The summer months are ahead, which means more time spent in the sun. While laying on the beach or going to a summer fair can be fun activities for the whole family, be sure to prioritize protecting your skin from the harsh UV rays. Sunburns can be significantly painful experiences and they can leave lasting health concerns, like skin cancer. While taking steps to prevent sunburns are important, it’s also important to know what to do in the case a severe burn occurs.

For same-day sunburn and rash treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care North Bergen. Our team of board-certified medical providers can examine your skin and make the best recommendations for long-term care. Simply walk into the clinic or schedule your appointment online.

Blistering Sunburn? Here’s What To Do

Sunburns can have varying degrees of severity. If you have a blistering sunburn, it’s crucial to get out of the sun. The longer you stay in the sun, the worse your sunburn will become. Taking a cool shower or bath can help soothe your skin and ease any pain you might be experiencing. Aloe vera is a natural remedy that can help soothe sunburned skin. Apply the gel to the affected area several times throughout the day. Additionally, apply a moisturizer to your skin to fight off the dryness. Sunburns can often cause peeling skin, which can leave lasting damage. It’s just as important to keep your body hydrated as your skin. Be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated from the inside out.

It’s important to avoid picking at blisters or peeling skin, as this can lead to infection and make the skin damage worse. You can use over-the-counter pain medication to ease pain and reduce inflammation, but let the blisters run their course to heal on their own.

Tips For Best Preventing a Sunburn

Preventing sunburn is essential for maintaining healthy skin and avoiding long-term damage that can lead to skin cancer. To best prevent a sunburn, prioritize wearing sunscreen. Sunscreen is one of the most crucial tools for preventing sunburn. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it every two hours when you’re out in the sun. Sunscreen is important throughout the entire year, not just the summer! Be sure to apply it to all areas of exposed skin, including the face, ears, neck, and hands. Additionally, wear protective clothing to prevent sunburn. If you know you’re going to be spending long hours in high UV areas, wear a hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt and pants to cover the skin as much as possible.

Be aware of reflection. Water, sand, and snow can all reflect the sun’s rays and increase your skin from sunburn. When you’re near these surfaces, take extra precautions to protect your skin. Always stay hydrated, protect your eyes, and avoid tanning beds to reduce your risk of skin cancer. It’s crucial to prevent sunburn to protect your skin and maintain overall health. Repeated sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Sunburns can also cause premature aging, wrinkles, and skin damage.

When To Seek Medical Attention

While most mild to moderate sunburns can be treated at home, there are certain cases where seeking professional treatment is necessary. If you have a blistering sunburn, or have a history of skin damage from the sun, it’s important to monitor your burn closely and see a healthcare provider if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• High fever
• Large blisters on senesite areas
• Nausea or vomiting
• Signs of infection

A blistering sunburn can lead to more serious complications if left untreated, such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. If you experience any dizziness, confusion, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately. It’s always best to stay cautious and consult with a medical provider. At AFC Urgent Care North Bergen, a provider can assess the severity of your burn and provide the appropriate treatment. For same-day care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC North Bergen. The center is open seven days a week with extended weekend hours. We accept most major health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for any self-paying patient. Just walk-in today! If you have further questions about sunburns, please call us directly at (201) 588-1300.