A bright, burning, tense red skin and, in the worst case, blisters: this type of sunburn, most of us have already had it during their life. However, what many ignore is that a sunburn is not only superficial redness, but an inflammatory reaction of the skin with ultraviolet sun rays. Symptoms generally appear a few hours after sun exposure. Important note: as soon as you feel or see that your skin has blushed because of the sun, protect it from any additional exposure.
Psoriasis, more than a simple skin problem
The first thing to do is gently refresh the skin. Lukewarm water, damp cloth or slightly refreshing shower can help lower the temperature of damaged skin layers. Doctor Melanie Hilgers, dermatologist in Marnach, recommends the use of refreshing gels and sprays of thermal water. These products are for example available in pharmacies. In the event of a sunburn, avoid very oily or oily creams, because they obstruct the skin and pores. They can prevent heat dissipation and even delay the healing process.
How to relieve the skin?
The dermatologist without hesitation recommends the dexperhenol ointments: “They soothe the irritated skin and promote cellular regeneration. Dexperhenol also has a slight anti-inflammatory effect. ” Generally, these preparations relieve the people concerned in just a few hours. “In the event of greater redness, the application of a light cream based on cortisone containing 0.5 % hydrocortisone for one to two days can help to alleviate the inflammatory reaction and thus limit DNA damage, which, in the long term, can reduce the risk of skin cancer,” explains DRE Melanie Hilgers.
Doctor Melanie Hilgers, dermatologist. © PHOTO: DR
It is also advisable to wear light cotton or linen clothes to avoid additional friction and allow the skin to breathe better. The dermatologist warns against the use of various home remedies: “White cheese, toothpaste or vinegar can irritate the skin, or even cause inflammation.”
Many people forget it, but, the first days after a sunburn, you have to drink a lot. Inflammation leads to dehydration of the skin, which must be offset from the inside, for example by drinking water or herbal teas. If the sunburn is very painful, you can also take an analgesic, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. The latter also has an anti-inflammatory effect. However, in the event of fever, chills or circulatory disorders, a doctor should be viewed.
Systematically protect your skin
Our dermatologist recommends using solar creams with a 50+ protection index. In order for them to be effective, they must be applied for about 20 minutes before exposing the sun. In addition, it is necessary to use a large amount of sunscreen so that the skin is really protected from the sun’s rays. Some two milligrams per square centimeter of skin are necessary. In an adult, this represents about four tablespoons curved with sunscreen to cover the whole body. If you put less, you considerably reduce protection, prevents Dre Melanie Hilgers. In addition, it is essential to renew the application regularly, every two hours, as well as after swimming or in case of strong perspiration.
Pharmacy kit: the essentials for the holidays
However, sunscreen is not enough. In Luxembourg, the UV index can be 7 or more during a hot summer day. This corresponds to an exposure to “high”, even “very high” UV UVs. Solar radiation is particularly intense at the time of the meridian break, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you have the possibility, stay in the shade or inside during this period. According to the dermatologist, clothes are also an important factor: “I recommend protecting the skin and eyes with UPF certified anti-UV clothing, a hat and sunglasses with UV protection.”
People with clear skin, freckles or red hair and, of course, children are particularly exposed to the risk of sunburn. However, all people who take medication increasing light sensitivity should also be vigilant. Ask your pharmacist for advice.
Increased risk of skin cancer
According to studies, people who have had five sunburns during their childhood or adolescence present a risk twice as high to develop a clever melanoma in adulthood. The Dre Melanie Hilgers explains the reason: “The skin of children is particularly sensitive. It is finer, produces fewer pigments and less well repairs the damage caused by UVs. So you should never take the sunburns lightly: the skin does not forget anything. Damages caused by UVs often manifest decades later. ”
Thus, cancers of non-melanoma skin, that is to say basal and spinocellular carcinomas, generally do not develop immediately after a sunburn, but constitute a late consequence of prolonged UV exposure, which often appears decades later. According to the dermatologist, the level of risk is however individual and depends on different factors: “The type of skin, the age at the time of the sunburn, the total time spent in the sun, but also the genetic predisposition has a role to play.”
Sun protection is already in order!
In any case, it is important to protect yourself as soon as possible. Even if the temperatures seem moderate, the UV radiation can be intense, in particular in clear weather, at altitude or near reflective surfaces, such as water, concrete or sand. “Even if the patients are well informed, I still see many cases of high sunburn in my office arriving. I suppose that this is explained by a change in leisure habits and by the fact that many people spend more time outside, sometimes without protecting themselves enough, ”says Dre Melanie Hilgers.
Conclusion: Do not underestimate the sun
If you spend a lot of time outside, you should not underestimate your exposure to UV rays. “Digital tools, such as applications displaying the UV index or recall features on mobile phones, can help apply cream or stay in the shade,” advises the dermatologist. By protecting yourself from the sun, you not only avoid pain, but you also preserve your skin in the long term. If, despite everything, you have a sunburn, gently cool your skin and apply a treatment containing adapted active ingredients. And, next time, think about your sunscreen.
