LIFESTYLE NEWS - Getting a sunburn is a very bad idea. It looks bad, hurts, peels and inflicts long-lasting, wrinkle and cancer inducing damage. It's especially bad for children.
Even one blistering burn may double their lifetime risk of melanoma, a serious skin cancer. And it is totally preventable (with sunscreen, shade and clothing). But mistakes happen. So here are a few ways to ease the pain and maybe, just maybe, limit the damage.
If you feel the tingling of a burn or see any sign of skin reddening on yourself or your child, get out of the sun and start treatment. A touch of pink at the beach could turn into a big problem later.
After a cool shower or bath, slather on a moisturizing lotion containing vitamin C and E to soothe the skin. Repeat frequently to make peeling and flaking less noticeable. It's also OK to use a hydrocortisone cream for a day or two to relieve discomfort. Not OK: scrubbing, picking or peeling your skin or breaking blisters.
Any burn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body. So drink extra water and sports drinks and watch for signs of dehydration: dry mouth, thirst, reduced urination, headache, dizziness and sleepiness. Children are especially vulnerable.
If a blistering burn covers 20% or more of the body (a child's whole back), seek medical attention. Anyone with a sunburn who is suffering fevers and chills should also seek medical help, he says. Finally: consider the burn a warning that your sun-safety net has failed and vow to do better. That means using sunscreen, covering up with clothing and hats and avoiding the sun as much as possible between 10:00 and 16:00.
Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Klein-Karoo, Hessequa news'
