Sunburn

Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet radiation (UV). In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), it belongs to class XII, which includes dermatological diseases and diseases of the subcutaneous tissue. Block L55-L59 is entirely devoted to skin diseases associated with radiation. It should be clarified that ultraviolet radiation has waves of different lengths and is conventionally divided into several types, which differ in the level of impact on the human body.

Not all types of ultraviolet radiation can cause sunburn; only long and medium wave radiation - type A and especially type B - damages the skin.

1. Ultraviolet radiation – long waves (UVA) can activate the rapid production of melanin – skin pigment, and a tan appears, which does not last long, since it is a kind of short-term reaction to radiation. Long waves also affect the deeper layers of the dermis, changing the structure of connective tissue and nearby small blood vessels. In addition, photoaging develops, elasticity and turgor of the skin are lost. There are studies that statistically confirm the detrimental effect of active UVA on the entire body: oxidation processes become more intense (oxidative stress), epidermal cancer is provoked.
2. Medium-wave ultraviolet radiation is called UVB. This type activates the production (synthesis) of new pigment granules in melanocytes, which manifests itself as persistent pigmentation, i.e. tanning and age spots. Since UVB not only promotes the synthesis of melanin, but also significantly increases the density of the upper layer of the skin - the epidermis, moderate doses of such radiation are quite safe. Excessive enthusiasm for type B radiation can also provoke melanoma (skin cancer).

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Signs of sunburn

Sunburn is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Hyperemia (redness) of the skin, local or diffuse (widespread).
• Swelling.
• Irritation of damaged areas of the skin.
• Blisters - small and large.
• Increased body temperature.
• Feverish condition, chills.
• Severe itching.
• Dehydration of the body.
• Infection of damaged areas of the skin.
• Shock.

Clinically, signs of sunburn can appear literally in half an hour, but most often the typical burn picture develops within 24 hours. Manifestations begin with reddening of sun-exposed areas of the body, then painful sensations develop, blisters with liquid exudate inside appear. Secondary infection of burst blisters and miliary papules (small rash the size of millet grains) can be a consequence of secondary skin damage. These signs are also associated with damage to the skin of the calves and ankles, where they generally heal for a very long time. Severe itching occurs several days after the injury, and peeling begins after 4-6 days. Signs of sunburn can develop unnoticed, accompanied by heat stroke, then a state of shock is possible, since a significant part of the human body, including the head, is exposed to overheating.

Sunburn in children

This is undoubtedly the fault of parents. If an adult needs about half an hour to receive harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, then a baby only needs five minutes to be exposed to the risk of such exposure. Although signs of skin damage and heat stroke in a child may develop slowly, parents should carefully monitor the child in the sun. Sunburn in children manifests itself in the following signs:

• Lethargy, drowsiness or, on the contrary, anxiety, whims.
• Redness.
• Increased body temperature.
• Chills.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Paleness of the face.

They are often accompanied by heat stroke, when the child's general condition worsens so much that immediate medical care is required. The first thing adults should do before the doctor arrives is to ensure that the baby stays in a shady, cool place as soon as possible, moisten the skin with water or wrap the child completely in a damp towel or sheet. It is also necessary to reduce the risk of dehydration, that is, give the child plenty of fluids. All other treatment measures will be prescribed by the doctor after examination. Sunburn in children is most dangerous at the age of up to 2-3 years, so parents should take care of the maximum safety of children in terms of protection from harmful UV exposure.

Degrees of sunburn

Sunburn, like all other types - thermal, chemical, is divided into degrees by the strength and severity of the impact on the body. They depend on the affected area, its size, the depth of radiation penetration into the dermal layers and the duration of its impact.

1. The first degree is characterized by superficial impact and causes only hyperemia of the skin without papules and blisters. Despite all their painfulness, they are not threatening, even if they are spread throughout the body. If a person has been exposed to intense UVA radiation, but has not been in the sun for a long time, then redness and some discomfort will end it all. As a rule, it does not require specialized medical care and is treated at home.
2. The degree of sunburn directly depends on the time period of exposure to the sun, as well as on the features of the structure and structure of the skin. If the skin is sensitive, a person is under intense radiation for more than 2 hours, the development of the second degree is possible. This is a fairly serious injury, which is characterized by the appearance of blisters, miliary papules, spread throughout the body. Severe disruptions in the functioning of the entire body develop - dehydration, pain, elevated body temperature, nausea. Symptoms of the second degree can appear gradually, one after another, worsening the condition of the victim. Such injuries require medical care, often in hospital conditions.
3. III and IV degrees are rare, since such severity of damage is more typical for thermal or chemical injuries. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine a person who is under the scorching sun for more than 10 hours of his own free will. At the third and fourth degrees, the structure of all layers of the dermis is disrupted, the subcutaneous tissue and soft tissues are damaged. In essence, this is charring of more than 60% of the skin, its infection and, in the best case, scarring of the affected areas. The worst case is complete dehydration, impaired heart and kidney function, intoxication and death. The degrees of sunburn are fixed in ICD 10 in block L55.

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Severe sunburn

This is a photodermatosis that can manifest itself as urticaria, polymorphic dermatitis and rash, erythema. In severe cases, symptoms of shock develop - rapid pulse, pale skin, dizziness, nausea and weakness, rapid breathing, fainting. Severe sunburn is a risk for a certain category of people, which include:

• All those with skin of the I-th phototype, that is, pale, sensitive. This type is also called Celtic - the skin is often covered with freckles, milky white. A severe sunburn can be obtained after 15-20 minutes of exposure to the scorching rays.
• The second phototype is Nordic or light European. The skin of such people is light, also sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and poorly pigmented. A burning sensation appears within 30-50 minutes after exposure to the sun.
• Children under 5 years of age, since children's skin does not tolerate high doses of ultraviolet radiation well.
• People aged 55-60 years, as at this age the skin is vulnerable and sensitive to the sun.
• Those who have recently experienced ultraviolet damage to the skin.
• Anyone diagnosed with connective tissue diseases.
• People suffering from systemic or oncological diseases.
• Anyone with a hereditary predisposition to melanoma.
• People who have undergone chemotherapy and radiation.
• People who have recently received or are currently receiving antibiotic treatment.
• Pregnant women can get severe sunburn if they do not get sun exposure in a shady, cool place.

Sunburn on face

This is the most common symptom of damage to the skin by aggressive ultraviolet radiation. It is not difficult to guess the reason, because the face is the most open area, exposed to inevitable sun exposure. Fortunately, sunburn of the face is usually limited to reddening of the epidermis, mainly the nose, cheeks and forehead (the most protruding parts). With intense exposure to rays, swelling is possible at the site of the burning sensation. Although it does not require medical intervention, it can seriously damage the structure of the skin and lead to its premature aging - photoaging. You can protect your face, as well as the whole body, with the help of products containing the marks UV protection and protection.

Sunburn of the eyes

In clinical practice, it is called electrophthalmia. This eye disease can be caused not only by exposure to the summer sun, but also by a love of traveling to snowy mountain peaks, and eye inflammation is also provoked by professional factors - electric welding and exposure to mercury-vapor lamps. Sunburn of the eyes is caused by the action of UVB rays, which disrupts microcirculation in the retina and manifests itself in the following symptoms:

• Increased lacrimation.
• Photophobia.
• Swelling of the eyelids.
• Blepharospasm is a spastic closure of the eyelids.
• Erosive lesions of the cornea and conjunctiva are possible.

It develops quite quickly - from the moment of exposure to ultraviolet radiation to the manifestation of symptoms, no more than 3-4 hours pass. Treatment of photophthalmia should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor, since independent actions will not only not help, but will also aggravate the serious condition and can lead to serious complications.

Sunburn on lips

It manifests itself as severe redness, often blisters on the sensitive skin of the lips, swelling, pain, peeling. The skin of the lips is vulnerable, as it is very thin and does not have a protective stratum corneum. All blood vessels and nerve receptors are located extremely close to the surface and are exposed to both temperature (cold, heat) and ultraviolet radiation. In addition, sunburn of the lips is almost inevitable with prolonged exposure to the sun, since melanin, a protective pigment, is not synthesized in the lips. This is why it is recommended to protect the lips with special products containing a UV protector. But the most effective way to protect against it is prevention, which involves a reasonable, measured time spent in the sun.

Sunburn of the skin

It can develop only with excessive passion for tanning. In principle, human skin is quite well adapted to thermal effects and ultraviolet radiation. If it is pigmented, and does not burn, this indicates good tolerance to UV, moreover, ultraviolet can have a beneficial effect on the entire body: activate the functions of the nervous and endocrine systems, promote the formation of vitamin D. Sunburn of the skin is possible only with an unreasonable approach to the sun and a thoughtless pursuit of a beautiful tan. It is also dangerous for people whose skin is at risk - phototype I and II to stay in the sun for a long time. Dark-skinned, swarthy "lucky ones" can easily tolerate heat and sun activity, since they produce much more protective pigment - melanin. In everyone else, ultraviolet radiation can disrupt the structure of the dermis, the process of thermoregulation, which provokes sunburn of the skin, as well as heat stroke.

Sunburn on legs

This is damage to the feet, less often the calves of the lower extremities. They are the most painful, much worse and take longer to heal, since the skin of the legs is not adapted and not accustomed to intense exposure to the sun. Indeed, the most often open areas of the body are the face and hands, they are better adapted to ultraviolet radiation, getting used to it almost all their lives. Legs are most often covered with clothes, shoes and perceive any tan much more sensitively. Since sunburn of the legs leads to a violation of the structure of the epidermis, and often deeper layers, blood flow and lymph drainage in the legs slows down significantly. Accordingly, the symptoms develop - hyperemia, swelling, often a feeling of numbness and tingling. In addition to standard self-help procedures prescribed for such injuries, it is necessary to elevate the legs and provide lymphatic drainage in any convenient way. This can be a water massage using a shower or pouring cold water over the legs.

Consequences of sunburn

They really pose a threat to humans, especially in recent decades, when, according to scientists, solar activity has increased significantly. The most dangerous is type B radiation (UVB), that is, medium-length waves. Excessive exposure to such rays can provoke the development of epidermal cancer (melanoma), which has become a real disaster. According to statistics, the number of melanoma patients increases by 7-10% annually. In addition, the consequences of sunburn manifest themselves in imperceptible pathological changes occurring inside the body. The fact is that almost all sun rays are capable of activating the formation of free radicals, that is, particles that destroy cells not only of the skin, but also of many tissues and organs. The harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation lead to the following disorders:

• Decreased protective properties of the immune system.
• Oncological diseases.
• Development of pathological pigmentation – nevi, lentigo.
• Photodermatoses.
• Photoaging (solar elastosis).

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Sunburn Treatment

Treatment should be immediate, at the first symptoms of ultraviolet aggressive exposure, two simple steps should be taken:

1. Reduce the temperature in sun-damaged areas of the skin as much as possible.
2. Moisturize the affected areas of the skin as much as possible.

If you quickly cool and moisten the burned areas, not only will the pain decrease, but the swelling will also go away. Further treatment of sunburn depends on the degree of damage and how much the general condition of the patient has improved. If all the signs indicate the first degree, then most likely medical care will not be required. It is enough to limit exposure to the sun for several days, lubricate the skin with moisturizing antiseptics. If the second degree is diagnosed, you may need medical help, since the risk of infection of damaged skin is high, in addition, the general condition of the patient requires a medical examination. At home, it is recommended to take the following actions:

• Provide rest, horizontal position, preferably a cool, darkened room. Contact with the sun is excluded for at least a week, and preferably until complete recovery.
• Treat the skin with specialized solutions, gels or sprays.
• If your temperature is elevated, take an antipyretic.
• Provide plenty of vitamin-rich drinks (compotes, fruit drinks, still mineral water) – up to 2 - 2.5 liters per day.
• Take vitamin E 3 capsules per day to accelerate the regeneration of the epidermis.
• Periodically moisten the affected skin or apply cold compresses.

How to treat sunburn?

This question is asked by many who have reached the sun after a long, drawn-out winter and a cool spring. Indeed, how can you not bask in the sun, especially since the tan is still not visible. This is how a photoburn develops completely unnoticed, which can be neutralized in the following ways:

• A great remedy is a cold compress, which significantly relieves itching, burning and pain symptoms. Gauze or a towel soaked in cool water are applied to the affected areas of the body. Compresses should be changed periodically as they warm up.
• Using a proven method - hydrocortisone ointment (1%). Of course, this ointment is only suitable for adults, it is contraindicated for children. Hydrocortisone is a good pain reliever for damaged epidermis. The ointment should be applied in a thin layer, and without washing off, add another layer each time 3-4 times a day. It is good to apply a cold compress on top.
• In case of severe pain or high temperature, you can take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug – ibuprofen or diclofenac.
• Be sure to lubricate your feet, even if they are not damaged by the sun's rays, and it is better to be treated in a horizontal position, with your feet slightly raised (on a bolster or pillow).
• It is good to take a cool shower from time to time, this will ensure lymphatic drainage of the whole body.

Only a doctor can decide how to treat more severe sunburns – second or third degree.

What to do if you have sunburn?

The algorithm of actions is quite simple - cooling, moisturizing and neutralizing dehydration of the body. To do this, you need to either take a shower at room temperature or plunge into cool sea water if you cannot leave the beach. Then you should find a darkened, shady place and wrap your entire body in a damp cloth. Even if only the face is burned, you should cover all possible skin areas with a wet towel. This will ensure an even redistribution of moisture in the subcutaneous tissue and help reduce swelling. If there is no increase in body temperature, chills, dizziness, then most likely this is the first degree, which is considered mild. It is treated at home quite quickly. All that is required is a few days of rest from the sun, plenty of fluids and moisturizing the epidermis. You cannot treat the skin with alcohol solutions, potassium permanganate or greasy creams. If the symptoms develop quickly, extensive blisters, hyperthermia, tachycardia, weakness appear, medical care is not only desirable, but also necessary.

Help with sunburn

Help should be provided as soon as possible. The sooner you start acting, the fewer consequences the aggressive effects of the sun will have. The first thing to do is to leave the place where direct sunlight hits the epidermis. If possible, it is better to move to a cool, darkened room; in the fresh air, you need to choose a shady area. Help with sunburn directly depends on the condition of the victim; sometimes it is enough to cool the body, provide rest and plenty of fluids, but most often you need to start treating the damaged epidermis. It is recommended to take antioxidants - vitamins A, E, as well as green tea and pomegranate juice. Ointments on a light, absorbent base containing moisturizing and antiseptic components are suitable as means of relieving inflammation and accelerating skin regeneration. In addition, masks made from cucumber juice, grated raw potatoes or aloe juice have proven themselves well among home methods.

What to apply to sunburn?

Fermented milk products such as yogurt, whey or kefir are suitable as simple improvised means. The myth about the benefits of sour cream is greatly exaggerated, in addition, the fat contained in sour cream creates a lipid film, that is, ideal conditions for the development of a bacterial infection in bursting blisters. A low-fat, light fermented milk product will provide the skin with a protein nutritional layer, will prevent excessive evaporation of moisture and regenerate damaged epidermis.

It is good if you have a large number of fresh cucumbers in the house, the juice from them will quickly eliminate inflammation, moisturize the epidermis and help neutralize the consequences.

What to treat sunburn with if not pharmacy, special preparations? Such means include Dexpanthenol (Bepanten), Levosin - antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ointment, Methyluracil, Solcoseryl gel, Baziron gel.

A remedy for mild sunburn can be intended for both external and internal use.

External means:

• Panthenol in aerosol form (spray) – effectively relieves inflammation of the skin, covering it with a specific protective film.
• Hydrocortisone ointment, 0.05 or 1% depending on the age of the victim and the degree of damage to the epidermis.
• For erosive lesions after burst blisters, Dermazin or Olazol helps.
• Bepanten in the form of an ointment or cream, an antimicrobial, analgesic and regenerating drug.
• Cooling gels containing menthol and anesthetics.

Internal medications:

• At elevated body temperature – paracetamol and all products containing it.
• Ibuprofen.
• Tylenol.
• Vitamins E, A and C.
• Regidron to reduce dehydration.

Panthenol for sunburn

Panthenol is most often used in aerosol form, so it is easier to apply it to sun-damaged skin. Panthenol is good for sunburn in the case of damage to small areas, such as the nose. Panthenol is an effective drug that improves the restoration of the epithelium, since it contains an active component - dexpanthenol (provitamin coenzyme vitamin A). Coenzyme retinol (vitamin A), in turn, is one of the components of the membrane of a healthy cell, thus, Panthenol restores damaged skin. In addition, Panthenol relieves inflammation, pain and itching. Due to its hydrophilic properties (high ability to penetrate the epidermis), the drug is quickly absorbed and begins to act. Panthenol should be applied to damaged areas at least three, and preferably five times a day.

Sunburn cream

The cream should contain moisturizing, antiseptic and preferably anesthetic components, that is, it should have a complex effect.

These products include creams from the cosmeceutical category. The dermatological lines of the companies Uriage, Bioderma, Aven have proven themselves well. These are quite expensive drugs, but extremely effective for use in the treatment of adults. More democratic products include Hirudobalm, which activates the blood supply to tissues, moisturizes the epidermis and relieves its inflammation. The cream is applied 3-5 times a day without washing off the previous layer. Sunburn cream for babies is the deservedly popular Panthenol or Bepanten. Creams with antihistamine action are also effective - Fenistil or Psilobalm. For severe, extensive wounds accompanied by erosions, purulent wounds, antibacterial creams and ointments prescribed by a doctor are indicated.

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Sunburn Ointment

This is an external remedy that helps eliminate inflammation and pain. It should be remembered that the ointment should have good hydrophilic properties, that is, be well absorbed, so fatty, heavy products are not suitable for treatment. They create a specific lipid shell, under which a bacterial infection can develop. Effective external preparations include ointments containing antibacterial substances, including those of plant origin. This can be an ointment for sunburn with aloe, chamomile (Alozol), calendula or mint.

Sunburn Spray

Spray is considered the best form of external remedy for treating dermal damage. It is sprayed well, absorbed and does not tighten the skin. Such sprays primarily include Panthenol in aerosol form. Also effective is the spray for sunburn from the Johnsons baby series. Flotseta spray based on calendula and chamomile relieves irritation and itching well. Aloe First, containing aloe extract, allantoin, propolis and other healing components, promotes epidermal regeneration, relieves pain and restores the epidermis. Moisturizing sprays containing thermal waters are also effective as regular moisturizing of burned areas.

Prevention of sunburn

This is the best way to avoid not only the discomfort associated with harmful ultraviolet radiation, but also to reduce the risk of malignancy, that is, the provocation of oncological dermatological diseases. The most effective prevention, according to an apt and figurative expression, is a tan in the light of the moon. In fact, this is not a joke at all, today tanning is no longer a tribute to fashion, rather it is a serious danger to health.

Prevention is the observance of fairly simple recommendations:

• You need to sunbathe gradually, 15-20 minutes a day, preferably not in direct sunlight. The maximum time spent in the sun should not exceed 1.5 hours, even if well tolerated.
• Before sunbathing, apply a sunscreen with the highest level of protection to all exposed areas of the body.
• There must be a head covering on the head, this rule is mandatory for both adults and children.
• The best time for tanning is before 11 am and after 4 pm.
• People who have recently taken antibacterial drugs or antibiotics should not sunbathe.
• Pregnant women, elderly people and children under 3-4 years old should not sunbathe at all; it is best to be outdoors in a shady place.
• In hot weather, you need to protect your body and face from the sun as much as possible - wear closed, light, loose-fitting cotton clothing.

Prevention of sunburn does not imply categorical confinement within four walls, reasonable stay under the sun's rays will not only not harm, but will also help. However, you should always evaluate your condition, skin sensitivity and time spent in the sun, then ultraviolet radiation will really only bring benefits.