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North India's scorching summers are legendary. While the sunshine brings its share of joy, it also comes with a significant risk – sunburn. This painful and potentially damaging skin condition can put a damper on your summer plans. This blog dives deep into understanding sunburn, its causes, symptoms you should watch out for, and effective sunburn remedies to soothe your skin and prevent future sun damage.
Synopsis
Understanding Sunburn Causes: The culprit – Ultraviolet (UV) Rays
The sun emits various types of radiation, including ultraviolet (UV) rays. The Earth's surface is exposed to two primary categories of ultraviolet radiation:
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UVA rays: These rays penetrate deep into the skin's dermis, causing premature ageing, and wrinkles, and can contribute to skin cancer.
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UVB rays: These are the primary culprits behind sunburn. UVB rays damage the skin's outer layer (epidermis), triggering an inflammatory response that leads to the redness, pain, and discomfort associated with sunburn.
Sunburn Symptoms: Knowing When You've Overdone It
The symptoms of sunburn usually develop within a few hours of sun exposure and can worsen over the next 24-72 hours. Here's what to watch out for:
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Redness: This is the most common symptom, ranging from mild pink to a deep, burning red.
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Pain: Sunburned skin can be tender, sore, and painful to the touch.
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Swelling: Inflammation caused by sunburn can lead to swelling, especially in sensitive areas like the face and ears.
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Blisters: In severe sunburns, fluid-filled blisters may develop on the skin's surface.
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Peeling: As the damaged skin heals, it may start to peel several days after sun exposure.
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Chills and fever: In severe cases, sunburn can cause chills, fever, and feelings of fatigue.
If these symptoms persist, book an appointment with our expert Internal Medicine Doctor in Patiala to find sunburn relief.
Preventing Sunburn: Essential Tips for North Indian Summers
With the intense sun in North India, prevention is key. Here are some effective ways to avoid sunburn and protect your skin:
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Seek Shade: When the sun is at its strongest, which is often from 10 am to 4 pm, try to find shade. Use umbrellas, and hats with wide brims, or stay indoors during these times.
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Sunscreen is Your Best Friend: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher liberally and evenly to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Every two hours, especially after swimming or perspiring, reapply.
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Sun-protective Clothing: Consider wearing long, loose-fitting clothing made from tightly woven fabrics that offer additional protection from UV rays.
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Sun Protection for Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes from sun damage.
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Hydrate Regularly: Staying hydrated helps your body regulate its temperature and can minimize the effects of sun exposure.
Sunburn is preventable. By following these tips and being sun-smart, you can enjoy the North Indian summer sunshine safely while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. If you experience severe sunburn with blistering, fever, or prolonged pain, consult our Internal Medicine Hospital in Patiala to ensure proper sunburn treatment and avoid complications. Book a consultation today to know more. We also invite you to explore our blog page to read the latest healthcare blogs shared by our doctors with the objective of sharing the right information on various diseases and treatment options.
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