Sunburn: Signs, Symptoms, Best Hospitals or Doctors For Sunburn Treatment in Ghaziabad & Delhi NCR

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a part of sunlight and other manmade objects like tanning beds, may affect your skin cells by harming their DNA. Sunburn is one of those visible effects that occur from extreme exposure to the ultraviolet rays.

Home remedies can help in providing relief from sunburn in many cases. However, at times sunburn may cause irreversible harm to the skin, raising the risk of skin cancer as well. So, it is essential to begin an effective sunburn treatment as early as possible.

We, at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, understand that any type of illness may bring discomfort in your life, making you worried. Therefore, we always try to share all needful and essential information about various health concerns. This blog will help you to know more about sunburn, its causes, signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment.

What is sunburn?

Sunburn is usually described as reddish, typically irritated and painful skin, caused due to over exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. The severity of sunburn may range from mild to acute and generally depends on the type of skin and amount of sun exposure.

The probability of getting sunburned gets higher as you get near the equator because the strength of UV radiation in this case increases. The UV ray intensity and the exposure to it is lower at greater latitudes.

How does the mechanism behind sunburn work?

It is not always that you may have sun damage. UV rays, other than causing sunburn, may even modify the DNA under the surface of the skin causing the skin to age prematurely. The damage to DNA may lead to skin malignancies and even result in melanoma over a period of time. Melanin, a dark pigment in the outer layer of the skin responsible for giving the skin its normal color, acts as an obstacle to sun damage. The skin produces melanin in order to protect the lower layers of the skin from damage when exposed to the sun.

Excess melanin may cause a deeper hue or tan on the skin of some people while in others, the skin may turn bright red in color, which is an indication of sunburn. The response of the body to the sun damage causes the usual redness of sunburn.

Signs and symptoms of sunburn

The signs and symptoms of sunburn may be generally seen within a few hours of exposure to the sun. It may take a day or more in order to determine the severity of the sunburn. The signs and symptoms of sunburn may vary from person to person as well.

Roughly, they can be categorized from mild to severe, based on the factors illustrated below:

• The type of skin
• The location, time and duration of exposure
• The use of sunscreen

Some of the immediate signs and symptoms of sunburn are:

• The skin may turn red, dry, tender and/or warm.
• Due to fluid loss, one may suffer from dehydration.
• On touching the skin, one may feel pain.

The skin may also itch, swell and peel. Sometimes, you may also have skin rashes. Minor sunburn may turn the skin red and cause pain. The redness is clearly seen after 12 to 24 hours.

In serious cases, blisters may also be formed. Extreme sunburn can be very painful, requiring hospitalization as well.

When to visit a Doctor?

Mild sunburn generally heals within a few days. Peeling of the skin indicates that your skin is healing and rebuilding.

Doctors at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, always advise you to consult a doctor in case the sunburn does not heal within a few days and affects a major area of the body causing blisters, acute swelling and infection. Fever chills, vomiting or nausea, weakness or low blood pressure are some of the symptoms of severe burns that indicate you should immediately seek medical care.

Remedies for curing sunburn

• Sunburn swelling and body pain may be relieved by using over- the- counter anti inflammatory drugs.
• Avoid applying ice directly on your skin. Instead, use a cold compress or clean towel dampened with cold water to minimize the skin temperature and ease the pain. You may even take a cold-water bath, which is soap free, to soothe the affected areas.
• Gels such as aloe vera gel or calamine lotion, have a soothing nature and may help in healing the burn. You may also cut a piece of an aloe plant and apply the gel directly to the skin for soothing relief from minor sunburn. Otherwise, use a cream or gel with natural cooling ingredients or apply a lotion recommended by your doctor.
• Stay hydrated as dehydration may cause headache and fatigue. Drink plenty of water and other fluids to be hydrated. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.
• Wear loose clothes that do not stick to your skin. Better to opt for natural fibres, such as cotton and bamboo.
• It is essential to keep the affected area moisturized in order to prevent excessive skin peeling. You may use a dye-free moisturizer or scent to avoid skin irritation.
• Gently clean the burst blister with water and mild soap and apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound. Never cover the blisters with a gauge or tight bandage as it may lead to infection and discomfort.
• Avoid going out in the sun in order to save yourself from any re-exposure to UV rays.

Treatment for sunburn

Mild sunburn may not require medical attention. However, if you have severe symptoms, consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, are well trained. They will assess your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may ask about your medical history and as per your need, will design the best treatment as needed.

Our doctors may recommend you oral steroid medication in case of severe symptoms. These steroids will help in lowering the risk of infection in case blistering has occurred. You may be given intravenous (IV) fluids as well, to recover from the dehydration caused as a result of a severe sunburn.

It is better to apply a sunscreen if going out in the sun but best would be to avoid any harmful sun rays to prevent further sunburn and other skin disorders. Consult a doctor in case you get blisters or show any signs of dehydration caused due to sunburn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risk factors of getting sunburn?

Factors that may increase the chances of getting sunburn include-

• Outdoor work
• Higher altitudes
• Lighter skin or red or blond hair
• Swimming
• Frequent exposure to artificial sunlight sources such as tanning beds

How to prevent a sunburn?

Use UV- blocking sunglasses and avoid excessive exposure from the sun. You may wear a cap or hat and full clothes covering your hands and legs. Avoid going out under extreme heat and apply a sunscreen every 4-5 hours or as recommended by your dermatologists.

Need to consult a dermatologist for sunburn treatment in Ghaziabad & Delhi NCR?

The Department of Dermatology & Cosmetology at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, has the best dermatologists with years of experience for treating all your skin-related issues. They understand the kind of care and support you may need throughout the process and are determined to provide you the best experience. Dr. Rajeev Jain is one of the most experienced venereologists and dermatologists at Yashoda. With more than 18 years of experience, he has treated a range of skin conditions and illnesses like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

Dr. Anup Kumar Tiwary is a highly proficient and skilled consultant in the field of dermatology and cosmetology. He did his MD in Dermatology from Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi in 2016 and was awarded national observership and fellowship in Dermatology, Hair Transplant and Laser MIADVL.