SUNBURN

Symptoms :

First degree burns –

Second degree burns –

Very severe sunburn –

fever,
chills,
weakness,
nausea,
possibly delirium,
rarely, the patient may go into shock (very low blood pressure, fainting, extreme weakness)

Complications –

Causes:

Risk factors –

People with albinism

Acute sunburn –

Brief overexposure to UV light

Treatment:

Avoid exposure, particularly to strong, direct sunlight, especially between 10 am and 3 pm, and during summer and at high altitudes,
Wear protective clothing (long sleeved shirts of tight-weaved material, hats, etc), sunglasses, as well as sunscreens with adequate UV protection (chemicals that filter out UV light)
High protein foods for tissue repair, and raw fruits and vegetables to supply the required vitamins and minerals
Plenty of fluids to combat dehydration
Soak for half an hour in a bath containing a pound of baking soda to relieve pain
In order to obtain a tan, it is best to start off with 15 minutes exposure, increasing this by 15 minutes every few days. Self-tanning lotions are a safer alternative
Certain medications and chemicals increase sensitivity to sunlight, so a doctor should always be consulted before sun exposure if on medication.

Add the contents of 1 capsule each of vitamin A, C and E, and selenium to sunscreen to help prevent free radical damage to the skin,
Lip ice containing natural ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E are ideal for use on lips
Cold tap water compresses can be used to soothe raw, hot areas
Skin moisturizers that do not contain anaesthetics or perfumes that may irritate or sensitize the skin can also be used
Aloe vera gel relieves discomfort, speeds healing and moisturizes the skin. A thin layer of gel should be applied to the burned area/s every hour until the pain has gone. Pulp from the inside of a fresh plant is best. If a commercial product is used, it should not contain mineral oil, paraffin waxes, alcohol or colouring
A salve of calendula flowers and St. John’s wort applied to the burned area/s has antiseptic and painkilling action, and promotes healing
Six cups of chamomile tea or 6 drops of chamomile or lavender oil added to a lukewarm bath, in which the patient should soak for half an hour, will ease pain and stinging
A compress made with strong comfrey or gotu kola tea, cooled and applied to the affected area/s for half an hour will provide relief
Horsetail, a good source of silica, aids tissue repair.
A cream containing at least 5% tea tree oil helps to heal sunburn
A wash of apple cider vinegar diluted with an equal amount of water can be used to wash the affected area/s, followed by application of an herbal infusion of St. John’s wort oil to the burned area/s

sunburn

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