In the summer, many people like to do outdoor activities but face the risk of sunburn. This is a condition in which the skin is damaged by UV rays from sunlight. Sunburn can go away on its own, but if not treated properly, the damage will last and leave consequences for skin health.
How long does it take to get sunburned?
According to Dr. William Truswell, MD, Honorary President of the American Academy of plastic Surgery and Rehabilitation, most cases of mild sunburn (red skin, burning pain) last only three to five days. Moderate sunburn (inflammation, hot skin upon contact) can last for about a week. More severe, when there is swelling and severe pain, the burns can take up to two weeks to heal.
Its worth noting that even a serious sunburn can leave long-term damage to your skin, increasing your risk of skin cancer later on, warns Dr. Truswell.
The process of sunburn usually begins after about 4 hours of exposure to the sun. Symptoms peak after 24 - 36 hours, then gradually decrease within 3 - 5 days in mild cases. In more severe cases, more time is needed to recover.
How to care for and when to see a doctor
When sunburned, the first thing to do is to immediately avoid the sun. After that, patients should drink plenty of water to relieve moisture, apply moisturizer or aloe vera to soothe the skin, and take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if necessary.
The most effective treatment for sunburn is prevention, Dr. Truswell emphasizes. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure during peak hours.
In some cases, it is necessary to see a doctor, especially when:
Sunburn accounts for over 15% of the body.
The severe pain lasted for more than 48 hours.
Having a fever above 38.5°C or severe dehydration.
People with blisters should absolutely not arbitrarily burst water acne because it can cause infection, slowing down the recovery process.
Long-term damage and risk of skin cancer
Studies show that just one sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer. UV rays destroy DNA in cells, causing changes and promoting abnormal growth. Peeling the skin after sunburn is actually a self-protective mechanism, eliminating the most severely damaged cells.
However, this mechanism is not enough to combat the accumulated damage if sunburn occurs many times in life. Therefore, experts recommend that each person should focus on prevention, considering sun protection as a vital measure to maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of cancer.
