Solar erythema becomes evident, especially in the summer months, when the sun's radiation is perceived more intense. Also, people spend more time exposed and tend to relax their skin protection. We tell you how you can take proper care of yourself.
Solar erythema is the typical sunburn that we suffer when we are subjected to ultraviolet radiation for a long time. In general, the most intense symptoms appear in the first 24 hours and then begin to decrease.
What is known as solar erythema is a set of entities with different gravity. There are slight injuries, with hardly a desquamation of the superficial layer of the epidermis. However, other times, the burn breaks off a piece of skin and creates blisters.
In either situation, the affected area becomes red from blood congestion . There is not always inflammation, but it can happen that the flow of liquids in the tissues increases its volume.
As we have said, this solar erythema comes from the action of the ultraviolet rays of the sun . Although there are different wavelengths in sunlight, the radiation that most affects the skin is UVB and UVA.
UVA radiation is very penetrating, and can reach the dermis, which is below the epidermis. Its negative effect manifests itself in the long term. It accelerates cellular aging and favors the development of skin cancer .
On the other hand, UVB radiation is the direct culprit of solar erythema. The skin tans and burns from this radiation. It is also capable of altering cells by making them cancerous. Therefore, both radiations are an oncological risk factor .
Risk groups for solar erythema
We can all suffer from solar erythema if we expose ourselves inadequately to the radiation of the sun, at times that are not recommended and without protection. In any case, certain population groups are more prone to these burns; among them are the following:
- Those who have to work, yes or yes, in homeless environments, at midday.
- People with very light complexions .
- Those who perform water or mountain sports activities , since the reflection of water and snow is capable of burning with the same intensity as direct light.
- Inhabitants of tropical areas , where the direction of the sun is more perpendicular to the earth and the radiation schedule is longer.
- Patients medicated with some antibiotics , such as doxycycline.
- Chronic patients with autoimmune pathologies with dermal involvement, such as lupus .
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What to do before a solar erythema?
Once the solar erythema has been established, the measures to be taken should be to alleviate the injury . A medical visit is not usually necessary in these cases. However, if doubts are raised about the evolution of the burn , it is advisable to consult.
If we know that we were very exposed to the sun and that the erythema will surely appear to us, we should shower with cold water when we return to our house. Cold objects can also be placed on the affected skin to begin to control the inflammation that is going to be generated.
The clothes should be loose during the days that the erythema lasts . The rubbing of t-shirts and pants hurts and hurts, in addition to promoting flaking, which can be dangerous if there are blisters .
In the case of having blisters with liquid, it is advisable not to burst them . They must be allowed to evolve without too much intervention. You can put creams around with pain relievers and coolants, as well as seal the vesicles with a sterile bandage so they don't get infected.
Regarding medication, the article "Approach to the treatment of skin aging" in the magazine Ars Pharmaceutica proposes the use of gotu kola in creams . This would stimulate the production of collagen to repair the skin. Orally, paracetamol would be indicated to control pain.
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Take care with sunscreens
Sunscreen creams are a fundamental tool in summer and throughout the year. Dermatological associations recommend its use when exposed to direct sunlight and with more reason in risk groups.
What the sunscreen does is reflect the radiation or absorb it to hinder its arrival at the skin. The unit of measurement used for these preparations is the sun protection factor (SPF). Each SPF is linked to a percentage of UV radiation filtering.
In practice, a SPF 30 sunscreen is sufficient for most cases , as it blocks 96.7% of the radiation. Using a larger number is useful on the face, in children or in people with very light complexions.
How to apply and maintain it is key . Avoiding solar erythema depends on the cream being evenly distributed on the body and on reaching a layer of at least 2 milligrams for each square centimeter of skin.
Taking care of solar erythema is a healthy habit
Although it may not seem like it, taking care of solar radiation is a habit that affects our future life. We can avoid most cases of skin cancer if we respect the minimum measures of sun exposure and use adequate sunscreen.
When in doubt about a dermal injury, whether it is a sunburn or a more serious burn, it is advisable to consult a doctor. It is preferable to get advice about the seriousness of the condition and act accordingly.
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