The summer sun, while delightful and invigorating, is the major cause of several forms of skin damage. Protecting your skin must be a priority if you want it to look good and be healthy.
These are some of the most common skin problems caused by sunburn as well as their treatments and prevention aspects.
Sunburn
What is it? Sunburn refers to how excessive UV radiation affects skins leading to inflammation as well as cell damage.
How does it look? It appears as red burning skin that is hot when touched lightly. Also there are very painful burns which can then develop into blisters resulting in peeling off.
Treatment: Applying cold compresses, aloe vera gel or over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can help relieve irritated skin. Drink plenty of fluids. For severe burns see a doctor.
Prevention: Use sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, put on protective cloths and avoid direct sunlight between 10am-4pm.
Heat Rash
What is it? Heat rash, also known as miliaria, arises when sweat ducts become blocked and sweat accumulates under the skin’s surface.
How does it look? Small red swellings or pimple-like formation or red and fluid filled vesicles in folds of the skin or in areas that come in contact with clothes due to rubbing.
Treatment: The area should be washed gently and kept clean and dry. Wear loose, breathable clothing. For mild rashes, one can use over-the- counter calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
Prevention: Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day; instead, you should seek the shady areas and avoid tight clothing. Also, clean your skin properly to avoid blockage of sweat ducts.
Actinic Keratosis
What is it? AK is a premalignant disease promoting sun-damaged skin, which surfaces as a rough and scaly skin lesion.
How does it look? AKs are small, rough areas which are generally less than one inch in diameter. It can be of pink, red or brown colour and commonly cause uncomfortable feeling like dryness or formation of a crust.
Treatment: Cryotherapy (freezing of the lesion), topical and photosensitizers activated photodynamic therapy. It is advised to go for a dermatology check up now and then.
Prevention: Sun protection: apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15; protect your skin with clothing, including long sleeves, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses; and never use tanning beds. Supporting physical examination, privately check your skin score for emerging moles or changes in the spots that are already there.
Sunspots
What is it? Sunspots are another name for solar lentigines, or age spots, which are flat and brown and manifest on the skin on areas that are often exposed to the sun.
How does it look? Appears on the face, hands, shoulders, and arms. These are usually tanned, brown or black skin coloured and may be large or small in size.
Treatment: Sunspots which are also known as age spots can be removed through application of topical bleaching creams, chemical peels, laser treatment and cryotherapy. See a skin doctor, they can advise you on the right course of action.
Prevention: Using broad-spectrum sunscreens, wearing protective clothes, and refraining from outdoor activities when the sun is at its hottest. Expand your skincare treatment by incorporating antioxidants to fight off the effect of UV exposure.
Essential Tips to Prevent Sun Damage
- Wear Sunscreen Protection: Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30SPF on the skin daily including days with little sunlight. This water and sweat resistant formula should be reapplied after 2 hours of sun exposure, or immediately after swimming or outdoor activity.
- Seek Shade: Minimise the amounts of direct sunlight exposure especially during the early morning or in the evenings. It is advisable to wear hats with wide brims and sunglasses and use umbrellas to also shield you from the sun.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long arm covers, long trousers and other tight-wear fabrics clothes to minimize the chances of coming into contact with the germs. Try to wear (ultraviolet protection factor) 50+ fabrics that can protect your skin.
With the above skin problems understood and solved, one can fully capture the sunlight in the summer without endangering the health of his/her skin.
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