Protect Your Skin This Summer

Summer is the season for outdoor fun, but it’s also the peak time for sunburns. A sunburn is an injury to your skin caused by excessive UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds.

Even a minor sunburn can cause discomfort and disrupt your daily activities. To help you enjoy the sun safely, here’s what you need to know about sunburn relief and when to seek urgent care.

 

Sunburn Relief Tips

If you get a sunburn, it’s important to take steps to alleviate the pain and promote healing. Here are some effective relief tips:

  1. Cool Down Your Skin

Take a Cool Bath or Shower: Use lukewarm water to cool down the skin. Avoid hot water as it can worsen the burn.

Apply Cold Compresses: Use a clean cloth soaked in cold water and apply it to the affected areas for 10-15 minutes several times a day.

  1. Hydrate

Drink Plenty of Water: Sunburns draw fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body. Staying hydrated helps prevent dehydration.

  1. Moisturize

Use Aloe Vera or Moisturizing Lotion: Aloe vera gel or a gentle, unscented moisturizer can soothe the skin and keep it hydrated. Avoid petroleum-based products as they can trap heat in the skin.

  1. Take Pain Relievers

Over-the-Counter Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin can reduce swelling and discomfort.

  1. Avoid Further Sun Exposure

Stay Out of the Sun: Keep the sunburned skin covered and avoid exposure to sunlight until the skin has healed.

  1. Protect Blisters

Do Not Pop Blisters: If blisters form, let them heal naturally to prevent infection. Cover them lightly if needed.

When to Seek Urgent Care for a Sunburn

While most sunburns can be treated at home, severe sunburns may require professional medical attention. You should visit urgent care immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Swelling and Inflammation of the Skin
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Infected Blisters
  • Severe Pain
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Vision Problems
  • Fainting
  • Dehydration
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Why Urgent Care for Sunburn?

Severe sunburn is not something to sit and wait on when it comes to proper healing and adequate care. Professional treatment for severe sunburn may include:

Intravenous (IV) Therapy: To treat dehydration quickly.

Pain Management: Prescription pain relievers may be needed for intense discomfort.

Infection Prevention: Special creams or ointments to prevent or treat infections in blistered areas.

Detailed Evaluation: A medical professional can assess the extent of the damage and provide a tailored treatment plan.

Preventing Sunburn

The best way to deal with sunburn is to prevent it. Here are some preventative measures to protect your skin:

  • Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
  • Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can provide extra protection.
  • Seek Shade: Avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the UV rays are strongest.
  • Be Cautious with Tanning Beds: Avoid using tanning beds as they also emit harmful UV radiation.

By following these tips and knowing when to seek medical attention, you can protect your skin and enjoy a healthy, happy summer. Stay safe, stay cool, and take care of your skin!

Sunburn Treatment in Yonkers, NY | Contact Kimball Medical Urgent Care Center

Relief for Severe Pain and Blisters

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