Attention UV: The 7 best tips against sunburn
Redness, swelling and nasty blisters: A sunburn is quite unpleasant. All the more important is fast help. But how can I best care for my skin after a sunburn? I explain which simple tips work effectively? and when it's time to go to the doctor.
Warm sunbeams on the skin are a wonderful feeling. But too much of it is harmful. If I'm in the sun too long, I risk unpleasant burns. To completely recover from it, the skin needs several weeks. Only a few years later, possible long-term effects are also evident: With every sunburn, my personal risk of premature skin aging and dangerous skin cancer increases.
It should therefore best not come to a sunburn. Did I ever burn myself, but can I at least actively support the healing process of my skin with simple measures? and get redness, distension or blisters under control.
Tip 1: Get out of the sun
If I notice a sunburn, the first rule is: Get out of the sun! In no case may I continue to sunbathe, as this would further damage the skin. Just going into the shadows is not enough. Again, the skin can still reach harmful UV rays. 50 to even 90 percent of the radiation can still arrive in the shade.
I therefore protect the affected areas additionally with dense and dark clothing or cover myself with a towel. Alternatively, I go right inside. In cool rooms, I can also recover from the heat and protect my cardiovascular system.
Tip 2: Cool as a first aid measure
Careful cooling now gives me an initial pain relief. For this I can shower off with not too cold water or put damp towels on the redness. Coolpacks also bring the desired effect. However, I must be careful to always place a cloth between the cold source and the skin. This prevents frostbite.
Also suitable for the cooling emergency treatment are curls made of quark or yoghurt. The milk products from the fridge are as cool as water. The contained lactic acids should also stabilize the skin environment.
Tip 3: After Sun products with aloe vera
Experts recommend that the burned areas after first aid regularly with special lotions to cool. On the basis of fat, skin care products are rather unfavorable for heat-damaged skin, however, so-called after-sun products are well suited. These provide my skin with the moisture that it so urgently needs after a sunburn. In addition, they contain active ingredients that promote the regeneration of the skin.
Especially aloe vera has proven itself: The gel is extracted from the water storage tissue of the desert plant of the same name and contains, among other things, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Its ingredients have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, the gel should stimulate the growth of new cells. Tip for the special cooling effect: Store aloe vera lotions in the refrigerator.
Tip 4: a lot of water!
I can replenish the moisture deposits of my dried-up skin not only with moisturizing lotions, but also with water. Drinking plenty of mineral and tap water or fruit spritzers now helps my body regenerate the skin and restore a healthy fluid balance. In addition, the thirst quencher also boost the circulation that often suffers from sunburn.
From the outside water in the form of sprays also reduces the feeling of tightness of the affected skin. So-called thermal water sprays also contain ingredients that have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect.
Tip 5: medicines for the pain
Does the sunburn particularly hurt, worth a walk to the pharmacy. Here I get over-the-counter burn wound or hydrocortisol gels that help with burns. Doctors also recommend the use of painkillers with active ingredients such as acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen.
If I react quickly, I can ideally prevent the worst with such medicines. The means slow down the messenger substances that trigger inflammatory processes in the body. But beware: I should never give children painkillers. In this case, it is always advisable to consult with the pediatrician first.
Tip 6: Stay away from blisters
When the skin throws bubbles after sunbathing, experts talk about second degree sunburn. They are signs of particularly severe skin damage and are rather unpleasant.
Under no circumstances, however, may I puncture such blisters myself. Because then they can easily get infected. I should therefore either wait until the bubbles open by themselves, or visit a physician. This can punctually puncture the blisters so that they heal more easily.
Tip 7: Go to the doctor
If there are no improvements after a few days, I should definitely make an appointment with my dermatologist.Especially if blisters do not want to heal or the skin is swollen, medical help is needed. Should I go to the doctor if the sunburn is accompanied by a high fever and a severe headache? I may have suffered a heat stroke or a sunstroke.
