What is polymorphic light eruption. How does it differ from other sun-related skin conditions. What are the main symptoms of polymorphic light eruption. Who is most at risk of developing this condition. What treatments are available for managing polymorphic light eruption. How can you prevent polymorphic light eruption outbreaks. What are the long-term effects of polymorphic light eruption.

Understanding Polymorphic Light Eruption: A Common Sun-Induced Skin Condition

Polymorphic light eruption (PMLE) is a relatively common skin condition triggered by exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light. This condition affects approximately 10% to 15% of the UK population and is characterized by an itchy or burning rash that appears on sun-exposed areas of the skin. While often mistaken for a simple sunburn, PMLE is a distinct condition with unique characteristics and management strategies.

Key Characteristics of Polymorphic Light Eruption

• Appears within hours or up to 2-3 days after sun exposure
• Lasts for up to 2 weeks
• Heals without scarring
• Typically affects head, neck, chest, and arms
• May not always affect the face

Is polymorphic light eruption the same as heat rash. No, PMLE is often confused with heat rash (prickly heat), but there are important differences. While heat rash is caused by warm weather or overheating, PMLE is specifically triggered by sunlight or UV light exposure. Additionally, the skin affected by PMLE can “harden” or desensitize over time, which does not occur with prickly heat.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Polymorphic Light Eruption

The rash associated with polymorphic light eruption can take various forms, hence the term “polymorphic.” Understanding these different manifestations can help in identifying the condition and seeking appropriate treatment.

Common Rash Presentations

• Small, raised pink or red spots (2-5mm in size)
• Blisters that develop into larger, dry patches resembling eczema
• Less frequently, target or “bulls-eye” shaped patches similar to erythema multiforme

How quickly does the PMLE rash appear after sun exposure. The rash typically develops within hours, but in some cases, it may take up to 2-3 days to become visible. The speed of onset can vary depending on individual sensitivity and the intensity of sun exposure.

Can the PMLE rash occur through clothing. Yes, in some cases, even limited sun exposure through thin clothing or while sitting near a window can be sufficient to trigger a PMLE reaction. This highlights the importance of comprehensive sun protection for susceptible individuals.

Factors Influencing Polymorphic Light Eruption Occurrence

The frequency and severity of PMLE episodes can vary significantly among affected individuals. Understanding these patterns can help in managing the condition effectively.

Variability in PMLE Occurrence

• May be a rare occurrence for some individuals
• Can happen every time the skin is exposed to sunlight for others
• Severity ranges from mild to severe
• As little as 20 minutes of sun exposure may trigger a reaction in sensitive cases

Does polymorphic light eruption follow a seasonal pattern. For many people with PMLE, the condition follows a seasonal pattern. The rash often appears in spring, remains problematic throughout summer, and settles down by autumn. This cyclical nature is related to the changing intensity of sunlight exposure throughout the year.

Who is at Risk for Developing Polymorphic Light Eruption?

While polymorphic light eruption can affect anyone, certain demographic groups are more susceptible to developing this condition.

High-Risk Groups for PMLE

• Women (more commonly affected than men)
• Individuals with fair skin
• People aged 20-40 (typical onset age range)
• Individuals with a family history of PMLE

Can children develop polymorphic light eruption. While PMLE typically starts between the ages of 20 and 40, it can occasionally affect children. Parents should be aware of this possibility, especially if there’s a family history of the condition.

Are people with darker skin tones immune to PMLE. No, while PMLE is more common in individuals with fair skin, it can also affect people with brown and black skin. The rash may be less noticeable on darker skin tones, but the symptoms and discomfort can be just as significant.

Understanding the Causes of Polymorphic Light Eruption

The exact mechanisms behind polymorphic light eruption are not fully understood, but researchers have identified key factors contributing to its development.

Proposed Mechanisms for PMLE Development

• UV light altering a substance in the skin
• Immune system reacting to the altered substance
• Resulting inflammation in the skin

Is polymorphic light eruption hereditary. While PMLE is not directly inherited, there appears to be a genetic component to its development. Approximately 1 in 5 people with PMLE have an affected relative, suggesting a familial predisposition to the condition.

Can polymorphic light eruption be transmitted from person to person. No, PMLE is not infectious. There is no risk of catching the condition from another person, as it is a reaction of an individual’s skin to UV light rather than a contagious disease.

Effective Treatments and Management Strategies for Polymorphic Light Eruption

While there is no cure for polymorphic light eruption, various treatment options and management strategies can help control symptoms and prevent outbreaks.

Key Treatment Approaches for PMLE

• Sun avoidance and protection
• Use of high-SPF sunscreens
• Topical corticosteroids for symptom relief
• Desensitization or UV treatment
• Gradual skin hardening techniques

How effective are sunscreens in preventing PMLE outbreaks. High-SPF sunscreens can be very effective in preventing PMLE outbreaks when used correctly. It’s recommended to use a sunscreen with SPF 50 or above and a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars. Apply the sunscreen thickly and evenly 15-30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming.

What is the role of corticosteroids in managing PMLE. Corticosteroid creams or ointments can be prescribed to manage PMLE symptoms when a rash appears. These should be applied sparingly and only when the rash is present, following the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Innovative Approaches to Polymorphic Light Eruption Management

In addition to traditional treatments, several innovative approaches have been developed to help individuals with PMLE better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

Advanced PMLE Management Techniques

• Phototherapy-based desensitization
• Oral photoprotective agents
• Immunomodulatory treatments
• Lifestyle modifications

What is phototherapy-based desensitization for PMLE. This treatment involves gradually exposing the skin to increasing amounts of UV light under controlled conditions. Typically conducted in a hospital dermatology department, patients undergo sessions 3 times a week for 4 to 6 weeks in the spring. The goal is to build up the skin’s resistance to UV light, reducing the likelihood of PMLE outbreaks during regular sun exposure.

How does skin hardening or toughening work for PMLE management. Skin hardening is a technique that can be done at home under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It involves gradually increasing sun exposure over time, starting with very short periods and slowly building up tolerance. This process aims to increase the skin’s resistance to UV light, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of PMLE outbreaks.

Living with Polymorphic Light Eruption: Long-term Outlook and Lifestyle Adjustments

While polymorphic light eruption can be a challenging condition to manage, understanding its long-term outlook and making appropriate lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve quality of life for affected individuals.

Key Considerations for Long-term PMLE Management

• Consistent sun protection habits
• Regular dermatological check-ups
• Seasonal preparation strategies
• Emotional and psychological support

Does polymorphic light eruption improve over time. For some individuals, PMLE symptoms may improve as they age, with outbreaks becoming less frequent or severe. However, this is not universal, and many people continue to experience symptoms throughout their lives, necessitating ongoing management strategies.

How can individuals with PMLE enjoy outdoor activities safely. With proper precautions, people with PMLE can still enjoy outdoor activities. Key strategies include:
– Planning activities during low-UV hours (early morning or late afternoon)
– Wearing protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
– Using high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreens generously and frequently
– Seeking shade whenever possible
– Gradually building up sun exposure tolerance over time

By implementing these strategies and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with polymorphic light eruption can effectively manage their condition and maintain an active, outdoor lifestyle. The key lies in understanding personal triggers, adhering to preventive measures, and staying informed about the latest treatment options and management techniques.

Polymorphic light eruption – NHS

Polymorphic light eruption is a fairly common skin rash triggered by exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light.

Symptoms of polymorphic light eruption

An itchy or burning rash appears within hours, or up to 2 to 3 days after exposure to sunlight.

It lasts for up to 2 weeks, healing without scarring.

The rash usually appears on the parts of the skin exposed to sunlight, typically the head, neck, chest and arms.

The face is not always affected.

The rash

Credit:

ISM/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/520428/view

The rash can take many different forms (polymorphic):

• you may get crops of 2mm to 5mm raised, pink or red spots, but redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin
• some people get blisters that turn into larger, dry patches – it looks a bit like eczema
• less commonly, the patches look like a target or “bulls-eye” (it looks a bit like erythema multiforme)

Polymorphic light eruption can be easily mistaken for heat rash (prickly heat).

Prickly heat is caused by warm weather or overheating, rather than sunlight or UV light.

The skin in prickly heat does not “harden” or desensitise, as it can do in polymorphic light eruption.

Polymorphic light eruption is thought to affect about 10% to 15% of the UK population.

Sunlight exposure

The rash may be a rare occurrence or may happen every time the skin is exposed to sunlight. It ranges from mild to severe.

Sometimes as little as 20 minutes of sun exposure is enough to cause the problem, and it can even develop through thin clothing or if you’re sitting near a window.

But for most people with polymorphic light eruption, the rash develops after several hours outside on a sunny day.

If further sun is avoided, the rash may settle and disappear without a trace within a couple of weeks.

It may or may not return when skin is re-exposed to sunlight.

If the skin is exposed to more sunlight before the rash has cleared up, it’ll probably get much worse and spread.

For many people with polymorphic skin eruption, the rash appears every spring and remains a problem throughout summer before settling down by autumn.

Who’s affected

Polymorphic light eruption is more common in women than men.

It particularly affects people who have white skin, although it can also affect those with brown and black skin.

It usually starts between the ages of 20 and 40, although it sometimes affects children.

Causes of polymorphic light eruption

Polymorphic light eruption is thought to be caused by UV light altering a substance in the skin, which the immune system reacts to, resulting in the skin becoming inflamed.

It’s not passed down through families, but about 1 in 5 people with the condition have an affected relative as it’s a fairly common condition.

It’s not infectious, so there’s no risk of catching polymorphic light eruption from another person.

Treatments for polymorphic light eruption

There’s no cure for polymorphic light eruption, but using sunscreens and careful avoidance of the sun will help you manage the rash.

Avoid the sun, particularly between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest, and wear protective clothing when outdoors (unless your doctor has advised you to try hardening your skin).

Introduce your skin to sunlight gradually in the spring.

Sunscreen

You may be prescribed sunscreens to help prevent the rash developing.

Use a sunscreen that is SPF 50 or above with a UVA rating of 4 or 5 stars. Apply sunscreen thickly and evenly around 15 to 30 minutes before going out into the sun

Reapply every 2 hours and straight after you’ve dried yourself off after swimming.

Steroid creams and ointments 

A GP can prescribe corticosteroid (steroid) cream or ointment that’s only applied when the rash appears.

You should apply it sparingly, as often as the GP advises. Do not apply it when there’s no rash.

Desensitisation or UV treatment

It’s sometimes possible to increase the resistance of your skin to the sun.

This involves visiting a hospital dermatology department 3 times a week for 4 to 6 weeks in the spring.

Your skin is gradually exposed to a little more UV light every visit to try to build up your skin’s resistance.

The effects of desensitisation are lost in the winter, so you’ll have to build up your resistance again in the spring.

Hardening or toughening

A GP or dermatologist may advise you to try increasing the resistance of your skin at home.

This is known as “hardening” and involves going outside for short periods in the spring to build up your resistance.

You might find the time is as short as a few minutes at first, but you may be able to gradually build up to longer times.

You’ll have to be careful not to overdo it but, as you begin to understand more about how much light triggers your rash, you’ll be able to judge how long to stay out.

Like desensitisation, the effects of hardening are lost in the winter, so you’ll have to build up your resistance again in the spring.

Vitamin D

People with polymorphic light eruption are at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency, as a certain amount of sun exposure is needed to make your own vitamin D.

A GP can advise whether you need treatment with vitamin D supplements.

Outlook

Many people with polymorphic light eruption find their skin improves over the years.

Your skin may harden (become more resistant to sunlight) during the summer, which means more sun can be tolerated without your skin reacting.

The rash may even eventually clear up on its own, although this is unusual.

Hardening of the skin does not always happen, and some people with very sensitive skin may even get the rash in the winter.

For these people, it may be a long-term condition to manage with lifestyle changes and creams.

Page last reviewed: 28 July 2021
Next review due: 28 July 2024

Sun Poisoning 101 | MedExpress

August 23, 2022

You’ve heard of the term, but do you know what sun poisoning really is? It actually has nothing to do with poisoning and more to do with an allergic reaction on the skin from the sun. It’s a sun-induced rash in those who have developed sensitivity to sunlight. It typically appears as an itchy rash in sun-exposed areas hours to days after sun exposure and lasts several days before disappearing. Here’s your guide to the signs and treatment of sun poisoning and how you can prevent it.

Polymorphic Light Eruption (Sun Poisoning Rash)

The most common rash caused by sunlight is sun poisoning, also known as polymorphic light eruption (PMLE). It can take many distinct forms depending on your sensitivity to the sun. PMLE is a rash that develops as a result of sun exposure and is typically characterized by small, red bumps or slightly elevated patches of skin that are extremely itchy. Indeed, as previously stated, PMLE is a kind of photodermatoses, which is an unusual reaction to sunlight, most commonly the ultraviolet (UV) rays.

A PMLE rash is going to be an itchy rash that typically presents the same way in an individual each time they are sun exposed. Sun poisoning can start with the soreness you associate with a typical sunburn and be mistaken for it when you notice the red shoulder or thigh that goes white when you press your finger across it. After a few hours, however, things can start to go wrong when a scorching rash appears on your skin that itches and burns like crazy. While less likely, you may experience chills and/or become exceedingly thirsty. You might even feel nauseous. These are some of the signs and symptoms of sun poisoning. Polymorphic light eruption is brought on by UV radiation changing a substance in the skin, to which the immune system responds by inflaming the skin.²

Anyone can get PMLE, although it’s more common for people with lighter color skin and hair. The people most at risk of getting sun burn or poisoning are people with Fitzpatrick skin type 1. The Fitzpatrick skin types scale was created in 1975. It’s the system that classifies skin types according to the amount of pigment your skin has and your skin’s reaction to sun exposure. The Fitzpatrick skin type 1 is commonly recognized as an ivory skin color, light blue, light green, or light gray eyes and is typically paired with red or light blonde hair. The sun’s reaction on this skin type is normally to freckle, burn or peel when exposed. Women are nearly four times as likely to experience PMLE than males. Although the symptoms could appear at any age, they usually appear between the ages of 20 and 40. Additionally, it happens more commonly in areas with greater elevations and temperate climates.

Sun Poisoning Symptoms

We’ve all heard about sun poisoning, but how easy is it to identify when you have it? It usually presents itself as an itchy rash that occurs on sun exposed areas (arms, hands, chest, legs, feet), usually within hours of sun exposure. It can be similar to other allergic rashes, but usually resembles previous episodes in the same individual. Rarely, symptoms such as fever, headache, and nausea may be present. It can also take a few hours or days for the redness and discomfort of the rash to appear. There’s individual variation in the amount of UV exposure required to trigger PMLE, which can be different for everyone. However, the risk of developing the rash, and serious sunburns, goes up if you stay in the sun for long periods of time. That is especially true when not properly wearing sunscreen.

The exact cause of PMLE isn’t known. However, people who have a heightened sensitivity to sunlight, particularly UV radiation from the sun or other sources like tanning beds, get the rash. The term for this is photosensitivity. It triggers immune system activity, which results in an itchy rash. Polymorphic means “many forms,” and PMLE can look different for different people. Sun poisoning rash can manifest itself in a variety of ways (depending on the severity). These may include the following:

• Skin redness and blistering
• Severe bumpy rash
• Pain and tingling
• Swelling and intense itching
• Headache
• Fever and chills
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dehydration

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s critical that you drink lots of water and electrolytes to stay hydrated and alert. If you’re feeling sick, nauseated, dizzy, or otherwise ill, it’s likely that you’re severely dehydrated and should seek medical attention. If you spot any oozing, increased redness, or streaking, it could indicate a developing infection and medical attention should also be sought immediately.

What is the Difference Between Sunburn and Sun Poison?

It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish between sunburn and sun poisoning. Sunburn is an acute injury to skin, resulting from sun exposure that can vary in severity. Sun poisoning is a recurrent condition that occurs in susceptible individuals due to an allergic response to UV rays. A sunburn is a temporary redness of the skin that goes away after a few days.

It’s probably sunburn if it’s smooth and is most likely sun poisoning if it is lumpy. A sunburn usually goes away after a few days, but a PMLE rash typically lasts longer. After you have been exposed to the sun for an extended period of time without adequate protection, blisters or a solar rash are common symptoms, though the severity varies depending on the person and amount of exposure. PMLE is likely in those that tend to break out in similar, itchy rashes each year after sun exposure. However, it may be a good idea to see your medical professional as they can help make the diagnosis and rule out other causes.

How Can You Prevent Sun Poisoning?

The best way to avoid symptoms of PMLE is by taking steps to prevent it. It all starts with following the basics of sun safety. Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 and the words “broad-spectrum” on the label, which implies it protects against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Apply it to your entire body 15 to 30 minutes before going outside in the sun. Reapply at least every two hours and after being in the water or sweating. PMLE can also be caused by sunlight through a window so make sure to wear sunscreen inside and outside.

It’s also a good idea to limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and keep in mind that water, snow and sand can magnify the sun’s harmful rays. Yes, that’s right – sunburn isn’t just a concern for the summertime! Protect yourself by using sunglasses, a hat, and protective gear. We recommend covering up with long sleeves or a broad-brimmed hat if you’re going to be out in the sun for an extended amount of time.

Last but not least, don’t rely solely on sunscreen and other forms of UV protection to keep you safe from the sun. Move to a shady spot if you start to burn or if your skin becomes red, bumpy, or irritated from the sun.

Sun Poisoning Treatment

Depending on the degree of the burn, sun poisoning can continue for weeks. You can also face the danger of getting an infection if you scratch or pick at the burn. If you detect any bleeding or oozing, you should seek medical attention because it could be an indication of infection and require proper care.

The majority of sunburns and sun poisoning can be treated at home. Some methods for reducing pain or discomfort include:

• Rehydrate with water, electrolyte-containing beverages or IV fluids.
• Use a cool (but not freezing) compress, cool baths, aloe vera gel or steroid cream to soothe the sore area.
• Avoid scratching or bursting blisters.
• Exfoliate peeling skin gently.
• Additional sun exposure should be avoided.
• Ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Apply an anti-itch cream or take an oral antihistamine.
• Protect the rash from any more sun exposure and stay covered up.

With repeated exposure, sensitivity to sunlight decreases in polymorphous light eruption. Some characteristics of polymorphous light eruption are predictable:

• After a prolonged period of no exposure to the sun, such as in the spring or early summer, an episode is most likely to happen after the first one or two exposures.
• The duration of episodes decreases as the summer goes on.
• After the first occurrence, it probably occurs yearly. Over several years, some people progressively lose their sensitivity and eventually stop getting the yearly rash.

While sunburn can be managed at home, sun poisoning may need medical attention. If you are experiencing any severe symptoms of discomfort, our friendly medical team is available to treat you and get you back to feeling better. Our neighborhood medical centers are open from 8 to 8, seven days a week with no appointment necessary.

References:

1 Healthline: Overview of Polymorphous Light Eruption (Sun Allergy). Last updated May 9, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2022.

2 NHS: Polymorphic light eruption. Last updated July 28, 2021. Accessed May 14, 2022.

3 Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services LLC: Polymorphous light eruption. Last updated March 25, 2021. Accessed May 14, 2022.

4 Mayo Clinic: Polymorphous light eruption. Last updated March 15, 2022. Accessed May 14, 2022.

5 Healthline: Sun Poisoning. Last updated on September 28, 2018. Accessed May 14, 2022.

Sunburn symptoms, sunburn treatment folk remedies

It is widely believed that sunburn is just a minor nuisance that is not worth much attention. However, this concept is erroneous, because in addition to discomfort and pain, sunburn can lead to skin cancer. A direct link between sun exposure and the development of malignant melanoma has long been proven.

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is red, sometimes swollen and painful skin caused by overexposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Sunburn can range from mild to severe.

The degree depends on the type of skin and the amount of sun exposure. In total, there are 6 types of skin according to the degree of sensitivity.

Types 1 and 2: High sensitivity.

The first type are blond or redheads with very fair (pale or milky white) skin (possibly freckled) that never tans. Such people can get burned by being under the midday summer sun for less than half an hour.

Type 2 skin slightly darker, slightly tanned, but burns easily if exposed to the sun for a short time.

Types 3 and 4: Medium sensitivity.

Third skin type (Central European) – darker than skin type 2. Being in the sun, its owners can get a moderate burn or a light brown tan.

Type four leather olive color, low burn risk. Tans well to medium brown.

Types 5 and 6: Low sensitivity

Type 5 skin dark. Burns are rare, tan is dark.

People with skin type six have very dark skin and never burn.

Sunburn symptoms

Sunburn symptoms appear a couple of hours after exposure to the sun. However, it may take up to 24 hours for the full effect of skin damage to appear. Long-term damage, such as an increased risk of skin cancer, may take years to appear.

They include:

• pain;
• redness of the skin;
• edema;
• blisters;
• nausea;
• chills or fever;
• temperature increase.

The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of skin damage.

Mild sunburn

Mild sunburn is usually accompanied by redness and slight pain and may last three to five days. In the last couple of days, the skin may peel off a little as it regenerates.

Moderate sunburn

Moderate sunburn is usually more painful. The skin becomes red, swollen and hot to the touch. It usually takes about a week for complete healing. The skin may then continue to peel off for a few more days.

Severe sunburn

Severe sunburn sometimes requires a visit to a doctor or even a hospital. Painful blisters and very red skin appear. Full recovery may take up to two weeks.

What is the risk of sunburn?

Intense sun exposure that causes sunburn increases the risk of other skin damage and diseases. These include premature aging of the skin (photoaging), precancerous skin lesions, and skin cancer.

Skin photoaging.

Sun exposure causes premature skin aging and wrinkles. It happens like this:

Sunlight destroys the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which make it supple and smooth.

Damaged skin loses its ability to regenerate itself.

Premature aging (photoaging) occurs.

Negative effects of UV radiation on the skin of the face:

• Wrinkles.
• Increased pigmentation – this is due to the fact that melanin is distributed unevenly, so it is delivered in excess to some areas.
• Vitiligo is a chronic skin disease. Against the background of the destruction of melanin in the body, the number of melanocytes decreases, the dermis loses its natural pigmentation, and as a result, white spots appear on certain areas of the skin.
• Permanent yellowing of certain areas of the skin.
• The appearance of spider veins on the face.
• Elastosis is the destruction of elastin cells, which are already produced in a minimal amount with age. This leads to a loss of elasticity and firmness of the skin, in other words, the skin sags and becomes flabby.

Premalignant skin lesions.

Precancerous skin lesions appear as rough, scaly patches on sun-damaged areas. They are commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the head, face, neck, and hands of fair-skinned people. These spots can develop into skin cancer. They are also called actinic keratoses and solar keratoses.

Skin cancer.

Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Melanoma is one of the most dangerous malignant human tumors, as it spreads rapidly, metastasizes throughout the body and is poorly treated in the last stages. The main reason for the occurrence is excessive UV radiation, which damages the DNA of skin cells. Errors in the structure of cellular DNA accumulated since childhood disrupt and deplete the skin’s sun protection function, increasing the risk of skin cancer in adulthood.

Sunburn is a major risk factor for melanoma, increasing by 50% if a person has had more than 5 severe sunburns in their lifetime.

When should I see a doctor for sunburn?

Seek medical attention if sunburn:

• causes severe swelling;
• does not improve within a few days;
• there are signs of infection in the blisters such as pain, pus, swelling and tenderness;
• blisters cover most of the body;
• blisters appear on the face, hands or genitals.

What to do with blisters after sunburn?

• Do not touch the damaged area. Do not attempt to pop the blisters, they will eventually burst on their own. In no case should they be forced to burst ahead of time – there is a risk of infection in the wound.
• If the blister bursts by itself , cover the resulting wound with a bandage to prevent infection. If you think that the infection has already entered the wound, consult a dermatologist.

Signs that indicate infection:

• redness;
• swelling of the wound;
• pain and fever.

Get emergency medical help if you get sunburned and experience:

• Fever.
• Confusion of consciousness.
• Fainting.
• Dehydration.

Sunburn treatment

1. Apply after sun. Lotion or cream with aloe vera is best to reduce burning and restore the skin.
2. Cooling. A cold compress, ice pack, cold shower or bath will soothe the skin. Do not apply ice directly to your naked body, wrap it in a towel or rag first. Repeat the procedure several times, depending on how severe the burn is.
3. Moisturizing. As the edema subsides, skin peeling appears, the purpose of the treatment procedures is to moisturize and accelerate regeneration. The most affordable remedy is panthenol.
4. Drink plenty of water. To prevent sun exhaustion and dehydration, you need to drink plenty of water.
5. Reduce inflammation. Pain medication (Ibuprofen or Aspirin) can be taken to reduce inflammation and pain.

Avoid sunburn

There are many traditional treatments for sunburn.

Service Doc.ua DOES NOT recommend the following folk remedies for burns:

• Treat burns with sour cream, kefir or curdled milk, applying them to the burnt skin surface.
• Lubricate affected skin with lotion or oil, and margarine.
• Apply to the affected area urine, alcohol, cologne, ointments not intended for the treatment of burns.

The use of such products may lead to deterioration of the condition, as well as infection of the skin.

Is it possible to peel off the skin after a burn?

DO NOT blister or peel skin that is flaky. When the skin rejects the damaged area (flakes), it works to heal itself by forming a new layer of skin underneath. If you peel off the skin before it is ready to be shed, you hinder the renewal process and open the skin to infections. The peeled area becomes vulnerable to the penetration of bacteria into the skin. As a result, the risk of scarring of the affected area increases.

Read our article on sunburn to learn how to avoid sunburn.

Help DOC.UA: You can make an appointment with a dermatologist on our website.

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