Whether due to negligence in basic protection care, because it was not sufficient or due to an unforeseen exposure to the sun without protection, sunburns, commonly known scalds, can happen and must be treated. Skin sunburns may not be immediately evident and vary in severity. Redness of the skin is characteristic, but contrary to what happens with other skin burns, it is not immediate: It starts 3 to 5 hours after exposure; It can get worse in the next 12-24 hours and usually disappears in 5-6 days. The skin feels warm to the touch, sometimes it feels like throbbing; There is local pain and greater sensitivity to pressure and temperature; In more severe cases, blisters form, there is swelling (edema), severe pain and fever may occur. Many mild sunburns can be treated at home. More severe cases, especially when blisters form, need medical attention. Exposure to the sun can also cause heat stroke or heat stroke. Keep an eye out for warning signs. What to do to treat a mild sunburn at home There is no specific treatment to resolve skin sunburn injuries. The treatment of a mild scald includes measures to solve the symptoms. Cool burned skin with a cold shower/bath or applying cold compresses, depending on the extent of the affected area. Baths should be quick. Otherwise they can contribute to drier skin. As long as the skin remains warm, repeat baths/showers or local cold application; Apply a lotion or gel to relieve discomfort; Drink water to maintain a good state of hydration; If necessary, treat pain and inflammation with an over-the-counter oral anti-inflammatory; Keep the affected areas out of the sun until the problem is completely resolved. What not to do Do not apply alcohol or products that contain it in its composition; Do not apply products that increase the temperature of burned skin areas; Do not touch any blisters that may have formed, as this will increase the risk of infection. It is important to know Sunburn is due to the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation; Even on a cloudy day it is possible to get a sunburn; The use of UV lamps and solariums can cause scalds; Not everyone gets a sunburn with the same amount of sun exposure. For an identical level of protection, it depends on: The type of skin (lighter-skinned people are more sensitive), The intensity of UV radiation (which varies, for example, with latitude, season, time of day, among others factors); Individual factors such some medications that make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Many sunburns are mild. However, people who get repeated scalds, even mild, are more likely to develop skin cancer, premature aging of the skin and vision problems (cataracts). In case of doubt, medical attention should always be sought. If you need to, call Luz 24 – 217 104 424 – the Hospital da Luz telephone clinical triage service, available 24 hours, 365 days, for adults and children. Protect yourself, take care of your skin! Autor : José Campos Lopes Meet the dermatology team at the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
