Summer is just around the corner and that means more outside time with the sun! We have all been waiting for this, but we still need to be cautious of the dangers that come with sun exposure including sunburns.
What is a Sunburn?
A sunburn is simply that – a burn that comes from the sun. This is caused by the extreme sun rays that the skin is exposed to. Depending on how bad the burn is, it can appear to be red, hot, burning, itching and even blisters. Any part of the body that is exposed to the sun rays without proper protections such as sunscreen can be burned. Most commonly sunburns occur on faces, backs, arms and legs. However, sunburns can appear anywhere including ear lobes, scalp and feet.
Prevention
The best way to prevent sunburns is to apply sunscreen every 15 minutes and cover exposed skin with clothing items such as hats or sun shirts. If you are swimming or active in water, it is recommended to reapply sunscreen more often as it might wash off.
Treatment
There is nothing to permanently get rid of sunburns completely, but remedies to ease the pain and discomfort. Most people use topical gels like aloe vera or burn relief gel. In more severe cases, over the counter pain medication can be taken to alleviate the pain. When a sunburn starts to go away, some people can experience skin peeling. This is normal and it means that new skin is forming.
Dangers
Extended amount of time in the sun can result in higher risks of skin cancer. That is the same with sunburns, more burns can damage skin cells making it easier for cancer to form. It is important to have regular checkups with your dermatologist, especially if you will be in the sun for a long time.
Don’t ruin your summer and get screened for skin cancer. Make sure that you call Dr. Perri today to set up your consultation and screening. If you have additional questions about the skin conditions mentioned or have a concern regarding your current condition, contact our team today! Unsure if your insurance will cover your visit? Check out our insurance coverage page for a list of accepted insurance companies so you know beforehand if you’re covered.
