Sunburn

Sunburn is a burn to the skin caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays. In the case of mild sunburn, only the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, is affected. This is a first-degree burn. In cases of severe sunburn, the deeper layer of the skin, the dermis, can be damaged, resulting in a second-degree burn, which can cause blistering.

Sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate skin aging. Therefore, it is important to protect yourself from the sun.

Sunburn is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun, especially when ultraviolet rays are most intense, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The most effective protection is not sunscreen, but shade... If you still want to expose yourself to the sun without irritating your skin, you need to take several measures. The first is, of course, not to be in the sun for too long. The second is to avoid the hours when ultraviolet rays are most intense, in the summer between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The third measure is to protect your skin with clothing and a hat, and your eyes with sunglasses. The fourth measure is to use sunscreen with a sufficiently high protection factor and to reapply it regularly.

Measures should be taken immediately when sunburn appears:

• Move to the shade.
• Even in the shade, it is worth protecting yourself with light clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Soothe the skin with cold compresses (e.g., a towel soaked in water).
• Also, stay well hydrated and care for the skin with cream (after-sun cream, moisturising cream).

Recommended treatments by doctors will depend on the severity of the sunburn, its extent, and the presence or absence of general symptoms (nausea, vomiting, headache, etc.). The most commonly used treatment consists of a cream applied to the burn and, if necessary, painkillers.

It is recommended to visit a doctor in case of severe pain or serious burns with blisters that do not heal for several days. Never puncture the blisters. Symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, headache, neck stiffness or fever should also be a reason for visiting a doctor.

You can learn more about sunburn by reading the article Sunburn from the MSD manual and the article How to protect yourself from the sun on the Planète santé website

Also, see our tips on sunstroke.