Pain from sunburn

Synonyms

UV erythema, solar dermatitis, solar erythema

Sunburn in general

Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by rays. More precisely, these are the so-called UV-B rays, which make up part of the sunlight. In terms of its properties, sunburn resembles first or second degree burns. Depending on the severity and extent of the burn, sunburn is also divided into three degrees. In general, the skin is very reddened, accompanied by itching, a feeling of heat and pain. The skin is also swollen and tender. The sunburn then usually regresses after a few days with peeling of the skin and without scarring. The following article takes a closer look at the pain caused by sunburn, its consequences and what can be done about it.

Sunburn pain

A sunburn not infrequently brings with it unpleasant pain and itching. For most people, it's part of summer in a way. From a medical point of view, sunburn is one of these acute inflammation of the skin (also Solar dermatitis called). Are particularly common very light skin types affected, whereas darker skin types are less likely to suffer from sunburn.

Why introduces sunburn but now to pain and other unpleasant symptoms such as itching? The skin is covered by the UV radiation from sunlight if exposed to the sun for too long without protection.

The top layer of the skinwhich one epidermis calls, is damaged first. This leads to the release of so-called Inflammation mediators. These are the body's own substances that are involved in the development of inflammation. They mediate the inflammation in deeper layers of the skin (Dermis). If the damage is weak, there will be one Peeling of the skin (Hyperkeratosis) and one Hyperpigmentation (the skin becomes darker). Greater damage lead to Blistering and scarring. In addition, the UV radiation leads to a Damage to the genetic material in cells, the DNA. As a result, sunburns also increase the risk of developing a malignant skin disease, speak cancer, to suffer. Ultimately, these inflammatory reactions result in limited ones in acute sunburn Redness and swelling of the skinwhich is extremely painful. It is accompanied by itching and sometimes by blistering. If blistering has occurred, sunburn is equivalent to one Second degree burn. Overall, the pain is always limited to the too much irradiated skin area and can therefore be localized very precisely. The symptoms usually begin around 5 to 8 hours after the sunburn and peak around 24 to 36 hours afterwards. Should still fever, a headache and nausea it is most likely one Sunstroke.

Measures against the pain

The first measure against the pain (and of course against the rest of the symptoms of sunburn) is sufficient Cooling the skin. At home you can look good with your skin cold and damp compresses, for example with Curd wraps, cool. Moisturizing lotions can also provide relief. Since the body loses a lot of water when burned, it is important enough water or tea to drink. The drinks should be lukewarm, this relieves the feeling of heat when sunburned.

It can also be used for severe inflammation and pain anti-inflammatory ointments and creams help effectively. These contain so-called in low concentration Glucocorticoidswhich relieve inflammation. The glucocorticoids contained are Hydrocortisone and Bethametason valerate. They are used for local therapy. These are anti-inflammatory substances. Ointments, which Aloe vera or zinc contain additional cooling and relief. Also bend Zinc ointments the settlement with Germinate in front. Fatty and oily ointments should be avoided, however, as they can worsen the inflammation and above all do not improve the feeling of heat.

It can also be useful to counteract the inflammation from within. Painkillers like Ibuprofen and aspirin have several significant advantages. They have a pain-relieving effect and thus help acutely against pain. They also take effect very quickly. In addition, they don't just work analgesic (pain reliever) but also anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory).

Should already be Blisters on the skin have formed, you can also have a antiseptic apply to one infection to prevent.

After a sunburn, the skin needs time to regenerate. During the healing process, exposure to the sun should be strictly avoided for about three weeks.

Prophylaxis and Consequences

Fortunately, painful sunburn can be avoided with careful prophylaxis. In general, it is important to protect yourself adequately from UV radiation. Protection should therefore always be used when exposed to the sun (suncream) can be applied. This protection needs to be refreshed from time to time and should not be applied too sparingly. Exact explanations of the application are usually on the products. In addition, sensitive areas of skin such as the face or the Elbowsnot to be forgotten. Sunburn can also develop very quickly in the shade and in the water, so sun protection should not be neglected in such supposedly safe situations. They should also look very bright in particular Skin types do not expose to intense sunlight for too long. It is most intense between 10:00 and 16:00. Therefore you should think about adequate protection, especially in the midday sun.

The sunburn not only causes reddening of the skin and pain. The danger lies in the "invisible" events of our skin. Sunburns in children in particular are considered to be the most important risk factors for the development of malignant skin cancer, the black melanoma. The cause of the development of cancer is one Damage to the genetic material (the DNA) of cells, which by the UV radiation exposure to sunlight.

Summary

Pain belong next Redness and itching among the main symptoms of sunburn. They occur about 5-8 hours after sunburn on. A sunburn usually heals after a few days; severe burns can take between 2 and 3 weeks to heal. In the acute phase after sunburn can adequate coolingwith the help of quark compresses, for example, which relieve pain. The application moisturizing and soothing lotions and creams, which among others Aloe vera contained, provides additional relief and soothes the skin. Creams containing glucocorticoids fight the inflammation and thus improve the symptoms of sunburn. Such creams contain, for example, small doses Hydrocortisone. Painkillers, like aspirin and Ipubrofen, which also have anti-inflammatory effects, relieve the pain within a few minutes.

However, the best way to avoid sunburn is by carefully protecting yourself from damage caused by sun exposure. There is one Exposure prophylaxis clearly in the foreground. This means that in general, especially the intense midday sun, you shouldn't expose yourself to too long. Furthermore, you should pay attention to sufficiently high sun protection factors for protective products such as sun creams. These should not be applied too sparingly. Sensitive skin areas in particular, such as the face, must not be forgotten. The protection should also be refreshed from time to time (about every half hour). You also have to protect yourself adequately in the shade or in the water, as sunburn can quickly develop there too.