How to Prevent and Treat Sunburn

The prevention of sunburn and the negative consequences that can follow is easy to prepare for. Sometimes we forget to take the measures necessary to avoid the sunburn. Fortunately, the steps to treat a sunburn are also easy to follow and can save a lot of pain later.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sunscreen - With UVA & UVB Protection
• Protective Clothing
• 100% UV Protective Sunglasses
• Aspirin
• Aloe
• Hydrocortisone
• Water

1. The easiest way to prevent a sunburn is to avoid the sun altogether. However, this isn't always possible. Wear long sleeved shirts and wide brimmed hats if you are going to be exposed to sunlight during the hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Even on the cloudiest days, UV rays can penetrate and cause damage to the skin and eyes.

2. If you are seeking to tan, use a water-proof sunscreen rated at least SPF 15. Make sure the sunscreen includes UVA & UVB protection. Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before exposure to ensure a protective coating has formed.

3. Always wear protective eyewear while exposed to UV rays. Only wear sun glasses that offer 100% UV protection. Your eyes can also burn, causing damage such as cataracts to form.

4. If you have been exposed to UV rays with insufficient protection, the quicker you treat the exposed areas will shorten and decrease the severity of the potential damage caused. Immediately apply 100% aloe vera gel to all affected areas.

5. Also, take aspirin to alleviate any pain. Aspirin has also been shown to improve the healing process of sunburns. Avoid giving aspirin to children if possible.

6. If a sunburn does occur from exposure, treat also with hydrocortisone cream. It will alleviate the pain and aid in the healing process.

7. Drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate the skin and take cool, NOT COLD, baths to soothe the skin and also rehydrate it.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevention is the best way to avoid sunburns and the negative affects associated with them.
• UVA rays are responsible for premature aging and also cause the skin to form wrinkles. UVB rays cause the skin to burn and are the cause of certain types of skin cancer to form, specifically melanoma. They also cause damage to the eyes.
• Reapply sunscreen every hour or two to ensure maximum protection. No sunscreen is 100% waterproof. Sweating, rubbing, and water will all decrease the effectiveness of the sunscreen that has already been applied.
• If you use a tanning bed, use tan accelerator to reduce the total time in the tanning bed. Prolonged exposure in tanning beds do cause premature aging, wrinkling, and can still lead to skin cancer.
• The closer to the equator you are, the stronger the SPF protection you will need. This also applies to areas of higher elevation, and in areas that have reflective surfaces, such as water, snow, and even concrete.
• The lighter color of skin, hair, and even eyes you have naturally determines how much potential you have for developing a sunburn. Generally, the lighter or fairer your features are, the higher chances you have of developing a sunburn.
• Skin cancer is believed to be related to the severity and frequency you have been sunburned before the age of 20. Make sure your children are well protected while they are exposed to UV rays.

[CaseyCarlton]

on 2/18/2009 All really good suggestions. 5 stars and a recommend