How do I recognize a sunburn and how do I treat it properly?
April 19, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Nina Endres
Dear Dermatologist,
My name is Jürgen Reuter and I am reaching out to you because I have noticed a very unusual skin condition in the past few days and I am unsure how to deal with it. I recently spent a longer period of time outdoors and it seems like I got too much sun exposure. My skin feels red and slightly burnt, especially on my shoulders and face. Additionally, it is very warm and painful to the touch.
I am worried that it might be a sunburn and I am wondering how I can properly identify it. Are there specific signs I should look out for? How can I be sure that it is indeed a sunburn and not something more serious?
Furthermore, I would like to know from you how I can best treat a sunburn. Should I cool it, moisturize the skin, or are there specific creams that could help? How long does it usually take for the symptoms to fade and when should I see a doctor if my condition worsens?
Thank you in advance for your help and I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Jürgen Reuter
Dear Mr. Reuter,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise as a dermatologist. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of a possible sunburn. I would like to provide you with some information and advice regarding your current skin condition.
A sunburn occurs when the skin is damaged by prolonged or intense exposure to the sun. Typical signs include reddened, warm, and painful areas of skin, which may also slightly swell. In severe cases, blistering may occur. It is important to differentiate a sunburn from other skin conditions in order to choose the right treatment.
To properly treat a sunburn, you should first cool the affected areas of skin, for example with moist towels or cooling gels. Be careful not to further irritate the skin and avoid touching the affected areas. It is also important to moisturize the skin to support the healing process. Moisturizing creams or lotions are suitable for this purpose.
If the symptoms of a sunburn do not improve after a few days or worsen, it is important to see a doctor. In some cases, a sunburn can lead to serious complications, such as sun allergy or skin infection.
The healing time of a sunburn depends on its severity. Mild sunburns may fade within a few days, while more severe burns may take longer to heal. It is important to protect the affected areas of skin from further sun exposure during this time to prevent further damage.
I hope this information helps you and that you will soon feel relief from your symptoms. If you have any further questions or feel unsure, please do not hesitate to contact me again.
Best regards,
Nina Endres, Dermatologist
