2.  Sunlight is essential for
skin, general health and well being.
 Overexposure to UV rays of the
sun, however, can damage skin
causing
wrinkles, sunburn, suntan, rashes,
skin cancer, and other disorders.
 Condition is known as photo-
damage or sun damage.
 Mostly occurs on parts such as
head, neck, face, hands, forearms,
and lower leg regions.

3.  Although not usually fatal, it can be disabling and
cause a lot of discomfort.
 Mostly affects outer layer of the skin - first degree
burn.
 In extreme cases may result in second degree burns
and blistering.
 Sunburn can not cause third degree burns or scarring.

4. 1. Overexposure to sun’s rays or
tanning bed.
2. Temperature of the skin rises
drastically.
3. Skins becomes red and
painful.
4. Skin may peel, swell or blister
if burn is severe.
5. Symptoms go away within a
few days, though damage to
skin is permanent and can
lead to skin cancer on the
long run.

5.  Suntan results from injury to the outermost layer of
the skin (epidermis).
 Tanned color results from body’s defense mechanism
against UV rays – accelerated production of melanin.
 Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes which
gives skin its normal complexion and help protect
against harmful UV radiation.
 Suntan contributes to early aging of skin and skin
cancer.

7.  Travel to regions close to the
equator and places at high
altitudes.
 Light-skinned and fair-
haired individuals.
 Prior recent sun exposure
and prior skin injury.
 Sun rays are strongest
between 11 am and 4 pm.

8.  Initially, skin turns red about 2-6 hours after exposure and
feels irritated.
 Peak effects are noted at 12-24 hours.
 Mild Sunburn:
 Results in minor skin redness and irritation.
 Sufficient exposure can become very painful.
 More severe cases: Sun Poisoning
 Complicated by skin burning and blistering, massive fluid
loss, electrolyte disturbance, and infection.
 Left untreated: shock and even death.

9.  Common Symptoms:
 Nausea/vomiting
 Flulike symptoms
 Blistering
 Skin loss: 4-7 days after exposure

10.  If sunburn is severe enough, one should see a doctor.
 The following conditions call for emergency medical
help:
 Severe pain
 Severe blistering
 Fever and chills
 Headache and confusion
 Nausea or vomiting
 Fainting

11. 1. Get out of the sun and get indoors!
2. Look for blisters:
 Blistering means skin is completely
damaged and complications are likely.
 If area with blisters is bigger than one
entire arm or abdomen, seek medical care
immediately.
3. Take a cool shower or bath to soothe the
pain.
4. Apply aloe vera or another moisturizing
lotion.
5. Use cold compresses with water and
milk.

12. 6. Use Calamine lotion:
 Zinc oxide with ferric oxide.
 Anti-itching agent.
 Mild-antiseptic: prevents infections
caused by scratching affected areas.
 Astringent – dries oozing blisters.
7. Leave blisters intact. If they burst on
their own, apply antibacterial
ointment (Fucidin) on open areas.
8. OTC pain relievers can be used.
9. Don’t use petroleum jelly, butter or
other home remedies – prevent or
delay healing.
10. While burn is healing, wear loose
natural clothing like silk or light
cottons.

13.  Burns can cause swellings.
 Burns of the face and neck can sometimes swell enough
to cause difficulty breathing – emergency help needed.
 Burns completely circling hands or feet may cause severe
swelling such that blood flow is restricted.
 If swollen hands and feet become numb, tingly or blue.
seek emergency help.

14.  There are two options for treatment:
 Self-care at home
 Medical treatment

15.  Immediate self-care is aimed at
stopping the UV radiation:
 Get out of the sun
 Cover exposed skin
 Get out of tanning bed
 Relief of discomfort:
 NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen):
useful when started early.
 Cool compresses with milk and
water.
 Cool (not ice cold) baths may
help.

16.  Relief of discomfort:
 Compresses with Burow’s solution (aluminum acetate):
 Has astringent and antibacterial properties.
 Dissolve 1 packet in 1 pint of water.
 Soak gauze or a soft clean cloth in it.
 Apply cloth to the sunburned area for 15-20 minutes.
 Change or refresh the cloth and solution every 2-3 hours.
 Aloe-based lotions:
 Keep skin healthy and moist
 Help healing process
 Soothes dryness and cools inflammation.
 Cold sugarless tea:
 Tannins in tea help healing process.
 Applied on eyelids.

17.  General Precautions:
 Avoid bath salts, oils, and perfumes –
sensitization.
 Avoid scrubbing the skin or shaving it,
 Use soft towels to gently dry yourself.
 Use a light, fragrance-free skin
moisturizer.
 Avoid lotions that contain topical
anesthetic medications -
sensitization.
 Drink lots of fluids to keep hydrated.

18.  If case is mild and not life threatening doctor may
suggest continuing of self-care measures.
 If case is severe enough (2nd degree):
 Oral steroid therapy may be prescribed for several days.
 Topical steroids show minimal to no benefit.
 In case of blistering, steroids may be withheld to avoid an
increased risk of infection.
 May be referred to hospital’s burn unit.
 If dehydrated or suffering from heat stress:
 IV fluids, along with hospital admission.

19.  Best prevention measure is to
avoid the sun.
 More practical strategies include
wearing wide-brimmed
hats, long-sleeved shirts, and
long pants.
 Zinc applied topically acts as a
physical blocker of UV light.
 Vitamin C lotion applied
topically reduces chances and
severity of burns.

20.  Vitamin E: Topical & Oral
 Free radical scavenger –
antioxidant.
 Soothe skin and help prevent
sunburn, when applied
immediately after exposure.
 Most effective if applied before 8
hours have elapsed after exposure.
 Safe to take oral vitamin E before
going outside.

21.  While not a first aid measure, it
is a useful pharmacy practice.
 Sunscreen should be applied in
generous amounts in layers
before exposure.
 It should be reapplied after
exposure.
 People seldom apply enough
sunscreen or rarely reapply it.
 Sweating and swimming
degrade its effectiveness.
 Sunscreens are not waterproof.

22.  Sunscreens should always be
applied before any other skin
products or makeup.
 Products containing PABA should
be avoided in children less than 6
months – possible skin irritation.
 SPF (sun protection factor) is a
ratio of the time it takes to
produce a skin reaction on
protected and unprotected skin.
 The higher the SPF, the higher the
protection offered.

23.  Although not always true in practice - a 30 SPF
sunscreen would in theory allow 30 times longer
exposure time than with no sunscreen.
 Sunscreens sold for kids can be used by adults and vice
versa.
 The FDA is banning what it calls misleading labeling
on sunscreens. The use of the words
sunblock, waterproof, and all day protection will no
longer be used.