When sunny days draw us outdoors, we often forget the flip side of soaking up the sun - the dreaded sunburn.

A sunburn occurs due to overexposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Common as they are, sunburns are more than just a temporary inconvenience; they can lead to significant discomfort and long-term skin and skin cell damage - including melanoma skin cancer - if not treated appropriately.

In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases your melanoma risk by 80% and nonmelanoma skin cancer risk by 68%.

Below, we’ve addressed some common FAQs about sunburn treatment, relief and prevention in order to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage sunburns effectively.

What are the different types of sunburns?

Did you know that there’s more than one type of sunburn? Burns are actually divided into three categories that can vary by severity and symptoms:

• First-degree burn: A first-degree burn is the most common type of sunburn, and means that your skin’s top layer has been damaged. Symptoms of a first degree sunburn typically include redness, slight swelling, and sometimes peeling after several days.
  
• Second-degree burn: Second-degree burns are more severe and signify that both your skin’s outer layer and middle layer (dermis) have been damaged. This type of sunburn is usually marked by blisters, peeling skin, severe swelling, wet-looking skin, white discoloration on the burn and symptoms of heat illness such as dizziness, confusion, muscle cramping and nausea. Second-degree sunburns can take weeks to heal and may necessitate medical treatment or prescription medication.
  
• Third-degree burn: These burns are extremely rare, as they’re typically a result of chemical burns or fire - not sun. However, third-degree burns are the most severe out of all burn types, and require immediate emergency treatment since they harm all layers of your skin, destroying nerve endings and even damaging bones, muscles and tendons.
  
  

How long does it take for a sunburn to heal?

The healing time for sunburn can vary greatly, depending largely on the severity of the burn. Generally, mild to moderate sunburns tend to heal within one to two weeks.

Mild sunburns (first-degree sunburns), where the skin is red and painful, usually start to improve within a few days. The skin might start to peel after about a week as a part of the body's natural healing process. This peeling usually continues for several days.

Moderate sunburns (second-degree burns), characterized by more severe redness, pain and swelling, may take a little longer to heal. These sunburns can result in the formation of blisters, which usually heal within two weeks.

Severe sunburns, or sun poisoning (also typically categorized as second-degree burns), is a more serious condition. Symptoms include extreme redness, blistering, pain, swelling, fever, nausea, chills and dizziness. This type of sunburn requires immediate medical attention and may take several weeks or even months to fully heal. After a severe sunburn, the skin may peel in large pieces and may even leave behind changes in pigmentation.

How do I get rid of a sunburn?

While there's no magic cure that will completely get rid of a sunburn immediately, there are measures you can take to alleviate the discomfort and potentially speed up the healing process. Here’s how to soothe a sunburn - fast:

• Cool down: As soon as you notice you're sunburned, get out of the sun and cool your skin with a cold compress, cool bath or shower. Although this is a simple home remedy, it’s also effective.
  
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of fluids to replenish your body's water content. Sunburn can dehydrate you, and staying hydrated may potentially help your body heal the sunburn faster.
  
• Moisturize with aloe vera gel or lotion: Applying a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or aloe vera to the affected area can help soothe the burned skin, relieve dryness, and prevent peeling. This is especially effective if the aloe or lotion is applied after bathing in cool water, as it helps to trap moisture in your skin.
  
• Consider anti-inflammatory medication: Non-prescription anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or aspirin can help with discomfort and reduce swelling.
  
• Use hydrocortisone cream: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams and lotions can help reduce inflammation and redness.
  
• Protect your skin: While your skin is healing, protect it from further sun damage by covering up, wearing a hat, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade from sun exposure.
  

It’s also important to note that while there are some amazing pain relief options for sunburns, there are also a number of medications and topical solutions that can actually cause further pain and irritation to your burn. Here’s what you should not put on a sunburn:

• Petroleum Jelly: Products like Vaseline can trap the heat that your skin is trying to release, leading to more inflammation and discomfort.
  
• Oils: Similar to petroleum jelly, oils can form a barrier on your skin and trap in heat. This includes coconut oil, which while often recommended for skin care, is not advised for sunburn.
  
• Topical anesthetics: Some topical anesthetics or 'numbing creams', such as benzocaine, can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction, worsening the sunburn symptoms.
  
• Alcohol: Products that contain alcohol can be drying to the skin, which can increase irritation and delay healing.
  
• Harsh soaps: Using harsh or fragranced soaps on sunburned skin can cause further irritation. Instead, use a gentle, fragrance-free soap or cleanser.
  
• Makeup: Even though it may be tempting to cover up your sunburn with foundation or other makeup, you should do your best to avoid it. Makeup contains oils, alcohols and other chemicals that can prevent your skin from healing properly and cause further irritation.
  
  

How to prevent a sunburn

Preventing a sunburn is crucial to maintaining your skin's health and reducing your risk of skin cancer. Here are several key strategies for sunburn prevention:

• Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin. "Broad-spectrum" sunscreen provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Make sure that you reapply at least every two hours, or more often if you're sweating, swimming or partaking in any other activities that may cause the sunscreen to wear off.
  
• Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats with wide brims can provide physical barriers against the sun's rays. Some clothing is even rated for its ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) – the higher, the better.
  
• Seek shade: The sun's rays are typically strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to stay in the shade during that time, aiming for shade structures like umbrellas or canopies.
  
• Wear sunglasses: Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that’s susceptible to UV damage - ultraviolet rays can also damage your eyes. Choose sunglasses that are labeled as providing 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
  
• Be aware of reflective surfaces: Water, snow, and sand can reflect the sun's rays and increase your chance of sunburn. Be especially mindful in these environments.
  
• Check the UV index: This measure of the sun's radiation in a specific place at a specific time can help you plan your outdoor activities to avoid intense sunlight.
  
• Avoid tanning beds: Tanning beds emit UV rays and can increase your risk of skin cancer.
  

Remember, none of these methods can individually offer 100% sun protection, so it's important to combine these strategies for the best protection.

How to get medical treatment for a sunburn

Booking a skin consultation with a dermatologist or other licensed healthcare professional is one of the best treatment options for sunburns. During these appointments, dermatologists can assess your burn, determine a treatment plan, and prescribe medication if necessary.

If you’re dealing with a painful sunburn or experiencing concerning dermatological symptoms, make a date with your healthcare provider or book a skin consult with an online dermatologist on Sesame today - because your skin, the largest organ in your body, deserves your attention and care.

Sources:

• How to treat sunburn. American Academy of Dermatology. aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-sunburn.
  

Sesame content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical concern, it is critical to seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions. If you are facing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room immediately.

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