Preventing and Treating Sunburn with Urgent Care
August 9, 2024
Summer in Texas is a season filled with sunshine, outdoor activities and, unfortunately, the occasional sunburn. While the sun’s rays provide warmth and light, they also create a significant risk to your skin if you’re not careful. Sunburns can go from mild redness and discomfort to severe blistering and pain, potentially leading to long-term skin damage. At Texas MedClinic Urgent Care Port Arthur, we want to help you enjoy the sun safely by offering tips for preventing sunburn and providing effective treatment when necessary.
Preventing Sunburns
A sunburn is a form of skin damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. UV rays pierce the skin and damage its cells, leading to inflammation and the familiar red, painful symptoms of a sunburn. The severity of a sunburn depends on factors such as skin type, the intensity of the UV rays and the duration of exposure. It’s important to understand that even on cloudy days or during cooler weather, UV rays can still cause significant harm.
At our Texas MedClinic Urgent Care in Port Arthur, we know one of the most effective ways to prevent sunburn is by using sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30. Apply it generously to all exposed skin about 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.
Clothing can provide an additional layer of protection against UV rays. Some clothing is designed with UV protection in mind and can offer even more effective coverage. Our urgent care in Port Arthur recommends choosing a lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hats will to help to shield your skin, and whenever possible, stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re at the beach or an outdoor event, bring an umbrella or tent to create your shaded area.
UV rays can also harm your eyes, leading to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Wear sunglasses that block UV rays 100% to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Staying hydrated is also important for maintaining healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and more resilient against sun damage.
Recognizing Severe Sunburn
Despite taking preventive measures, you may still get sunburned. It’s important to recognize the signs of severe sunburn that may require urgent care:
- Severe sunburn can cause blisters filled with fluid. These blisters can be painful and increase the risk of infection if not treated properly.
- Extreme redness, swelling, and tenderness indicate significant skin damage that needs medical attention.
- Sunburn can sometimes cause systemic symptoms like fever, chills, and nausea, signaling a more severe reaction.
- Sunburn can lead to dehydration, dizziness, dry mouth, and reduced urine output.
Treating Sunburn
If you experience a mild sunburn, you can often treat it at home with the following steps:
1. Cool the skin.
Apply a cool, damp cloth or take a cool bath to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Avoid ice or cold water, as this can cause further damage.
2. Moisturize.
After cooling the skin, apply a gentle moisturizer or aloe vera gel to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing. Avoid using lotions or creams that contain alcohol, as they can dry out the skin.
3. Stay hydrated.
Sunburn can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to help your body recover.
4. Take pain relievers.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with sunburn. Be sure to read labels carefully and ask your doctor if you have any questions.
5. Avoid further sun exposure
While your skin is healing, avoid additional sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and stay in the shade until your sunburn has completely healed.
When to go to Urgent Care
For severe sunburns that cause blisters, intense pain, fever, chills, or dehydration, it’s important to receive medical attention. Texas MedClinic Urgent Care Port Arthur or our nearby urgent care locations are here to provide the care you need when you need it most.
Sunburns impact your health, well-being and enjoyment of summer. At Texas MedClinic Urgent Care, our experienced medical professionals are here to help prevent and treat sunburns – whether you need advice on sun protection, treatment for a severe sunburn or care for other urgent medical needs. Walk into TexasMedClinic Urgent Care Port Arthur or call us today to learn more about our services and find a location near you.