If your skin is reddish in color, this is a sign that you have been burned. This is due to an excess of UV radiation on the skin. If the body is repeatedly exposed to sunlight without sufficient protection, this can eventually lead to thickening of the skin or pigmentation. What can we do if we notice that we are burned and why does someone actually get bored?
Sunburn
UV beams
On a sunny day, many choose to apply protective sunscreen, but that does not mean that you are always sufficiently protected against sunburn. It can happen that the UV rays (ultra violet radiation) are too aggressive or your skin is too sensitive and you can still get sunburned skin. You may also be burned unexpectedly, for example if it is suddenly very hot outside and you are not able to quickly apply sunscreen, but you are still exposed to the sun’s rays. When your skin is burned, this shows up as a reddish discoloration. Due to the heat, it is sometimes possible that you realize that you are burning far too late, because your skin can be somewhat numbed by the heat. Burns are caused by excessive influence of UV rays on the skin. The extent to which someone is burned can be divided into categories:
- First degree burn : the skin looks (slightly) red, feels painful and may be slightly swollen. This will decrease a few days later and the skin will peel.
- Second degree burn : the skin is red, painful and blisters appear. After a few days the blisters disappear and peeling occurs.
- If, in addition to the above symptoms, there is also fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, palpitations and headache, it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Skin adjustment
Production of melanin
If the skin is exposed to the sun’s rays on a regular basis, this will ensure that the skin adapts to this. Initially this happens through the production of melanin, which gives us a tan. However, someone who has a lot of pigment in their skin will tan much faster than someone with little or no pigment.
Suntan cream Suntan
creams have been marketed for people who have difficulty tanning, so they can still achieve a beautiful tan.
Pigmentation
As a defense mechanism when exposed to UV rays more frequently, our skin will respond by creating a thicker skin layer or extra pigmentation. The creation of pigment is a reflex of our body so that the UV rays cannot penetrate deeper into our body. However, if we are exposed to UV radiation a lot (such as under a sunbed), this can eventually cause light or darker spots to appear on the skin. This shows that the DNA of the skin cells is affected. That is why people talk about the high risks of skin cancer when one uses the sunbed too much or sunbathes excessively without protection.
Burned: what now?
If you notice that you are burned, get out of the sun immediately. Applying an extra layer of sunscreen in the hope that you can still tan a bit and that it will go away is not a good idea. In addition, it is also wise to apply after-sun cream. If possible, take a cold bath to cool your body. Also drink enough water to maintain fluid production in your body. If you experience severe burning and feel unwell, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
Molting
If you have been burned, your skin will start to peel. During molting, the top layer of the skin (the stratum corneum) is removed. In this way, the skin can get rid of as many damaged cells as possible caused by excessive UV radiation. This usually happens a few days after the burn. If you start to peel, it will also itch, but it is important not to scratch because this can even cause (small) scars in the long term. Plucking the peeled skin is also not recommended. Letting nature take its course offers the least chance of complications in the long term.
