The summer sun, while fun and exciting, is the main cause of some skin damage. Protecting your skin should be a priority if you want to look good and healthy.
These are some of the most common skin problems caused by sunburn as well as their treatment and prevention aspects.
Sunburn
What is that? Sunburn refers to how excessive UV radiation affects the skin causing inflammation as well as cell damage.
How does it look? Appears as a red burning skin that is hot when lightly touched. There are also very painful sores that can then develop into blisters that cause peeling.
Treatment: Applying cold compresses, aloe vera gel or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help soothe irritated skin. Drink plenty of fluids. For severe burns, see a doctor.
Arrest: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing and avoid direct sunlight between 10am-4pm.
Hot Rash
What is that? Heat rash, also known as miliaria, occurs when the sweat ducts are blocked and sweat collects under the surface of the skin.
How does it look? Small red swellings or pimple-like formations or vesicles filled with red and fluid in skin folds or in areas that come into contact with clothing due to rubbing.
Treatment: The area should be washed gently and kept clean and dry. Wear loose and breathable clothing. For mild rashes, you can use over-the-counter calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
Arrest: Do not go out during the hottest time; instead, you should seek a shady area and wear tight clothing. Also, clean your skin properly to prevent sweat from draining.
Actinic keratosis
What is that? AK is a premalignant disease that causes sun-damaged skin, which appears as rough, scaly skin lesions.
How does it look? AK is a small, rough area less than an inch in diameter. It can be pink, red or brown in color and generally causes discomfort like dryness or crust formation.
Treatment: Cryotherapy (freezing of lesions), topical photodynamic therapy and activated photosensitizers. It is recommended to check with a dermatologist now and then.
Arrest: Sun protection: apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15; protect your skin with clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses; and never used a tanning bed. Supporting a physical examination, check the skin score in person for emerging moles or changes in existing spots.
Sunspots
What is that? Sunspots are another name for solar lentigines, or age spots, which are flat and brown and appear on the skin in areas that are often exposed to the sun.
How does it look? It appears on the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. These are usually tanned, brown or black skinned and may be large or small.
Treatment: Sun spots also known as age spots can be removed through the application of topical whitening creams, chemical peels, laser treatments and cryotherapy. See a dermatologist, they can advise you on the right course of action.
Arrest: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid outdoor activities when the sun is at its hottest. Amplify skin care by incorporating antioxidants to combat the effects of UV exposure.
Important Tips to Prevent Sun Damage
- Use Sunscreen Protection: Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least 30SPF on your skin every day including days with less sun exposure. This water and sweat resistant formula should be reapplied after 2 hours of sun exposure, or immediately after swimming or outdoor activity.
- Looking for Shade: Minimize the amount of direct sunlight especially in the morning or in the evening. We recommend wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and using an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.
- Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and other tight-fitting clothing to reduce the chance of contact with germs. Try wearing (ultraviolet protection factor) 50+ fabrics that can protect your skin.
With the above skin problems understood and solved, one can enjoy the sun rays in summer without endangering the health of their skin.
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