How To Treat A Sunburn (and Prevent it Next Time...)

Got a Sunburn or Sun Burn? This video is about How To Treat A Sunburn. Sunburn Remedies. Sunburn Treatment. Sunburn Relief.

Sunburn is red, hot and sore skin caused by too much sun. It may flake and peel after a few days. You can treat it yourself. It usually gets better within 7 days and hope this video helps you.

HOW SERIOUS IS SUNBURN:

Sunburn is serious, so serious in fact that by just getting it once every 2 years you can actually triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer. So it’s super important that you protect yourself from getting it in the first place.

Please remember sunburn isn't just when the skin peels, is blistered or raw. It’s also classified as sunburn if your skin has gone pink or just irritated while you're in the sun.

SUNBURN TREATMENT:

? Get out of the sun straight away and preferably go indoors.

? Take frequent cool showers or cool baths and this going to help relieve the pain. Once you’re done please don’t dry yourself vigorously with a towel, you need to be gentle so pat your skin dry but leave a little moisture on the skin and then apply moisturiser to help trap the water.

? Generally speaking you can use any moisturiser but Aloe Vera based ones are said to be more soothing as they have a cooling effect but if you don’t have it use any moisturiser the more often you use it the better. Just make sure your moisturiser doesn't contain Benzocaine or any ingredient in this family ending in Caine as they can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.

? For small areas of the skin which are very uncomfortable a mild topical steroid cream like hydrocortisone can also be used. You can pick this is up from any pharmacy but please do not use it on your face, speak to your pharmacist first to check your safe and suitable to use it and always read the information leaflet that comes with it. For more information on how to use a steroid cream properly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp5f6qvW50k

? Increase your water intake for this period of recovery from sun burn because if you don’t you're going to be at risk of dehydration.

? If your skin does blister please speak to your doctor or healthcare professional and do not pop or scratch them, when our skin blisters from sunburn this is a sign of a second degree burn and the reason I’m telling you not to pop these blisters is that they play a part in one helping your skin heal and two protecting your skin from infection.

PREVENTING SUNBURN:

You need to make sure your using a sunscreen often and correctly with a suitable UVA and UVB protection. 

Now I know that buying sunscreens can be a little tricky, so not long ago I made a video about how to chose the best sunscreen, how to use it and tips to protect yourself. So if you haven't seen it I’d highly recommend you watch it and become a sunscreen pro - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf5vsdcJMzQ

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION:

You should see your doctor or healthcare professional urgently if,

? Your skin is blistered or swollen

? Your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery

? You feel very tired, dizzy and sick

? You have a headache and muscle cramps

? Your baby or young child has sunburn

Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be very serious. The NHS have a very useful article on this topic which I would highly recommend everyone reads and learns more about: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/

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About Me:

Prescribing Media Pharmacist | Extreme Optimist | Bringing Science Through New Videos Every Week - Monday 4PM(GMT) on YouTube.

I'm a prescribing media pharmacist who loves science, making videos and helping people. I work in both GP surgeries and community pharmacy.

Disclaimer:

This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Abraham The Pharmacist has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.