In the summer it can be difficult to avoid spending time in the sun. With the warm weather only lasting a few months, summer is the best time of year to take your normal activities outdoors. This being said, too much sun can be problematic and lead to a sunburn without the proper safety precautions. If you are someone who spends a lot of time outdoors in the summer, keep reading to learn more about what to do if you find yourself suffering from a sunburn. For sunburns that are blistering, visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for same-day treatment. Our clinic offers walk-in care Monday through Saturday to patients in Kent, WA, and the surrounding communities.
Can Sunburns Heal On Their Own?
During the summer months, temperatures skyrocket and the sun stays out longer than during the winter months. This is because the sun is closer to the surface of the earth. Not only does this make for warm and sunny summer days, but it also increases your chances of getting a sunburn. The UV (ultraviolet) index is a measurement of how potent the suns rays are during the day. During the summer, the UV index increases dramatically compared to the winter months, meaning that sunburns can happen much more easily in the summer.
If you spend too much time outside during the summer and do not take protective measures to avoid contact with harmful UV rays, you likely will suffer from a sunburn. In most cases, a sunburn will make your skin appear pink and cause some mild discomfort as a result of the UV rays burning the skin. However, when the UV index is very high, you can accidentally find yourself suffering from severe sunburns as a result of being outdoors. In the case of mild sunburns, you may not need to seek medical treatment. However, moderate to severe sunburns require medical care to ensure that they do not become infected.
When Does a Sunburn Require Medical Care
It is important to ensure you are protecting your skin from sun exposure when you’re spending time outdoors in the summer. Without proper sunscreen application or protective clothing, your skin can become severely damaged. Although most sunburns are mild, it is possible for sunburns to cause severe discomfort and even cause blistering on the surface of the skin. Severe sunburns take longer to heal and are prone to infection. If your sunburn is peeling and revealing raw skin or has blistered, you should seek medical care. Without proper care, severe sunburns can become infected and lead to secondary issues like scarring.
Tips for Healing a Mild Sunburn
Mild sunburns are common during the summertime. Forgetting to reapply your sunscreen according to the directions on the package or failing to adequately cover your skin when you’re spending time in the sun can result in a mild sunburn very easily. A mild sunburn typically makes your skin slightly red and causes mild discomfort.
Mild sunburns can heal on their own. They typically heal within a few days of the burn. However, it is important to follow these key instructions to promote proper healing:
- Avoid contact with hot water
- Wear loose clothing
- Avoid excessive sweating
- Moisturize regularly and apply aloe vera
- Avoid harsh or irritating products on the burned areas
Visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for Same-Day Sunburn Treatment
If you find yourself suffering from a mild sunburn, your skin will likely recover on its own in a few days. Moderate to severe sunburns that cause blistering or severe skin peeling may require medical treatment to prevent infection. At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, our clinic is available on a walk-in basis to provide same-day care for common injuries such as sunburns. Our board-certified medical providers will help clean and treat your sunburn to prevent infection and decrease any discomfort while your skin repairs itself. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care - walk into the clinic today or contact us directly for more information by calling (425) 291-3300.
