What is Sunburns? What are its Levels?

What is Sunburns? What are its Levels?

Most people love the sun, the beach, and the pool--it usually means a warm day well-spent. We love the way our skin glows with a tan or a little pink hue. The sun is important to our bodies. It enhances mood, and provides essential vitamins that the body needs. In other words, the sun is our friend; however, this friend has its limits.

Sun Tans Once the initial burn fades, you are left with a tan. You may look in the mirror and think how great it looks. Just be glad that mirror is not a microscope. You would not think that tan looked so good after all. Many people don’t realize they are over-tanning. Their skin is dry, cracked, and aged well beyond its actual years. There are other ways to achieve that golden glow of the skin, or a little pink glow on the cheeks, and they won't ruin your skin in the process.

Related: Positive effects of Nursing Education Sun Burns Most sun burns are minor and can be treated at home using certain remedies. Sunburn can be very serious, and the best treatment is prevention. With protective lotions and garments now available, no one should have to suffer the pain of dangerous sunburn. Aside from the fact that it hurts, it increases your chance of developing skin cancer, and prematurely ages your skin.

Levels of Sunburns 1. A slight pink glow. No pain involved, just slight warmth to skin that is pink. This should fade within two days and should not cause any pain.

2. A little red, and slight discomfort. Some pain is involved, and it may hurt to lay down on a sunburned area. To the touch, there is significant warmth along with soreness. This should begin to subside in pain within 4-5 days, followed by blisters that may break open and peel away skin layers. This can create itching to the point of being uncomfortable; however you have to watch scratching the open skin, which could result in an infection.

3. Bright red and major discomfort. There will be a lot of pain involved, to the point you are kicking yourself for allowing this to happen. You can't put any pressure on those burned areas, which means no laying down in bed, so very little sleep. On this one you would kick yourself for letting it happen, but you are in too much pain

to do so. This may require medical attention, however you can try over the counter pain medications and topical numbing sprays. Seek medical attention if you develop a feeling, suffer nausea, or pain is unbearable.

Related: Nursing and Social Media Symptoms of Sun Poison  Extreme skin redness and blistering- this may not require medical attention, providing other symptoms is not present.  Pain & Tingling- if skin alternates between extreme pain, and a numbness or tingling feeling, this would indicate a need for medical attention.  Swelling- red skin may appear different; however, if you notice puffiness on the areas of the sunburn, it's time to see a health care provider.  Headache- for a mild headache, and over the counter medication may do the trick, however, if the headache is severe or last more than a couple hours, it's time to seek medical attention.  Fever & chills- this could indicate an infection; you should seek medical care right away.  Nausea- some people may experience nausea from the discomfort of the burn, however, if it is followed by vomiting, or last more than 24 hours call your doctor.  Dizziness- this could be a warning sign of a serious condition and you should seek medical care.  Dehydration- if you are unable to consume fluids seek medical attention, sunburns can make dehydration more intense.

Sunburns can cause sun poison, which is essentially a very severe case of sunburn. The best way to avoid sun poisoning is to protect your skin when in the sun.

Tips to Soothe Sunburn 1. Place a cool compress on the skin. A damp towel will work, however, for long relief, fill a ziplock bag with cool water and place on the skin.

2. Take a long cool shower or bath. Add 1 cup cider vintages to a bath to balance the PH and soothe sunburned skin.

3. Soak in an oatmeal bath to soothe burned skin 4. Use lotions that contain aloe Vera to soothe and moisturizer skin.

Look for one with lidocaine, which will help numb pain.

Tanning Beds Think tanning beds are safer than the sun? Think again. There is no proof they are safer than the sun. Tanning beds come with risks just as being in the sun for extreme periods of time.

Safe in the Sun Sure, you can still enjoy time outdoors, just be smart about it. There are special garments now that are made to reflect UV rays. Always wear a hat to protect your head, and cover eyes with sunglasses. Use a sun block of at least SPF 45, and apply per label directions to protect skin. Avoiding peak UV times is a good idea, 10-3 is when you are most likely to burn. Enjoy the outdoors, just use precautions to avoid a sunburn, pain and a higher risk of skin cancer.

Related: Leading Nurse Educator Donna Funk, MN/Ed., Ed.Sp.aded, RN, ONC to be Published in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare as New Member of the International Nurses Association Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter