Berlin, 04.08.2020 – When the summer shows its bright side, we are drawn outside. Sun protection is of course a must – but sometimes it just happens: we spend too much time in the sun. The skin then burns, the head hums, and perhaps nausea is also noticeable. These typical symptoms often appear only hours after sunbathing. What you can do yourself now and when you should better see a doctor or even call an ambulance, you will learn in our overview.
Sunburn – this is how you alleviate the symptoms Add to info basket
The skin turns red, then burns and itches, a sunburn announces itself. What to do?
– Get out of the sun and cool down! But not with ice or ice-cold cooling packs. They put additional stress on the damaged skin. It is best to cool the affected area for 5 to 15 minutes under running, cool tap water or with wet compresses. To do this, moisten a clean cloth with cool, clean water and place it on the affected areas. – In addition to cold water, perfume-free water-containing lotions or gels can also provide relief. – Drink enough to compensate for fluid loss from burned skin.
A sunburn is usually a first-degree burn. The skin reacts to too much UV radiation with inflammation. About 4 to 12 hours after sunbathing, the skin becomes hot, red, itchy and painful.
In order to soften a sunburn, there are different ways to do it. One way are anti-inflammatory agents like espw. Hydrocortisone. Lotions or creams containing this active ingredient, colloquially known as cortisone, are thought to help block inflammatory processes. However, the better efficacy of lotions containing cortisone compared to those without has not been proven for first-degree burns. Creams containing cortisone are not suitable for children, pregnant women and people with skin injuries.
Another option is to care for the affected skin areas and help new skin cells to form. Active ingredients such as dexpanthenol, often referred to simply as panthenol, support the regeneration of the skin. They are to cool by evaporating water. Restore the protective barrier of the skin.
Help home remedies for sunburn? Put in the info basket
Curd or yogurt are often praised home remedies against sunburn. They also cool, but can additionally irritate the damaged skin. In the case of open wounds, the sores can be treated with curd cheese. Bacteria contained in yogurt can cause inflammation. Cooling with alcoholic or acidic liquids is not advisable. They irritate the skin. Intensify the burning sensation. Honey for sunburn. Insect bites?
Honey is said to have anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and anti-allergic effects. That is why it is also used as a home remedy for sunburn and insect bites. In fact, honey contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory agents. However, no household honey should be used for wound treatment. It may contain impurities. Medicinal honey is a sterilized mixture of certain types of honey.
The Cochrane Collaboration has analyzed all existing studies on the effectiveness of medicated honey in promoting wound healing. The study found that the effect of medicinal honey on second-degree burns and limited effect on inflamed surgical wounds is scientifically proven. It is not clear whether medicinal honey works better or worse than other forms of treatment for minor acute wounds.
If blisters form over a large area, this is a sign of a second-degree burn. Then it is better to consult a doctor. The same applies if the sunburn is associated with nausea, fever, vomiting or even circulatory collapse. Young children and babies should always be examined by a doctor in the event of a sunburn with fever, blisters or severe pain.
Sunstroke and heat exhaustion Add to inbox
Too much sun? This can happen to anyone. Happen to everyone. If you therefore feel dull but not ill, resting, cooling down and drinking – preferably isotonic drinks or mineral water – can alleviate the discomfort.
A cool, but not ice-cold shower can help if the person is otherwise healthy. Elderly people, small children or people with pre-existing conditions should rather use a sponge or cloth with cold water and wash off the skin with moisture. This will ensure that their circulation is not further stressed by a sudden cooling as in the shower.
What to do in case of sunstroke?
However, if you suffer from dizziness, nausea and a red, aching head after a long stay in the sun, you may have sunstroke. The cause is irritation of the meninges of the brain. A swelling of the brain tie due to excessive sun exposure of the head. Neck stiffness may develop or consciousness may be clouded in some circumstances. Since normally only the head is affected by sunstroke, the body temperature is at most slightly elevated.
– Sufferers should immediately be moved to a shady, cool environment and lie down with their head elevated. – The head and neck should be covered with cool, damp cloths. – Drinking is advisable – but only if the affected person is clearly conscious.
If the symptoms improve, a visit to the doctor is not absolutely necessary. However, children and the elderly are advised to always seek medical attention if sunstroke is suspected. If the affected person shows severe symptoms, e.g., a loss of salt. B. Significant neck stiffness, convulsions or increasing confusion, the emergency physician must be notified.
What to do in case of heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion occurs when prolonged exposure to heat (often combined with physical exertion and low fluid intake) increases sweat production and the body responds to the large amount of fluid or water in the body. salt loss: weakness, headache, thirst, nausea and dizziness up to confusion and shock can be the consequences. Heat exhaustion therefore requires a rapid electrolyte-. Hydration in a cool environment. If no isotonic drink is at hand, a teaspoon of common salt can be added to a liter of water. – As a precaution, it is advisable to keep the patient in a shock position.
In case of pronounced symptoms, a doctor should be informed. If the affected person is apathetic or has to vomit heavily, it is advisable to call the emergency doctor – also to exclude a sometimes life-threatening heat stroke (see below).