dangers of severe sunburn

Symptoms and Complications of Severe Sunburn | At-Home Remedies

Bathing in the sunshine can inflict sunburns and sun blisters.

Dangers of severe sunburn include lasting damage beneath the surface that might crop up after 35 or 40.

So, with the arrival of summer, how to get rid of sunburn and sunburn blisters fast becomes the most searched query, and for totally justifiable reasons.

Sunburn is more dangerous than it sounds.

In fact, the damage done by a severe sunburn could be more lasting than you think.

It might surprise you to know that even one episode of sunburn can give rise to a lifetime risk of skin cancer.

So, before getting into detail about the dangers of severe sunburn and how to get rid of blisters from sunburn, let’s do a brief discussion on sunburn and its symptoms.

 

Symptoms of Sunburn

Sunburn is the side effect of overexposure to the sun. It can show up as a painful, red patch of skin that feels hot to touch. 

Furthermore, in addition to your skin, sunburn can also affect your eyes.

Most commonly, symptoms of sunburn can start within a few hours of sun exposure and worsen in the next 24 to 36 hours.

Following are the various symptoms of sunburn to look out for:

#1. Changes in skin color. For instance, redness of the skin.

#2. Swelling, pain, and tender skin around the exposed area.

#3. Sunburnt skin will feel warm and hot to touch.

#4. Severe sunburn can also cause headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

#5. Painful eyes are also one of the symptoms of sunburn.

#6. Small blisters filled with some fluid are also one of the symptoms of severe sunburn.

Sunburn blisters are often the most devastating and painful sign of severe sunburn. 

However, under any circumstance, you shouldn’t be popping those blisters!!

While it feels tempting to burst those fluid-filled pockets, it’s surely a bad idea.

With sunburn, comes consequences. Some short-term and some long-term if you don’t take the proper after-care measures. 

With that, here are some of the severe dangers of sunburn.

 

Dangers of Severe Sunburn

Severe Sunburn

Repeated overexposure to the sun can lead to an increased risk of recurring skin problems.

#1. Premature Aging Of Skin

Repeated sunburns can make you look older than you are. 

To clarify, sunburns accelerate the aging process of your skin by damaging your skin cells.

#2. High Risk of Skin Cancer

It is one of the most dangerous complications of sunburn.

So, it’s better to get it checked by a doctor if you witness any abnormal growth of skin after getting burned. 

Most notably, look out for the formation of a mole or change in the color of that mole.

#3. Eye Damage

Not many people know that sunburn can also damage your eyes, depending on the severity.

Much to your surprise, it can damage the retina, cornea, or lens.

Moreover, it can cause several other eye issues like cataracts and macular degeneration leading to blindness.

#4. Precancerous Skin Lesions

Precancerous skin is also one of the dangers of severe sunburn

Rough and scaly patches in the sunburn area are the sign of precancerous skin, which might take the form of skin cancer in the long run.

Therefore, it’s crucial to protect your whole body including your scalp from sunburn or sun damage.

Notably, skin cancer due to sunburn often occurs in those parts of the body that are overexposed to the sun.

Like, for example, lips, scalp, face, shoulders, etc.

Here’s what you can do to protect yourself from sunburn and get rid of sunburn blisters.

 

Sunburn and Sun Blisters: Prevention and At-Home Remedies

Sunburn remedies

You can follow the following steps to prevent sunburn and get rid of painful sun blisters.

Prevention from Sunburn:

#1. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (UVA + UVB protection)

#2. Fully cover your body before stepping out in the sun.

#3. Stay hydrated.

#4. Moisturize your skin regularly.

#5. Wear Sunglasses.

#6. Use a wide-brimmed hat.

#7. Carry an umbrella for shade.

At-Home Remedies:

#1. Drink a lot of water.

#2. Cover the blisters.

#3. Don’t pop the blisters.

#4. Treat the blisters with ice to avoid burning sensations and pain.

#5. Keep the surrounding area of blisters moisturized to avoid skin irritation due to dryness.

Follow these sunburn prevention tips and remedies to protect yourself from severe sunburn complications.

 

Summary

The changing atmosphere and global warming act as a double whammy for your skin.

And you can witness this via soaring temperatures every year. 

Therefore, it’s paramount to protect your skin from getting sunburnt. 

Lying out in the sun is no longer fun or even prudent, considering the damage it does within an hour of the exposure.

If you’ve to be out in the sun, take essential steps to avoid life-threatening damage. At the very least, wear sunscreen and full-sleeved shirts.

Marcus Elburn

Marcus Elburn has been a healthcare professional for over a decade. With an educational background in Therapeutics, Drug Development, and Human Toxicology, his research interests include integrative medicine, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolic health and its relation to weight loss. He is very much into fitness and enjoys cycling and running. When not working, he takes time out to write journals or binge-watch classic shows.

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