Tips to Prevent Sun Rashes & Sunburns in Summer

Even though the sun is almost 93 million miles away, over 1 in 5 people feel itchy and rashy skin in sun exposure. We could call it a much-polluted environment or loss of immunity. Moreover, these sun rashes and burns may cause lifetime spots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.

However, in spoiling temperature and environmental conditions, there are many other reasons that you should cover your skin in summer. Before we jump to the solution, it might be better to understand the root cause. One type of photodermatosis happens when sun exposure causes a reaction on your skin. Commonly known as PMLE, sometimes also called sun poisoning rash.

It is an itchy red rash that is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a sun allergy. In other terms, the seriousness of rashes may lead to higher stages, known as Sun rash.

Types of sun rashes-

  • Genetical
  • Due to certain medications
  • Exposure to the presence of certain plants

With extreme itchiness, it develops small bumps. It happens due to sun exposure, as symptoms of sun poisoning, exposure to outdoor plants, or genetics.

Symptoms of a sun rash-

It mostly appears after several hours or days of sun exposure. The conditions may develop in any part of the body. The areas covered in winter (e.g., chest) suffer the most.

The characteristics include:

  • Tiny bumps or blisters
  • Feeling of burning
  • Itchiness and red patches
  • Rough patches
  • Fever or headache
  • Faintness
  • Breathlessness

Sun poisoning

Worse condition, sunburn, usually looks like same as sunburn with some other symptoms, such as:

  • Headache
  • dehydration
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • blistering
  • peeling skin
  • fever
  • vomiting

What causes a sun rash?

The focused cause is unknown, but UV radiation, skin sensitivity, and less skin immunity are common reasons.

Here are some more factors:

  • Light skin
  • At birth
  • A native of northern regions
  • Family history
  • Living in high altitude areas

Should I contact a doctor for sunburns?

If you get it quickly, you should consult a dermatologist. They will not only guide you further but examine the areas of rashes.

In other conditions, if you never had it before and suddenly get one, consult a doctor. For example, if you feel pain in rashes and fever in more severe issues, you need immediate medical attention.

Home remedies and treatment

Skin specialists do not recommend sun rash treatment and check if it resolves. Moreover, few home remedies may help depend on the rash without thoroughly treating its visibility.

  • Here are some of them:
  • Rehydrate with water, sports drinks, and juices
  • Apply Coconut oil after the cool water
  • Anti-itching creams
  • Cold compresses or bath
  • Avoid scratching
  • Moisturises skin

However, if you don’t get desirable results, reach out to a doctor. They might prescribe more compelling solutions as per skin condition.

Prevention

Better if you minimize the risk of happening the first time or again. Here are the best possible preventions:

  • Apply sunscreen
  • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or at least 30.
  • Make sure you apply it before 30 minutes of going out.
  • Apply every 2 hours or sooner in case of swimming and sweating

Full covering clothes (Long-sleeve, hats), Wear knit containing clothes with sun protective factors during the summers.

Avoid the sun between 10 a.m to 2 p.m, Always Try to avoid intense sun rays and stay out of the sun until 4 p.m

Sun exposure in spring

Depending on the types of rash, going in the mild sun will develop your skin’s ability to reduce the future effects.

Conclusion

If skin conditions don’t respond to the home treatments, call a doctor. For example, if the sunburn has blisters and you may feel numb while white-looking skin, it might be a severe sunburn symptom that needs a quick medical diagnosis.

Are you facing the same skin issues? Asian dermatologist center may help.

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