Be Extra Careful This Year: 7 Things You Need to Know About Sunburn
Skin & BeautyAs El Niño drives earlier and more intense summer heat, sunburn is a frequently underestimated risk. Learn the 7 essential steps for cooling, repair, when to see a doctor, what NOT to apply, and how to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Meteorological agencies predict that this summer may bring earlier and more intense heat waves. This is related to the developing El Niño phenomenon. Sea temperatures in the equatorial Pacific entered an "El Niño state" as early as May this year, with large areas of ocean water running warmer than usual, subsequently driving up global average temperatures.
Among the problems brought by hotter weather, one condition is frequently underestimated — sunburn.
Sunburn is an acute inflammatory reaction that occurs when skin is exposed to excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Mild sunburn: Skin becomes red and warm, with slight stinging or burning sensation upon touch.
- Moderate sunburn: Obvious erythema, pain, and swelling appear, with the skin becoming more sensitive to touch.
- Severe sunburn: Intense pain and blister formation may occur, sometimes accompanied by headache and fever.
If the damage is too severe for repair, cells initiate programmed death (apoptosis). The peeling you see a few days after sun exposure is the direct result of this process.
Within 72 hours after sunburn, redness, swelling, heat, pain, and peeling reactions may persist — this is also the period when repair treatment is most needed.
If this summer you are destined to face stronger sunlight (such as accompanying your child to soccer practice, catching up on outdoor activities on weekends, or visiting a water park), then the following 7 things are best known in advance.