Latest news with #sunburn
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
My nose is permanently red after sunburn 5 years ago – strangers make comments but even doctors are baffled
JESSICA McGirr's nose has been left permanently red after getting sunburnt while on holiday in Tenerife over five years ago. "The redness has ruined my self-confidence and I now wear makeup every day to hide it,' the 24-year-old, who currently lives in New York, US, said. 6 6 6 "I get many comments from strangers asking me what's wrong with my nose or asking if I am sick," she added. The young woman from Ireland was on a boat trip on the Spanish island when she nodded off under the blazing sun without any sunscreen on. She spent around four hours exposed to strong UV rays and when she woke up burnt all over and with a bright red nose. The initial marks took about a week to go down. But two weeks later, her nose was still red and sore. 'The skin on my nose was very textured and would often bleed and scab," the advert operator said. 'For the first three years after the burn, my nose was very inflamed, "It is more calm at the moment," she said. "It's still very red but the texture is smoother.' Sunburn can cause lasting damage to the skin, including premature aging, the development of precancerous lesions, and a significantly increased risk of skin cancer. These harmful effects may not appear immediately and can take years, or even decades, to manifest. Jessica has seen three different doctors about her nose but no one has been able to help her. HSE issue skin cancer warning as Ireland set to bask in high temperatures this weekend 'No diagnosis has been made which is very frustrating because I wish I knew why this happened and if there could be a cure," she said. At first, she was prescribed some creams and treatments for acne. 'Very let down' When they didn't work, she was recommended to go to a skin clinic and get laser, which is sometimes used to help even out skin pigmentation. She said: "I got four sessions of intense pulsed light therapy but saw no results. 'I've had visual skin evaluations and blood tests but no doctor ever gave me a diagnosis. 'They denied it being rosacea due to it only being on my nose and it staying consistently red.' Jessica claims she hasn't been treated seriously and some doctors have simply told her to avoid spicy foods. She said: 'I feel very let down by the healthcare system at home as no doctor ever seemed to care or wanted to refer me to a specialist. 6 6 6 'I now wear factor 50 sunscreen every day.' She would like to seek further help, but she's concerned it could end up being a waste of money. 'If I knew a treatment would work, I would love to try it," she added. How to apply sun cream Dr Karishma Hemmady, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Clinics, says: "I recommend reapplying every two hours as a minimum, as we tend to apply it much more sparingly than is done during lab testing – so a SPF 30 will offer you only SPF 15 in most cases." But make sure to reapply as sun cream protection fades over the day. Dr Hermmady says: "Exposure to water will also alter the protection, even if your product is water resistant, so if you're swimming, perspiring and towel drying, or any other vigorous or abrasive activity, make sure you re-apply. "Up to 85 per cent of a product can be removed by towel drying." Being unprotected will also increase the likelihood of suffering with sunburn which could also lead to heatstroke. This is particularly dangerous and potentially fatal in young children, the elderly and people with health conditions. Dr Hemmady says: "Sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body causing dehydration. "In order to achieve the sun protection factor on the label, a fingertip-sized squirt should cover an area of skin the size of a hand. "So, a couple of squirts should be sufficient to adequately protect the face and about one tablespoon worth needs to be applied to each body part. "This is often a lot more than people think, so it is worth measuring this for a few applications to get a feel for how much is needed. "Applying less will reduce the protection to a higher degree than is proportionate – for example, only applying half the required amount can actually reduce the protection by as much as two thirds."
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Minute by minute – how the hot weather affects your body and the 10 signs you must never ignore
BRITAIN is baking in glorious sunshine. The Met Office predicts temperatures will hit 36C in parts of the UK today, after one of the hottest Junes on record, and sticky nights aren't offering much relief. 3 3 Most of England is currently subject to an amber heath health alert, meaning the entire population, the NHS, and transportation is likely to be affected by scorching temperatures. This is because while the sunshine gives us a healthy hit of vitamin D we've all be dying for, the heat also brings a host of health risks we can't afford to ignore. This could include a rise in deaths, particularly in people over 65 and those with existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. There are also concerns over an increase in demand on health and care services, and overheated hospitals and care homes. Experts say it can take as little as ten minutes to get sunburnt and 15 minutes to get heatstroke, in a worst case scenario. Heatstroke happens when your body overheats so badly it can't cool itself down - and if left untreated, it can be deadly. When the sun suddenly comes out in the UK, Brits are quick to get outside and lap up the rays. It's imperative to remember key sun safety, including drinking plenty of fluids and topping up sun screen. Here, experts reveal just how dangerous a hot weather can be, and how fast its effects could set in. Under 10 minutes: SUNBURN YOU might be fooled into thinking sunburn is only something that happens on holiday. Don't take the risk, as sunburn can occur in under 10 minutes, even if you can't see it straight away. Dr Kathryn Basford, of online doctors service ZAVA UK, told The Sun: 'You can very easily burn in as little as 10 minutes, if you're out in the sun and not properly protected from UV rays. 'It can also present itself through the course of the day and take between 24 to 72 hours to develop.' Sunburn doesn't just cause sore and sometimes blistered skin, but affects your temperature regulation. Prof Mike Tipton, Human and Applied Physiology, University of Portsmouth, told The Sun: 'Sunburn reduces sweating, which is an indirect problem in terms of impairing your thermo regulatory capabilities.' How fast your skin reacts will depend on whether you are wearing any sun screen, your clothing, your complexion and how strong the UV rays are. With every episode of sunburn, you increase the chances of skin cancer, as well as faster ageing skin. 15 minutes: HEAT EXHAUSTION HEAT exhaustion is the illness that precedes heatstroke. The symptoms include nausea, dizziness, muscle weakness, sweating, cool and clammy skin, irritability and confusion. A key sign is body temperature going above 41C - this can happen within 10 to 15 minutes of being in hot weather, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Prof Tipton warned heat exhaustion is a particular risk for babies and small children. He said: 'By putting people into warm baths, we can get their core temperature up by a degree and a half in 15 or 20 minutes. So you can get hot very quickly. 'If you're a small individual in a hot environment, particularly an environment with direct exposure to the sun, you're looking at heat related problems in 15 to 20 minutes.' For adults, Prof Tipton said a dangerous increase in core temperature depends on a number of factors. But in a hot and humid environment where someone is exercising, 'you'll be looking at getting your body temperature to a dangerous level in around 20 minutes,' he said. Dr Basford said: 'Depending on how hot it is or how long you are in the sun, heat exhaustion can develop within a few minutes or gradually over several hours or days. 'It's important to cool down as soon as you notice any of these signs as heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke if your body has become too hot and starts to lose water or salt.' Minutes to hours: HEATSTROKE 3 HEAT exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes, the NHS says, by going to a cool place, lying down and raising the feet, drinking water and cooling the skin. But if someone does not feel any better after 30 minutes, you should call 999. This is a sign they have heatstroke, which is when the body is unable to control its temperature. The symptoms include hot and dry skin, difficulty walking, poor balance, confusion and disorientation and seizures (in severe cases). Dr Basford said: 'Similar to heat exhaustion, heatstroke can develop within minutes or gradually over the course of several hours or days. 'While less common, heatstroke can be very serious if not addressed quickly." 30 minutes: DEHYDRATION IT'S imperative to make sure you are getting enough fluids during the day, let alone during a heatwave. Dehydration can be life-threatening, especially in the elderly, children and babies. Dr Basford said: 'When you're out and about in the sun, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to up to a few hours for the body to feel dehydrated. 'When exposed to the heat without properly hydrating your body, the water levels can fall low and you'll experience waves of fatigue, thirst, light-headedness and sometimes dizziness. 'Drinking water regularly can help you remain hydrated, as well as swerving those drinks that can dehydrate you further, like caffeine or alcohol.' Dehydration can exacerbate, and contribute to, any of the heat illnesses described above. Prof Tipton said: 'You need to sweat in order to maintain your body temperature, and that sweating is going to be impaired if you become dehydrated.' Up to two days: DEATH PROF Tipton said: 'Over the course of a heatwave, there'll be about 1,500 to 2,000 excess deaths, but very, very few of those deaths are caused by the direct effects of heating. 'The majority of people that die do so within the first couple of days of a heatwave. 'And the vast majority of those that die are over the age of 65 and their deaths are caused more by the stress that the heat puts on their cardiovascular system.' When the body's core temperature reaches dangerous levels, this adds additional strain to what might be an already compromised cardiovascular system, heart and heart and blood vessels. One of the other major causes of a heatwave related death is a blood clot, Prof Tipton said, as dehydration causes the blood to thicken. This can happen to those with pre existing conditions, or even those who are reasonably healthy but, due to their age, don't have blood vessels as healthy as they once were. How to stay safe in hot weather While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Remember the following tips if you want to stay safe: Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm If you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down. Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical attention if you cool down within 30 minutes. If you do not take action to cool down, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include: Tiredness Weakness Feeling faint Headache Muscle cramps Feeling or being sick Heavy sweating Intense thirst Heatstroke is where the body is no longer able to cool down and the body temperature becomes dangerously high. Common symptoms of heatstroke include: Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone has heatstroke you should dial 999 and then try to cool them down. Source:
Vogue
19 hours ago
- Health
- Vogue
Help! I'm Extremely Sunburned—Now What?
There's not much I've been consistently listening to my mother about since my teen years, but her number-one piece of advice—'Always wear sunscreen'—has stuck with me for most of my life, as has her firm instruction to never, ever get on a motorcycle. I inherited my extremely pale-tending, burn-prone skin from her, and while I had the requisite tween phase of slathering on weirdly croissant-scented, glitter-streaked self-tanner and hoping for the best, I'm now capable of finding a certain kind of pride in my post-sun pallor; sure, I'd love a beachside glow, but I'm satisfied every time I get home the same shade as I was when I left because it means my various SPFs, sunhats, full-coverage Mara Hoffman rash guards and hours spent inside my beach tent have done their job of limiting my exposure to the sun's potentially harmful rays. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case a weekend ago, when I came home from a day spent at Point Dume aglow from an IRL dolphin sighting only to realize that I was also more literally aglow with a bright-red, face-and-chest-scalding sunburn that must have snuck its way in while I was calling everyone I know to report on the dolphins. (Guys, they were stunning!) Given that I've spent so much of my life paranoid-Googling skin cancer facts and avoiding the sun, it was something of a shock to me to realize that at 31, I don't really know what to do about a sunburn; apparently, I'm not the only one susceptible to sun goofs, as Callum Turner proved recently on his vacation with new fiancee Dua Lipa, but how do we handle it?!? Turner and Lipa, a.k.a. the newly minted King and Queen of Vacation, are sunning themselves alongside Italy's Amalfi Coast, where the UV index tends to be very high, so clearly he—and I—could both use some guidance. For help, I turned to Dr. Anothy Rossi, double board-certified dermatologist and medical director for the preventative skin health program Joya Health, whose first piece of advice was simple and clear-cut: 'If you get a sunburn and it's not blistering, the first thing you should do is to keep the area clean and damp. Apply a thick layer of steroid-like over-the-counter cortisone cream mixed with thick emollient like Dr. Rossi Derm MD Night Synthesis (the peptide in the night synthesis targets the TRPV1 receptor to help block the inflammatory cascade), or pure aloe vera gel also works. Pro tip: Put the product in the refrigerator first to make it cool on application.' If you've already applied all the creams and aloe vera gels you own and are still suffering, Dr. Rossi has further advice: 'Take Vitamin D! Studies show that Vitamin D at an acute setting helps reverse sunburn cells. Follow with an anti-inflammatory like NSAID (Advil or Motrin) or aspirin to help reduce inflammation. Continue for the first 48-72 hours, and then remember to tell your derm during your next skin check about the sunburn. Stay hydrated as you lose water through your skin.' (I'm particularly bad at staying hydrated in the heat, so I'm going to put in my very own, most definitely not board-certified plug for Pedialyte Electrolyte Freezer Pops here; I feasted on almost a whole boxful while recovering from my sunburn, and I don't know if they actually had healing properties, but they certainly helped my mood, and isn't that half the battle.)
Sky News
4 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Sunburn isn't just red skin - here's what's happening underneath the burn
The government is warning that the NHS will be under even more pressure this weekend as temperatures soar, so looking after yourself in the sunshine is crucial. But how much do you know about the science behind sunburn… and how to prevent it? What is sunburn? While we all know what sunburned skin looks like - red and sore - it might not be so clear what is happening underneath the skin. "Essentially, it's inflammation," said Dr Rachel Abbott, a consultant dermatologist who specialises in skin cancer for the Cardiff and Vale University health board. Ultraviolet radiation is carcinogenic and when it is allowed to penetrate the skin, it triggers an inflammatory reaction, said Dr Abbott. Histamines - chemicals produced by the body's immune system - and prostaglandins - compounds that help the body deal with injuries and illness - are released as your body begins reacting to the damage. 0:54 Although the inflamed, red, itchy skin will fade, those carcinogens will do permanent damage to your DNA, according to Dr Abbott. "The redness and pain can be managed symptomatically, but that DNA damage is permanent," she said. "We've all got DNA repair mechanisms in our bodies. But this is why we're seeing such a massive increase in skin cancer, because [as we get older], the battle between the DNA damage and the skin cells becomes more than the immune system can cope with." Since the early 1990s, the number of skin cancer cases in Britain has more than doubled and last year, the number of cases was predicted to hit an all-time high of 20,800, according to Cancer Research UK. The cancer charity partially attributed the rise in cases to older groups of people knowing "less about the dangers of tanning in their youth", who "may have taken advantage of the cheap package holiday boom from the 1960s". This would lead to increased sun exposure and more damaged DNA, increasing the risk of skin cancer further down the line. The 'most effective' protection (and it isn't suncream) There is currently no conclusive treatment to deal with the DNA damage caused by sunburn - although Dr Abbott said there is "exciting" work being done in that area. Instead, the way to stop yourself from sustaining long-term damage is to protect yourself from UV rays. "A lot of people associate temperature with the heat of the sun, whereas actually it's the UV index that's the critical thing. And that usually peaks around midday," said Dr Abbott. 1:19 Contrary to what some may think (or hope), suncream should be a last resort. Shade "is the most effective thing", she said, but if you have to be out in the sunshine, "obviously we recommend hats, clothing and then sunscreen". "It is a last resort for those areas that you can't cover up with clothing and hats, and sunglasses." The cancer care charity Macmillan recommends a suncream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50, or at least 30, and to reapply it regularly. "There is no such thing as a safe suntan," advises the charity. It also recommends using around six to eight teaspoons of suncream for an adult - one teaspoon for each limb, one for your chest, one for your back and one for your head and neck.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How to treat sunburn at home – and when to see a doctor
With temperatures set to hit 30C in parts of the UK in the coming days, despite the best intentions some of us may still end up with sunburn. Even on cloudy or breezy days, UV rays can still do serious damage. According to Cancer Research UK, over 90% of UV rays can pass through cloud and burn unprotected skin. And sunburn isn't just a bit of redness to brush off; it can increase your risk of skin cancer, speed up signs of ageing, and leave you feeling unwell, with symptoms like headaches, nausea and heat exhaustion. The British Skin Foundation (BSF) warns severe sunburn in childhood can double your risk of melanoma later in life. Yet many of us still underestimate the strength of the sun here in the UK, especially when hot spells arrive. Here's what to know about how to treat sunburn at home, what to avoid, and when to seek medical help. Sunburn is skin damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, triggering inflammation. It's not always instant. You might feel fine after a few hours of sun in the garden or on the beach, then notice redness, soreness or tightness a few hours later. Symptoms usually start 2–6 hours after sun exposure and can peak at 24 hours. The tell-tale signs include red, painful or hot skin, swelling, tenderness, and in more severe cases, blistering. In rare cases, sunburn can potentially be fatal. The BSF advises that if you notice your skin turning pink or sore, you should get out of the sun immediately. Move into the shade and cover the affected area with loose cotton clothing. Apply cool (not cold) water to the skin via a shower, bath, or damp towel. After cooling the skin, apply an aftersun or moisturiser, ideally one that contains aloe vera or soy to soothe and hydrate (more on that below). The NHS also recommends drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with any pain or inflammation. If your child gets sunburned Babies under six months should never be in direct sunlight, and older children need shade, hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. If sunburn does occur: Cool their skin with a tepid bath. Offer water or juice to help prevent dehydration. Call your doctor straight away if your baby is under one year old, or if a child has blisters, a fever of 38°C or higher, or seems drowsy. Use plain moisturiser or calamine lotion (without antihistamines) – but don't apply alcohol, medicated creams, or rub the skin. Keep them completely out of the sun until fully healed. Moisturising is key, and you'll want something gentle. Treat the area with aloe vera gel or unperfumed creams with added soothing ingredients like soy. Avoid anything containing alcohol, as this can dry the skin out even more. If the skin is very sore or swollen, a mild corticosteroid cream (like hydrocortisone) may help – but check the label or ask a pharmacist before applying it to large areas and avoid using on young children. Petroleum jelly or oil-based products (like butter or thick ointments) are best avoided for sunburn, as they can trap heat and delay healing. Peeling is your skin's way of shedding damaged cells – but resist the urge to pick. It might be tempting, but it increases the risk of infection, slows the healing process, and can cause scarring. Instead, moisturise regularly with fragrance-free products, and let your skin heal in its own time. Stick to soft, loose-fitting clothes to avoid friction and avoid further sun exposure to the area, even if the skin looks like it's on the mend. And keep up with hydration; your body is still working hard to repair the damage. Apart from applying some aftersun, don't touch the area. In some cases, blisters can appear, but don't be tempted to pop them – they're a natural part of healing and protect the skin underneath from bacteria. For blistered skin, the BSF advises: "Gently clean the skin the apply a thick, soothing barrier cream avoid sunbathing and apply sunscreen and keep affected skin covered." adds the BSF. Speak to a pharmacist if they're painful, look infected or aren't healing. Don't apply ice directly – the NHS also advises against using ice packs. Avoid scented lotions or aftersun with alcohol – these often sting and dry out skin. Don't go in the sun until your skin has healed – covering up is essential, even it's not that sunny. Remember, it's still possible to burn through a car window or even in the shade if UV levels are high. Skip antihistamine creams unless advised – they can irritate sunburnt skin. Don't assume you're fine just because it looks better – your skin remains vulnerable for days. Most cases of sunburn can be managed at home – but there are times when you should get medical help. According to the NHS, you should speak to a doctor or call 111 if: Your skin is blistering badly or covering a large area You feel dizzy, very tired, nauseous or feverish There are signs of infection, like pus or worsening redness You can't keep fluids down due to nausea or vomiting Children under one with sunburn should be seen by a GP. For older children, keep a close eye – they can become dehydrated or overheated quickly and may not always be able to say how they're feeling. Read more about sunburn: The best sunscreen of 2025 – and the two to avoid (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) I'm Australian and I think Britain's approach to sun safety is absolutely unbelievable (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read) The exact amount of SPF you need to apply everyday (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read)
