Sunburn
July 16, 2018SURVIVING SUNBURNS
There’s nothing wrong with a bit of sunshine, right? You’re out on the boat enjoying the warmth of the summer sun on your bare skin. What could go wrong? Well, a sunburn for starters.
What is a sunburn?
You might wonder: what exactly is a sunburn and how does it happen? It’s a valid question, considering you’ve probably suffered through a few sunburns in your lifetime.
Quite simply, sunburns are your skin’s defensive reaction to ultraviolet radiation: UV-A and UV-B rays to be specific. The third type of ray, UV-C, could be the most dangerous of all, but it’s completely blocked out by the ozone layer and doesn’t reach the earth’s surface.
Those of us with darker complexions have higher levels of melanin, which helps protect the skin by converting UV light to heat. When you’re fair skinned, your body doesn’t produce the melanin necessary to protect you from the sun’s death rays, causing your cells to die. In turn, your body reacts by sending blood to the affected areas, which accounts for your newfangled lobster glow.
Don’t let cool cloudy weather fool you. You can’t feel UV rays – the heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, which can’t burn you. This is why you can still burn on days that are overcast.
How to treat a sunburn
• Act fast to cool down by dipping in a pool or the ocean but make it brief as to not extend your time in the sun
• Moisturize while your skin still damp, but make sure your lotion is not oil- or petroleum-based as it can trap in the heat and exacerbate the burn
• Decrease the inflammation by taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin
• Replenish your fluids by drinking extra liquids, including water and sports drinks that help to replenish electrolytes, immediately and while your skin heals
• See your doctor if you have severe blistering over a large portion of your body, or if you’re experiencing chills or feel woozy
How do you avoid sunburns?
To avoid damage from the sun, slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30 spf or higher and reapply it every hour. Try wearing protective clothing, a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses. Also, keep an eye on the UV index: the higher the number, the stronger the UV, and the less time you should be out in the sun. The sun’s rays are typically strongest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.
What are the long-term effects?
We all know that exposure to too much UV radiation can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Too much UV radiation can damage the genetic material (the DNA) in your skin cells. If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer. One study reveals that getting sunburn, just once every 2 years, can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer.
And for the record, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. It’s in your best interest to embrace an outdoor skincare regimen that will keep your skin healthy all year round.
Sources and Citations
Cancer Research UK. How the Sun and UV Cause Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer
How to Prevent a Sunburn. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-a-Sunburn
Skin Cancer Foundation (May 27, 2016). 5 Ways to Treat a Sunburn. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/five-ways-to-treat-a-sunburn
Zainab Mudallal (June 4, 2015). There’s a Real Reason Some People Get Sunburns and Others Don’t. Retrieved from https://www.elitedaily.com/life/actually-happens-body-get-sunburn/1054488
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The entire staff was very caring. I had my toddler with me and she was a bit rowdy and they gave her crayons with coloring pages and stickers and even a lollipop to help keep her occupied.
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Have been there a few times and hey have always been very fast, kind, courteous and welcoming. Always very helpful especially the front desk. The employee Heather helped me with pharmacy, paperwork and everything I needed help with. Only quick care I go too because of her.
I absolutely love our nurse Tiffany. She made our visit so comfortable. I had two very sick little boys who did not want to go to the Dr. She made the at ease in an instant and she took such great care of them. This was at the Quick care on 441 in Ocala Fl. I'll go back to this one because of her. And recommended to all my friends and family. Thanks so much!
A Big THANK YOU, to the Staff at Quick Care Med, in Dunnellon!! My Husband was seen, for a couple different ailments, during his visit,, and the Two Practitioners who worked with Him, were AWESOME! They treated my Big, 200 pound, 6 ft. "Baby",, with Respect, Dignity, and Professionalism, and just the right amount of Calming Firmness!! Lol... he's afraid of Needles, and Doctor Offices, in general and I must say, that GWEN, & DEBBIE, were very good to him! Prices for services rendered, were ve
Great sweet people
I was there yesterday and I've never felt so shocked. The 3 girls I interacted with were the most pleasant and friendly caregivers I've ever dealt with. Idr the rep's name, but she was quick and prompt at taking all my info and with minimal Qs (kinda hard to answer when I have a cold), then Alexis took over. Very sympathetic, nice, and helpful. Then the physician saw me and was charismatic and very funny. Trying to keep me in good spirits. It was like all 3 were happy to be at their posts and to
Anytime, we've ever been there, all of the physicians are very caring and helpful, they don't rush or make you feel unimportant... I wish we could have them as our GP
Very friendly,professional. Very caring of patients.Victoria was excellent. Took time to listen and made you feel comfortable.
We had Zaib Kahn as the provider and NEVER have I seen such a good bedside manner, as they call it! AND he personally called this a.m. to ask how my husband is feeling! (The pharmacy was closed when we left the ofc., and they asked us to allow until 11 to pick up the RXs, but that's NOT YOUR fault ;D I'm thrilled w/ Mr. Kahn's service and may well use your clinic for ALL my medical needs!!!! THANK YOU
Professional staff, caring and organized. Prompt service for DOT related visits.
The absolute BEST! Everyone here is so nice! We've had to come in a few times & they've always taken great care of us. We're usually out within 20-30 min. All the girls up front are very nice & helpful (you don't find that too often), so is the girl that takes your vitals. Dr B is the amazing! He takes his time to listen to what's wrong & always has a big smile. If we could have this office as our primary care location we would
