Your skin is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light; even a few minutes of intense exposure to these rays can cause sunburn. Exposure to both natural (sun) and artificial UV rays (tanning beds) can cause sunburn. The resulting damage to your skin cells triggers your immune system to supply more blood to the affected areas, causing inflammation (sunburn).
You can get sunburn even on cloudy days, since UV rays penetrate cloud cover. Water, sand, and snow are good reflectors of UV rays, potentially doubling your exposure from below. With prolonged exposure, what starts as a skin inflammation can eventually lead to skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
The following factors can increase your risk of sunburn:
The following symptoms develop after a few hours (usually 3-4) of sun exposure:
Sunburn is treatable, and in most cases you can get rid of it at home. Here are nine effective home remedies for sunburn that can help ease the discomfort:
A sunburn draws body fluids to the surface of your skin, causing dehydration. Staying hydrated can diminish the symptoms and promote quicker healing. So, drink plenty of fluids, including water and electrolyte drinks, to replenish the lost fluids and essential salts.
Sunburn causes inflammation and dryness of the skin, causing it to peel. Counteract the drying tendency by applying a gentle moisturizer that doesn’t have petroleum, oil, or scented chemicals, as these may worsen the irritation.
A cool oatmeal bath will help your skin retain its natural moisture while soothing irritation from sunburn. Fill your bathtub with cold water and add a cup of oats to prepare an oatmeal bath. Avoid scrubbing your skin before and after the bath; gently dab yourself dry with a towel.
While recovering, it’s advisable to avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10 am to 4 pm, as the UV rays are the strongest during these hours. Plan your outdoor activities for the evening, and if you must go out, apply sunscreen, carry an umbrella, wear protective clothing, and stick to the shade.
Wear lightweight, loose, cotton or bamboo clothes that allow your skin to breathe and enable quick evaporation of excess sweat, preventing further irritation to your skin. Add a wide-brimmed hat to your closet and use it to protect your face while out in the sun.
Aloe vera contains a substance known as aloin that minimizes skin inflammation. You can apply aloe vera gel to the affected area to reduce swelling and moisturize your skin, thus protecting it from peeling off.
UV rays destroy the top layers of skin, causing them to shed prematurely. Such shedding can delay healing while increasing inflammation and the risk of infection. Never peel off the skin from the inflamed area. Instead, apply a cold compress (wrapped in a towel) to soothe the irritation.
Fluid-filled blisters are common in second-degree sunburn; they protect you from infection and help your skin heal. So don’t pop or break the blisters. Instead, leave them intact and let them heal on their own.
You can take anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, to reduce the swelling and discomfort caused by sunburn. You can also use over-the-counter 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to reduce pain, irritation, and itchiness.
First-degree sunburn that causes mild redness can be treated at home without medical intervention. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical advice:
The above-listed symptoms may indicate second-degree or even more severe sunburn and will require immediate medical attention. If you are experiencing these symptoms, visit us today at Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care in Irvine, Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care, CA. With our medical assistance, we can help you recover from your sunburn fast.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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