Causes, Prevention and Care of Sunburns
SUNBURNS:
When you visit diani beach, you are going to lie on the beach and enjoy the lovely coastal sun but over indulgence could get you in trouble. Too much exposure to the sun’s rays and you could get burnt-and the pain from the burn would ruin a perfect holiday and limit the time you are able to spend in the sun.
Diani Beach is usually sunniest during the months of October-March so visitors have to be very careful while out in the sun.
So, what exactly are sunburns and how can you get them?
In normal instances sunburns occur when the skin is overexposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Depending on the shade of your skin, you could get a pink mild spot that is a little uncomfortable to a serious burn that becomes a blister. Look out for the following symptoms for a case of sunburns:
1. Red spot that is usually followed by varying degrees of pain. The spot will have darker edges and will at times grow in size after some time.
2. Peeling skin
3. Fever
4. Itching
5. Dehydration
Severe sunburns may lead to hospitalization and normally it takes around 15 minutes for the effect to occur after exposure. It is the two hours before midday and two hours after midday are that you are likely to come into contact with the dangerous rays. You can take some basic preventive measures, for instance, taking a lot of water before venturing out into the hot sun, is a well known preventive measure.
Even in the event you got burns, the water will facilitate your quick recovery since one of the symptoms is dehydration. Apply sunscreens 15-30 minutes before going on that sun bath and 15 minutes later when you get away from the sun. Note however, sunscreen will not protect you 100 % from ultraviolet rays so wear protective gear like a hat and sunglasses and light cotton clothes on the rest of the body. You can easily get sunscreen from any supermarket in Diani Beach.
It is advisable to avoid caffeinated beverages when you get sunburns since they increase the dehydration. Don’t put ice or butter on sunburn because that will only worsen the situation.
TREATMENT
Several forms of treatment are known but the following are your best bet.
• Take pain relievers to quell the pain and swells in this case aspirin and ibuprofen
• Applying a cream like aloe Vera helps keep the area moist and prevent further symptoms like dehydration.
• Use of NSAIDs(Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil and Motrin or Aleve Naprosyn
• Taking Tylenol or panadol
DISCLAIMER
Seek medical attention for the doctor to determine the extent of the damage and the best treatment including countering any possible side effects and giving alternatives. If the burn is a nasty one, there are good hospitals with worldclass staff and facilties along Diani Beach.
Giving the sunburn a few days can heal it but in the event of an upset stomach or fever in the process, take enough water because this is a sign of dehydration. Don’t scratch the peeling skin or try to scrub the dry skin off because you will be exposing the underlying skin which could result in further damage.
Use a moisturizer to help relieve itching dryness. Some people advice home remedies like the use of butter, oil and strong ointments on the burned skin but that could be your worst mistake because you will only irritate the sunburns further. Home remedies like applying cider vinegar on the burned area and leaving it to dry prevents peeling and blistering. Use extra virgin olive oil on dry skin.
Since sunburns are known to cause mild headaches lie in a cool quiet place and take lots of water. Peeling is part of the healing process so don’t remove the dry caking parts but instead use lotion.
Remember it is better to avoid sunburn than healing one, so stay safe.
