HOW TO SOOTHE A SUNBURN

Sunburn happens when the skin is exposed to the sun for long periodsof time, whether intentionally( due to excessive tanning) or unintentionally( labourers who have to work long hours under thesun for livelihood. The usual sunburn will subside within a few days, but its impacton the skin will be years later. The sun emits two types of ultraviolet rays namely, UVA and UVB. The UVA rays penetrate the deper dermal layer of the skin and break downthe layers of collagen fibres which are responsible for the firmnessof the skin.This causes the skin to sag and wrinkles to set in. UVB rays when absorbed by the skin's outermost layer (epidermis), damages cells and causes inflammation and redness which is what we call sunburn. Besides a crimson complexion,the following symptoms when spotted, are cause for moving away from the sunlight as soon as possible. 1)Itchiness- this is triggered by the presence of chemicals known as histamines in response to inflammation. 2)Blotchiness and blistering-indications of a more serious burn where the damage might have extended past the surface of the skin to the inner layer. This kind of burn may be followed by chills, fever and nausea. Solutions: 1)Reduce swelling by applying ice on the area and take an anti-inflammtory pill eg ibuprofen, within the first 12 hours after being sun burnt. 2)Prevent dehydration by drinking as much water as possible to replace the lost fluids which had been sapped by the body. 3)Keep body temperature cool by not applying body butter, petroleum jelly or any rich and greasy substance to a sunburn. This is because these substances trap heat and can obstruct the healing process. Instead, soothe with light cream or gels that contain calming ingredients such as chamomile or aloe.