Sunburn: Symptoms, treatment and prevention
We’ve all been there… too much time out in the sun with little or
no sunscreen. Ouch!
We are the only ones who can prevent ourselves from getting sunburnt.
Overexposure can lead to sunburn, sunstroke, dehydration and worst case
scenario… skin cancer in the longer term.
Despite health warnings, many Australians are still risking sun
damage to get that perfect summer tan…
Sunburn Symptoms
Changes in skin colour from pink to red, and sometimes even
purple.
Skin is hot to touch.
Pain.
Itching.
Swelling.
Blisters.
Peeling that reveals red tender skin underneath. This “new” skin
is exceptionally prone to sunburn so you should protect it from further sun
exposure.
Sunstroke/dehydration
symptoms
Nausea.
Headache.
Muscle cramps.
Weakness and fatigue
Chills.
Treatment
Inflammation and swelling from sunburn is at it’s worst after a
couple of days and you can reduce the severity of the burn.
Apply a cold compress to your skin to soothe the burn. The longer
you can keep the cold up the less severe the sunburn will be.
Bathe in a cool bath to soothe the burn.
Gently apply a cream or gel (e.g. Aloe Vera) to the burnt area.
Drink plenty of water and fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated
(even after you’re out of the sun).
Avoid further sun exposure until the burn heals (and invest in
some sunscreen for next time!)
If you are experiencing nausea, chills, a fever, vomiting and/or
severe pain you may need to see your doctor.
Prevention
WEAR 50 SUNSCREEN and reapply every 2 hours if outside for long
periods of time or swimming or if you are sweating.
If possible, avoid being in direct sunlight and seek shade.
Drink lots of water to hydrate.
A great day outside in the sunshine can easily turn into a bad
one, so make the most of the great weather and be sun smart!
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