Sunburn Swelling
Facts about Sunburn Swelling
Many people are familiar with the symptoms of red, painful skin when outdoor activities result in sunburn; swelling, however, is a lesser known yet just as important symptom that should be recognized and avoided when at all possible.
Sunburn is caused when ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the epidermis. When exposed to the sun, human skin attempts to protect itself by producing a pigment that is called “melanin”. Normally, the pigment darkens the natural skin color; a process called tanning. Although melanin is produced to avoid the skin burning, it only works to a certain extent. After the levels of melanin are not enough to protect the tender skin, sunburn will occur.
Most will associate sunburn with a hot, sunny day. It may surprise many to learn that sunburn can occur in the dead of winter, caused when the sun’s ultraviolet rays bounce back from the brilliance of the white winter snow. The ultraviolet rays are also just as present on a cloudy day as they are on a sunny one, and often produce sunburns when individuals forego applying sunscreen believing they are safe with no visible sun.
Skin responds to sunburns almost immediately. When it is discovered that no enough melanin can be produced to protect the skin, the body responds to the burning by sending fluids to the area to cool it and keep it hydrated. The fluid can remain in the skin tissues as it provides healing hydration, and will eventually be reabsorbed into the system. Before it is reabsorbed, the additional fluid plumps out the cells of the skin tissue; adding more bulk to the areas affected. This swelling, or edema as it is called, can be uncomfortable and even painful for the individual who experiences it.
Sunburn swelling and the discomfort it causes can be relieved. Taking acetaminophen or aspirin will help with any pain that is experienced. Placing ice directly on the burn should be avoided, as it can cause frostbite which adds additional damage to already sensitive and vulnerable skin. If no blistering is present, a soothing lotion such as aloe can be applied directly to the affected area to provide instant relief. Applying cool, damp clothes to the burn can also help to provide a cooling effect.
If blisters are present, it is important not to attempt to drain them. Blisters form as part of the body’s defense system; keeping a wounded area covered and hydrated as the skin beneath develops. Once the healing is complete, the fluid forming the blister will be absorbed into the body; and the damaged skin above will peel away to reveal newly formed skin. Breaking the blister can introduce bacteria that will then cause infections. Swelling around the blisters is a normal occurrence, and will also decrease as healing progresses.
The best defense against sunburn, swelling and blistering is to prevent it from happening. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin during any extended outdoor stays, whether it is cloudy, sunny, spring, summer, fall or winter. Covering the skin to reduce exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays is the best course of action. Those individuals with fair skin and light colored hair are at the greatest risk for sunburn, as their bodies produce less melanin. The darker the natural skin color and hair color, the less risk for sunburn. However, this does not mean that darker skinned individuals should not apply sunscreen; there are other considerations in ultraviolet rays than the inevitable sunburn.
Sun exposure can have adverse effects on the body; most familiar to people are the reddened and painful skin. Swelling that is due to sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable, but will be relieved as the body embarks upon its natural healing course.