Fever, redness, blisters are the result of the work of the immune system, which tries to protect the body from danger.
While we are enjoying the sun baths, our body is working in a stressful mode – on the command “alarm” all protective functions are activated. What we consider to be a beautiful tan, he recognizes as a threat. And it can lead to more serious problems than premature wrinkles.
The epidermis is damaged
Under ultraviolet irradiation, epidermal DNA cells are instantly damaged. To protect them, the inner soy of the skin – the basal cells – begin to produce melanin. This pigment, among other things, is responsible for protecting against harmful environmental factors. By the way, light-skinned people burn more often than dark-skinned ones, because their skin lacks melanin. But both of them need to use SPF products while outdoors.
While there is an active synthesis of melanin, the process of apoptosis, programmed cell death, starts in the epidermis. Thus, the body gets rid of damaged cells that may become cancerous in the future. Belgian researchers from the Catholic University of Leuven have found that overuse of tanning can lead to malfunctions of protective functions – incorrect signals about which cells to destroy and which to restore, increase the risk of skin cancer.
The skin turns red and starts to ache
The circulatory system is also involved in the healing of damaged epidermis. The vessels dilate to deliver as much healthy, oxygenated blood as possible to the burn area. This process is the reason why our tan takes on a red tint. Pain receptors are also activated, the skin becomes sensitive to touch, and itching appears.
Blisters appear
With severe sunburn, bubbles may appear on the skin over the next XNUMX hours. The liquid they contain is plasma that forms between the layers of the epidermis and dermis. This is an added protection that ensures that no external irritants interfere with skin regeneration. But blistering can backfire – increasing the risk of infection and leaving scars after they heal. Large amounts of bubbles can lead to fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances and may require special treatment. To avoid aggravating the situation, do not try to remove or touch the blisters.
The change of the skin begins
Surely each of us has come across the fact that after intense tanning, the skin begins to peel off. Thus, the body tries to replace the affected areas with healthy ones. In fact, this also happens in everyday life – our skin is renewed every 28 days. But sunburn speeds up the regeneration process, because after sunburn, the skin becomes thinner and weaker than usual.
Skin cancer may develop
Frequent sunburn can make you more susceptible to developing cancer. According to doctors, skin cancer often develops about 10-20 years after a period of intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation. So, whether you’re heading to the beach or just taking a walk, be sure to wear sunscreen.
What to do if you are sunburned:
The skin is red, it hurts, the temperature may rise – this is the first degree of a burn. When blisters are added to this picture, this is already the second degree. If this happens, the correct actions are as follows:
1. Leave the beach, leave the sun… Before doing this, it would be good to cover the burn area with a damp scarf or towel.
2. Rinse with cool water, treat the affected areas cream or spray with panthenol or aloe, zinc ointment. Their prices are low.
Forget sour cream, kefir or vegetable oil. They block the work of the sweat glands. Plus, you can bring in pathogenic microflora, especially if there are microtraumas on the skin.
3. Do not open blisters, do not pierce them! You can get an infection and cause much more damage to your skin.
4. Take an antipyretic if the temperature rises.
5. Restore water balance in the body. To replenish the loss of fluid and trace elements that occurs in summer in general, and in case of a burn, especially, you need to take an oral rehydration solution. For example, Regidron.
6. Don’t peel off flaky skin… This will only create an additional wound surface, increase inflammation, and infection may also join.
7. Drink vitamins. Inside, it is worth taking antioxidants – vitamins C, E, A, D3 to stop the process of destruction of cell membranes, relieve inflammation and accelerate healing.
In fact, superficial damage to the skin is not so terrible as what happens inside. The consequences can be the most sad, up to neoplasms (tumors). I always advise my clients to start taking antioxidants and vitamins in advance so that the holiday season is pleasing, healthy and beautiful.
Preventive measures:
1. How to determine the time for safe exposure to the sun?
As long as the shadow you cast is longer than your height, enjoy your time on the beach. As soon as it becomes equal or shorter, it’s time to leave.
2. Sunscreens should contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
This is a real protection, and such a cream does not penetrate to the deep layers of the skin. Regarding SPF protection – 30, 50 is enough. Everything that is above has a relaxing effect: it allows you to think that you can be in the sun for an unlimited amount of time with impunity.