The risk of getting a sunburn becomes higher as long as your skin is pale or you overexpose yourself to the sunlight. More severe sunburn typically take longer to heal than milder ones.
No miracle cures exist for sunburn. However, in this blog post, we are going to share with you the best ways to treat sunburns and heal them more quickly.
Factors for Sunburn Healing Process
1. Skin color
People with darker skin don’t burn as quickly as people with paler skin because they produce more of the pigment melanin that protects skin from UV damage.
2. Severity of sunburn
The more severely you burn, the longer it will take for your body to replace the damaged layer of skin. In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mild sunburn symptoms usually alleviate in 3 to 5 days, whereas more severe burns may take a few weeks.
3. Health and lifestyle habits
Conditions and lifestyle habits that weaken your immune system can also slow down your body’s ability to heal from a sunburn. Some of these include:
• Arterial disease
• Chronic stress
• Diabetes
• Malnutrition
• Obesity
• Poor circulation
• SmokingÂ
Ways to prevent sunburn
The merely certain way to heal a burn fast is to avoid getting one in the first place. Some of the ways you can prevent sunburn include:
1. Avoid the sunniest part of the day
UV rays are strongest in the late morning and early afternoon, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Sunscreen
According to the CDC, it is best to put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 even on cloudy days. Reapply at least every 2 hours and check the expiration date before you use it.
3. Seek shade
When in the sun for a prolonged period, it’s a good idea to seek shade or to make your own by bringing an umbrella with you.
4. Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes from UV rays.
5. Wear a hat
A hat with a wide brim can protect your face, ears, and neck from sun exposure.Â
Tips to treat sunburns
1. Apply aloe vera
With reference to PubMed Central, aloe vera has a substance called aloin that reduces inflammation. Aloe vera can also moisturize your skin and prevent peeling.
2. Apply a cold compress
Applying a cold compress to your skin shortly after your burn may help draw away excess heat from your skin and reduce inflammation.
3. Cool bath
Taking a cool bath or shower to soothe your skin. Afterward, leave a little moisture on your skin when you dry off and then apply a moisturizer to trap in water.
4. Get plenty of sleep
Sleep restriction disrupts your body’s production of certain cytokines that help your body manage inflammation. This disruption can negatively affect your body’s ability to heal itself.
5. Remain hydrated
Sunburns draw moisture away from your skin. Drinking plenty of fluids and electrolytes can help rehydrate your skin.
6. Hydro
Hydrocortisone creams are used to treat swelling, irritation, and itchiness. The Mayo Clinic recommends applying hydrocortisone cream to severe burns to manage swelling and pain.
7. Try an oatmeal bath
An oatmeal bath may help soothe your skin and reduce irritation. You can make an oatmeal bath by mixing a few tablespoons of baking soda and about a cup of oats to a cool bath.
8. Avoid sun overexposure
Exposing a sunburn to more UV rays can further damage your skin. If you have to go out, try to cover your sunburn with clothing and wear sunscreen.
9. Avoid tobacco use
Smoking or using other forms of tobacco can impair your body’s natural healing process by promoting inflammation throughout your body. Quitting can be difficult, but a doctor can help you create a cessation plan that works for you.
Takeaway
Sunburn stem from getting too much exposure to Ultra Violet rays. No magical cures exist for sunburns. However, you can accelerate the healing process of sunburns by applying aloe vera or other moisturizers to your skin, keeping hydrated and getting plenty of rest.
If your sunburn is so severe that it is blistering or making you become ill, it is best to see a doctor to see if any additional medical treatment is required.