled blisters which are painful to touch. The skin surrounding area is also red and swollen.
Sunburn is a temporary phenomenon and usually, disappears shortly after active sunburn treatment. However, frequent and prolonged exposures are potential risk factors for long-lasting damage to the skin and skin cancer.
How to get rid of sunburn blister?
There are few basic things that can be done for sunburn blisters treatment at home:
1. Frequent bathing or cold compresses help in cooling the body and reducing the pain of sunburn.
2. Pat off the water after bathing instead of making the skin completely dry.
3. Apply moisturizers containing aloe vera, soy or oats on wet skin. This helps in trapping water in the skin.
4. Medicated creams or lotions containing steroids can be used under medical supervision in severe sunburn blisters.
5. Drink plenty of water to replenish the water lost from the body during sun-exposure. Water helps in preventing dehydration of the skin.
6. Painkillers can be used to reduce pain and swelling.
7. Do not burst or pop the sunburn blisters as they may get infected. Leave them to heal themselves.
8. Use long sleeved cotton and tight fabric clothes, to protect sunburned skin while outside in sun. A tight fabric cloth does not allow the sun rays to penetrate the clothes.
Tips to clean the sunburn blisters
1. Use cold water to clean the blister.
2. Do not scrub the area.
3. Do not use any harsh soaps or body wash on the blisters.
4. Use mild antibacterial cleanser.
In case of severe sunburn blisters, your doctor may advise you for topical ointments and medicines.
How to manage sunburn at home?
As rightly stated, “Prevention is better than cure”. If we manage the sunburn timely, we can avoid the occurrence of blisters on the sunburned skin. Medical line of treatment to cure sunburn is effective in managing sunburns, but scientists still encourage sunburn treatment at home.
The aim of sunburn treatment is to relieve the pain, restore hydration and moisture levels of the skin. The treatment should begin as soon as you notice the sunburn. Get away from the sun, either indoors or in a cool, shaded area. Additionally, some easy and effective home remedies from the grandmothers’ closet can help in complementing the treatment measures of sunburn.
what are the Home remedies for sunburn?
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda has natural antibacterial and anti-pruritic or anti-itching properties. Adding a small amount of baking soda to the bathing water helps in preventing infections and soothing the itchy skin instantly.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a hydrating agent and helps in nourishing the skin. Application of coconut oil on dry and affected area helps in moisturizing the skin and decreases skin irritation.
3. Aloe vera gel
Rubbing the sticky pulp of aloe vera plant, juice extracted from mint leaves, calamine lotion or petroleum jelly can help in reducing excessive itching of the skin and is best used as face sunburn treatment.
Avoid scented and flavored moisturizers as the alcohol in them can cause dryness of skin.
4. Exfoliation or removal of dead and dry skin.
Some home remedies for sunburn are age-old remedies that are conventionally used in every household. Though there is not much scientific evidence found related to the effectiveness of these remedies in the treatment of sunburn, but they may help in relieving the irritation and pain of sunburn.
-Rubbing a paste of gram flour (besan) and sliced raw potatoes or boiled mashed potatoes help in unclogging the blocked skin pores, removal of dead skin, and thereby, in relieving the irritation and burning of the skin.
-Keeping a sliced papaya on the affected area relieves irritation and provides the skin with antioxidants to combat the inflammation of the skin.
-Apple vinegar and cold rose water also help in decreasing the skin irritation and burning sensation of the skin.
-Chamomile oil helps in reducing the stinging pain of sunburn.
-Apply a layer of room temperature milk or curd over the affected area. The protein in the milk helps in reducing the burning sensation.
-Tannic acid from cooled, freshly brewed tea helps in reducing the skin irritation of a sunburn.
-Chilled cucumber slices, corn flour mixed with water, etc. also helpful in the treatment of sunburns.
How can sunburn blisters and sunburns be avoided?
To avoid sunburn blisters, the foremost thing that has to be done is to stay away from sunrays. Protection from the sun is the first step to manage sunburn. Few simple measures that help in preventing sunburn include:
1. Avoid staying out in the sun during the day between 10 am and 4 pm when the concentration of ultraviolet or UV rays is at the peak.
2. Use of the sunscreen with adequate sun protection factor of 15 and above, minimum 30 minutes before sun exposure is recommended. If you plan on staying outdoors for longer, then reapply a coat of sunscreen after 2-3 hours to prevent sunburn.
3. Use soft fabrics, long sleeved, well-ventilated clothes to cover the maximum body area from the harmful rays of the sun.
4. Use hats or caps that sufficiently cover the face and neck. Sunglasses help in protecting eyes from the extreme heat of the sun.
So next time before stepping out into the sun, stop wondering how to cure sunburn, remember that you have these fantastic home remedies for sunburn! So, go out and enjoy the sunshine keeping in mind the above points.
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