Everyone is at risk of sunburn, even on cold and cloudy days. Knowing how to prevent skin damage from UV radiation is crucial since sunburn is responsible for 95% of melanomas, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
In this article, we discuss the symptoms of sunburn, how to prevent skin damage and the best sunburn treatment in Australia.
What is sunburn?
When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, it produces a pigment called melanin to help protect your skin. However, if there is too much UV radiation, it can damage your skin causing it to turn red, hot and painful.
Sunburn is a type of radiation burn that damages the skin cells. UV exposure can also cause premature ageing and eye damage.
Sunburn can happen very quickly (as little as 11 minutes) and can continue to develop for 1-3 days afterwards. Recovery from severe sun damage can take weeks.
People with pale skin get sunburned more easily, but everyone is at risk of sun damage, even people with dark skin.
What is the UV index?
UV radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun and other sources such as solarium tanning beds. Australia has some of the most extreme UV levels in the world.
You can feel infrared heat from the sun, but you can’t feel or see the sun’s UV rays. That means you can’t rely on the weather to determine your risk of sunburn. In fact, you can be at high risk of UV damage even on cloudy and cold days.
The Bureau of Meteorology website publishes the daily UV index numbers to assist with your activity planning and sun protection needs. Numbers range from 1 (low) to 11 and above (extreme).
When the UV index is 3 or above, it’s recommended to practice proper sun protection, including wearing protective clothing and a hat, applying sunscreen and putting on sunglasses.
Symptoms of mild vs severe sunburn
Sunburn can range from mild to severe. The symptoms of mild sunburn include:
- Redness
- Heat
- Pain
- Swelling
- Dry Skin
- Peeling
In addition to the above symptoms, severe sunburn may show the following signs:
- Blistering
- Wet or Shiny Appearance
- White Discolouration
- Fever or Chills
- Confusion, Weakness or Faintness
Mild sunburn can be treated at home. The best sunburn treatments for Australia include cold compresses, soothing burn gels containing aloe vera, and cool water.
Severe sunburn requires medical attention to avoid infection and ensure the healing process goes smoothly. Burn dressings may be applied to protect the sunburned skin.
If a person with sunburn or heat stroke is experiencing fever, headaches, nausea, severe pain or the signs of infection, urgent medical attention is required.
What are the complications of sunburn?
Sunburn can be painful to experience, but it can also lead to more serious consequences.
All types of sunburn can cause lasting damage to your skin and put you at higher risk of developing skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of Australia’s biggest killers, claiming over 2,000 lives every year.
Too much sun exposure can also lead to dehydration and heatstroke.
A severe sunburn can get infected. The signs of infection include swelling, pus and yellowing blisters. Severe sunburn should be treated, dressed and monitored by a health professional to reduce the risk of infection. A doctor may recommend cream or oral antibiotic medication for infections.
How to prevent sunburn
Sunburn can affect anyone and can happen on a cool and cloudy day, not just when the weather is hot and sunny. You should practice sun protection whenever UV levels are 3 or higher.
The Cancer Council Australia uses the slogan “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide” to explain how to protect yourself from sunburn and skin cancer.
Slip
Slip on sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Long sleeve shirts and pants are ideal.
Slop
Slop on some sunscreen which is rated SPF 30 or higher. You should apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply every 2 hours.
Slap
Slap on a broad-brimmed hat which protects your head, face, neck and ears.
Seek
Seek shade when possible and avoid direct sun exposure as much as you can.
Slide
Slide into some sun-protective glasses to prevent eye damage.
What’s the best sunburn treatment in Australia?
You can’t cure sunburn, but there are a number of burn treatments that can help relieve symptoms while your skin heals.
- Drink lots of water
- Stay out of direct sun
- Use a soothing gel such as Aeroburn burn gel or aloe vera gel on sunburned areas
- Have a cool bath or cool shower
- Use cold compresses on the sunburned skin
- Cover itchy blisters with an Aeroburn burn gel dressing
- Take pain relief medication
Burn supplies for your first aid kit
A burn first aid kit is essential for homes, schools, workplaces and public settings where there is a risk of sunburn, thermal burns or chemical burns.
Basic burn first aid essentials include:
- Aeroburn burn gel (tube and spray versions)
- Aeroburn burn gel dressings
- Polyethylene burn sheets
- Conforming bandages
- Burns first aid information
If you need to stock up on first aid essentials, LFA First Response can help. We supply a wide range of wholesale medical supplies with excellent use-by dates and quick turnaround times. Call our customer service team on 1800 681 544 to see how we can assist.
