SUNBURN 911 !!!

This Blog was inspired by one of my girlfriends.

She texted me yesterday miserable, in pain and needing help.

ASAP.

It seems July 4th Lake Season, has yet again, snatched another one of my fairer skinned cohorts in its fiery, painful grasp.

Like, if this were a film in the horror movie genre, it would probably be called:

INDEPENDANCE DAY: The Revenge of UV Overexposure 

*insert Michael Myers theme*

 

She texted me saying " I got a sunburn and it's the worst one I've ever had! This hurts! I used sunscreen on my face but the rest of me is on fire!! PLEASE HELP!"

I gave her some tips last night, and she followed all my instructions
(I LOVE IT when people do that!)

She told me today that she felt SO much better instantly afterwards.
SOOOOO...I thought I'd share with the class.

It happens to the best of us.
Even I,  yes me,  got a little crispy last summer despite my efforts to the contrary.

So, here is a little guide to get you through the summer.

Obviously, as the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Use a good, medical grade sunblock.
You only need to use around an SPF 30-45.
Go read my Blog on the Truth About SPF. (It's not as boring as it sounds)

http://theskingurus.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-truth-about-spf-its-not-as-boring_6.html?m=0

My fave is ELTA MD.

 

Apply sunblock EVERY morning and if you will be outside for any extended period of time then reapply every 1-2 hours.

 

The other thing I want to tell you about. HELIOCARE.

 

 

This OTC supplement derived from central and South American ferns is getting rave reviews in the skin care and dermatological circles. It is not FDA approved so I will only tell you what I know. Seems this is a highly potent antioxidant that helps aid in stopping/preventing sun damage.

 

I read the clinical reviews by highly regarded sources and felt confident enough to give this a try on myself and my kids on our Mexico vacation last year. I can’t find any known side effects in 20 years of research. Some studies indicate that the photoprotective properties when taken orally can reduce the risk of sunburn by as much as 200%. 

 

Okay, so it happened.

You have the worst sunburn in the history of sunburns in the history of mankind existence.
What can help soothe it?

First, take two of these and text me in the morning.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen can help treat your fever and/or discomfort.
Aspirin also inhibits the prostaglandin release that causes redness and inflammation.

However, you *MAY* feel like taking two of these-

 

BUT DON'T!

Alcohol is Bad News Bears for you right now. You are dehydrated from the burn and these Mambo Taxis (while delicious and extremely potent) as well as other adult beverages will only make you more dehydrated and horribly miserable tomorrow. You need to drink plenty of H2O.

Try these tips....even though they sound weird.

Get a tub of yogurt. Make sure it is PLAIN yogurt not the fruit-on -the-bottom kind (or else your dog/household companions will NOT leave you alone for the rest of the night!)
Rub this on the affected areas. Yogurt has a soothing quality and draws the heat out.
It might leave a slightly chalky appearance but will feel great!

Mix 2 tbs of Apple Cider Vinegar with 2 cups of cold water. Apply this as needed to the sunburn with either a spray bottle or soaked washcloths. Sweet relief!!

Try adding 1/2 cup of Baking Soda to a cool bath and soak in it for a bit.

And, of course, Aloe Vera Gel. As much as you can slather on.


BLISTERS! Well, now you've done it!
Don't rupture these blisters! They are natures band-aids!

However, if a blister pops-apply bacitracin or polysporin if you suspect an infection starting.
This can be characterized by a yellowish discharge or excessive redness around the blister.
Keep it clean, apply one of the topical antibiotics listed above and cover loosely with a bandage or gauze for a day or so to prevent chafing or irritation with clothing.

DANGER SIGNS OF INFECTION!
If you experience any of the following symptoms then see a doctor immediately.

Increased pain, swelling or warmth around the wound (blister) site.

Red streaks extending away from the wound site.

Atypical colored drainage (yellow or green) from the blister.

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm etc.

Fever, faintness, dizziness, rapid heart beat, nausea, vision impairments or sensitivity to light.

And, please...for the love of St. Francis, my friends....use your common sense.
If something isn't right or you are in doubt- go see a doctor!

I hope these tips help you manage the discomfort should you find yourself with the world's worst sunburn! EVER!

I'm not a vampire BUT I DID meet R-Pats.
Not usually my cup of Earl Grey. But something about that English accent....

Tally-ho,

Michelle and Nancy

The Skin Gurus
How old you are is YOUR business, how old you look is OURS!