Dermatologist’s Tips on How to Treat Sunburned Skin

The sun in Thailand can easily cause sunburn. Many people may experience sunburn from unprotected sun exposure, whether from going out for lunch or getting sunburned after the Songkran festival due to continuous sun exposure for several days. 

“Sunburn” may cause a burning sensation, darkening, or some individuals may even experience severe symptoms such asDermatologistAbsolutely. Sunburned skin requires restoration and time to heal. In this article, we will explore ways to treat and restore sunburned skin to help it regain its healthy and clear appearance.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

Sunburn occurs when the skin is exposed to excessive heat from the sun, causing redness, a burning sensation, and irritation. In severe cases, it may even lead to fluid-filled blisters.

The severity of UVA and UVB rays damages the outer skin layer. Symptoms typically emerge within 1-3 days of sun exposure, but individuals with thin or fair skin may experience sunburn in as little as 30 minutes. After 2-3 days, itching and peeling will follow. This is the body’s natural process of eliminating dead skin cells, which takes approximately 3-8 days to peel, depending on the severity of the sun exposure.

How to Recover from Sunburned Skin

Sunburned skin requires proper care and recovery. Improper treatment or severe symptoms, such as redness, swelling, peeling, and itching, may require medical attention from a dermatologist. Below, we recommend basic, initial treatments you can do at home, guided by dermatological advice.

• Avoid Sun Exposure

After your skin has been exposed to the sun, it is important to avoid further exposure. If you begin to feel a burning sensation, you should immediately seek shade or go indoors to prevent further damage or severe sunburn.

• Lower your skin’s temperature by taking a cool bath or rinsing with cool water.

Using cool water to lower your body temperature is highly recommended after sun exposure. Gently splashing or applying cool water to your skin can help reduce body heat and provide relief from prolonged heat exposure. Additionally, cool water can help soothe skin inflammation.

• Apply a gentle moisturizer or aloe vera gel.

For faster recovery from sunburn, the skin requires hydration. Peeling skin can cause itching, dryness, and flaking, and scratching may lead to further skin damage. It is recommended to gently apply a mild, soothing cream or aloe vera gel to calm the skin.

• Avoid popping blisters to reduce the risk of infection.

In cases of severe sunburn with blisters, it is highly advised not to pick or scratch them. Allow them to dry naturally to minimize the risk of infection. However, if you experience severe burning or pain, you should consult a dermatologist immediately.

• Using sunscreen and sun protection accessories.

While the skin is still sunburned, the best approach is to avoid sun exposure. In addition to applying sunscreen, you should use physical sun protection such as carrying an umbrella, wearing a hat, and putting on long-sleeved shirts. This helps prevent the sun from repeatedly damaging the skin and protects the areas that are still inflamed.

• Drink plenty of water to help the body absorb fluids and reduce dehydration.

Spending a long time in the sun can make the body feel dehydrated because our core temperature rises. The body sweats, leading to water loss. Therefore, it is essential to drink clean water to reduce the risk of dehydration.

Severity levels and recovery time

The severity of sunburn can be divided into 3 levels: mild, moderate, and severe. What are the symptoms, and how long does the recovery process take?

• Mild sunburn causes a burning sensation on the skin, with a recovery time of approximately 3-7 days.
• Moderate sunburn involves symptoms such as a burning sensation, swelling, and redness. The skin will be sensitive and painful to the touch, requiring about 1-2 weeks for recovery.
• Severe sunburn causes extreme redness, intense burning, and clear blisters. If you experience severe symptoms and significant pain, you should consult a doctor for proper treatment. The recovery period takes at least 2 weeks.

Sunburn issues require proper care to prevent symptoms from worsening. Basic recommended methods can be used initially to restore the skin and gently exfoliate peeling dead skin cells. However, if symptoms are severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor promptly to reduce the risk of infection. Once the skin has been treated and fully recovered, avoiding strong sunlight and applying nourishing creams for protection is recommended. This helps maintain healthy-looking skin and prevents future problems.

Dermatologist Phitsanulok – Nititham Clinic

Nititham Clinic Phitsanulok provides services by dermatologist Dr. Nititham Rattakasikorn, the clinic’s resident physician with over 10 years of experience in patient care.

Nititham Clinic Phitsanulok provides comprehensive services for all your skincare and beauty needs. All medical equipment is sterilized using a high-pressure heat system, meeting the same standards as hospitals. Consultations are provided directly by a medical doctor.

Contact us to book an appointment or consult a doctor at Nititham Clinic.

Tel.: 055-303899
Tel.: 097-251-3390 (Hotline)
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