A sunburn is the skin's reaction to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. This article discusses what affects your ability to heal from sunburns and some easy ways to get rid of them
Factors that control how quickly you recover from sunburn
People with darker skin do not get sunburns as quickly as those with paler skin since they produce more melanin, which shields skin from UV damage. Also, your body will take longer to restore the destroyed layer of skin if you are experiencing severe sunburns. Mild sunburn symptoms normally heal within three to five days, while more serious burns might take up to two weeks to heal.
Other factors, such as your age and overall health, might also impact your healing ability and speed.
The ability of your body to recuperate from sunburns can be slowed by conditions and lifestyle practices that weaken your overall immune system. Here are a few examples:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Malnutrition
- Obesity
- Arterial disease
- Chronic stress
- Poor circulation
Also Read: Ringworm Vs. Eczema: What Is the Difference?
How to Get Rid of Sunburn Fast
Are you wondering how to heal a sunburn as quickly as possible? Remember that with more severe burns, it will take longer to recover. For minor cases, here are some ways to heal a sunburn faster. For minor cases, here are some ways to heal a sunburn faster.
- Get adequate sleep: Sleep deprivation causes your body to produce a smaller quantity of cytokines, which assist it in managing inflammation. This disruption might affect the ability of your body to repair the sunburn damage.
- Quit smoking: Try to avoid tobacco use. Smoking or using other kinds of tobacco might cause inflammation throughout your body, affecting your body's natural healing process.
- Take medications for discomfort: To help minimize swelling, redness, and discomfort, you can take aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Avoid excessive UV exposure: Your sunburn will be more aggravated if you expose it to more UV light, so avoid additional sun exposure.
- Use hydrocortisone cream: Swelling, inflammation, and itching can all be treated with hydrocortisone lotion.
- Be extra careful with your skin: As the sunburn heals, take extra precautions to protect it. When you are outside, wear clothing that covers your skin. Fabrics with a tight weave work best which means no light should be passing through as you hold the fabric up in bright sunlight.
- A cold compress: Apply a cold compress to your skin soon after getting a sunburn. It can cool your skin by drawing away the additional heat from your skin and decreasing the inflammation.
- Allowing blisters to heal: Allow the blisters to cure on their own. If your skin is blistering, you may have a second-degree burn. Blisters form to aid your skin's healing and protect you from infection, so please do not pop them.
- Stay moisturized and hydrated: Speed up the healing process by moisturizing your skin, applying aloe vera, and drinking more water.
A sunburn can cause long-term damage to the skin, which increases your risk of developing skin cancer. To protect yourself from future sunburns, wear sunscreen, stay out of the sunlight when UV rays are strongest, and wear protective clothing. Schedule an appointment with us at MI Express Care if you are suffering from the symptoms of sunburn or need treatment for it. If you have any questions about sunburns, you can contact our medical team for further information.
