Summer is almost over. This thought has driven people to lay in the sun in huge numbers. No one wants to end the summer pale and pasty. Unfortunately, this has also led to more people getting burnt than was seen in the beginning of the year. The increased number of last minute fairs events that most cities put on also contributes to this burning skin movement.
Preventing Burns:
It is important to protect your skin from sunburns. They can cause serious pain and serious health concerns. The best way to do this is to cover the skin with clothing. This includes tee-shirts, long pants and a hat. This is not completely practical during the summer. A decorative umbrella can also act as a barrier between the sun and the skin and can be a very attractive piece of wardrobe.
Sunscreen should be applied to the skin that is going to be exposed to the sun. This will help to block the harmful rays of the skin. It is important to remember that the sunscreen and sun block are not long lasting lotions. They often need to be applied throughout the day. It is important to read the information on the back of the sunscreen and sun block to determine how often the lotion has to be applied. It is also important to remember that not all of these lotions are waterproof, so it is important to reapply the lotion after getting wet.
Healing Burns:
Aloe Vera is the number one treatment for sun burns. This lotion comes from the Aloe Vera plant and has been used by people since before the formation of United States. This is often a clear gel and has no odor. It can simply be smoothed on the skin and allowed to sit. It will absorb into the skin and begin the healing process. This gel will speed up the healing process, reduce pain and prevent infections.
There are other lotions that can be used to help the skin heal from a sun burn. Most of these lotions contain Aloe Vera and other antiseptic materials. Do not use lotions that contain glitter, dye or perfumes. The glitter can cause infections, the dye and perfume can cause additional pain.
Do not scratch at the sun burn no matter how much it itches. The itching feeling comes from the skin healing. By itching it, you risk opening the skin up and causing it to bleed, scar over or introduce infections into the body. When the skin begins to peel, do not pull at the skin. This can damage the skin below the dead and peeling skin. If the skin is blistered, do not pop the blisters as this opens the body up to infections. Simply apply the Aloe Vera carefully and allow the skin to heal itself.
If there is a large portion of the body burnt, consider seeking medical assistance. If a large amount of the skin is damaged, it may have trouble healing on its own. If a person experiences nausea or dizziness, seek medical assistance to assist the person in dealing with heat or sun stroke.