Diary
Sunburn and heatstroke are part of the dangers of summer that we wish we could do without. How do they occur? What are the ways to avoid them and how to treat them when they are present? Canopea gives you some tips and tricks to enjoy a carefree summer.
How to avoid sunburns?
Your skin is hot, red and painful. No doubt, a sunburn is here. Nothing serious in the short term if it is a superficial burn. In three days, it will be nothing but a memory. It is rather the long-term effects that are to be feared: premature aging of the skin and risk of cancer. It is therefore better to preserve your sun by avoiding exposure between 12pm and 4pm and by protecting yourself well the rest of the time. This means wearing loose-fitting cotton or sun protection clothing, SPF 50+ sun cream on exposed areas, a hat and sunglasses. In terms of style, it's not bad at all!
How to treat a sunburn ?
If, in spite of these preventive measures, a sunburn does occur, you can limit its negative effects by following the right steps. As soon as you notice the sunburn, move to the shade and cool the burned area with cool water for fifteen minutes, until the pain subsides. If the burn is widespread, you can take a shower or a bath, but not too cold, to avoid thermal shock. To soothe first-degree burns, you can apply a soothing ointment, such as Biafine.
In the days that follow, avoid exposing yourself. If this is not possible, protect yourself by wearing loose cotton clothing and apply an SPF 50+ sunscreen to the exposed parts of your body, which you should reapply every two hours. If your skin is peeling, it is tempting to remove the flaky skin, but this is a bad idea as it will only delay healing. Scrubs are also not recommended, as they are both painful and counterproductive. Treat your skin gently by moisturizing it well, from the outside with an after-sun lotion, and from the inside by drinking plenty of water.
Natural alternatives to soothe a sunburn
Those who appreciate natural solutions for treating minor injuries can treat their sunburn with St. John's wort oil or aloe vera gel. We also recommend yogurt, cottage cheese or clay wraps, which can be applied for 15 minutes. Another solution to try is to pass a halved tomato, a slice of melon or a cucumber on the burn. The effect is not guaranteed, but why not use it as an emergency solution, if you have nothing else on hand!
How to treat a second-degree sunburn?
A sunburn can leave more serious lesions. The appearance of blisters on the skin is a sign of a second degree burn. In this case, there is a risk of infection. The burned areas should be cleaned with soap or an antiseptic and the blisters should not be punctured. In the case of a superficial second-degree burn, healing usually takes place within two weeks without leaving any marks. A deep second-degree burn heals more slowly, within a month, and may leave scars.
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion: what is the difference?
Other summer risks are sunstroke and heat exhaustion, which are often confused. heat exhaustion occurs after a long exposure to the sun. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is not related to exposure to the sun. It is caused by a prolonged stay in a very hot place, such as a closed vehicle parked in the sun. In case of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, the effects are the same: the body can no longer regulate its temperature. The victim feels hot on the skin, has headaches, nausea and fever. Other more spectacular symptoms can appear: vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, malaise.
What to do in case of heat stroke?
Heatstroke affects mostly young children and elderly people, but it can also affect athletes who practice their activity in high heat or people who have to work all day in a very hot environment. In all cases, the person suffering from heatstroke should be moved to a cool place, take off his or her clothes, cool the skin with a spray bottle or a damp towel, and have the person drink water in small sips. In case of vomiting, fainting or unusual behavior, call the emergency services for guidance. Don't lose sight of the fact that although heat stroke is usually harmless, it is fatal in 10% of cases.
Don't let this stop you from having a great vacation in the sun. By learning to understand it properly, you will make it one of your most faithful allies!