Dermatitis due to excessive exposure to the actinic rays of the sun.
Complication of sunburn is sunstroke. Sunstroke is an acute and dangerous
reaction to heat exposure.
Over-exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun or in a tanning
salon. Often falling asleep while sunbathing. The amount of exposure
that will cause a burn depends on the individual, the place, the time,
and the atmospheric conditions. Avoid the sun when the ultraviolet
rays are at their strongest, between the hours of 11 a.m.
and 2 p.m. Reflections from water, metal, sand, or snow
may double the amount of rays absorbed.
Remember, ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds, thus burning is
possible on hazy or cloudy days.
Prevention is the key word here. Never go out in the sun for extended
periods without a sunscreen lotion. Be sure the sunscreen lotion is
the right percentage of protection for your skin tone.
Burns are classified in three degrees. A first-degree sunburn reddens
the skin. A second-degree sunburn causes reddening of the skin with
some water blisters. A third-degree sunburn requires the immediate
care of a doctor and causes lower cell damage and the release of fluid,
resulting in eruptions and breaks in the skin where bacteria and infection
Sunstroke is characterized by high body temperature, usually above
105 F.; cessation of sweating; headache; numbness; tingling
and confusion prior to sudden delirium or coma; fast pulse; rapid
respiratory rate; usually elevated blood pressure. The basic defect
is failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body.
Potassium, 99 mg. per day, is lost during sunburn, must
be replaced. Protein (free form amino acids), taken as directed on
the label, is needed for tissue repair. Vitamin A capsules,
50,000 IU per day until healed. Vitamin E
capsules, 100 IU per day (may increase slowly to 1,600
IU for third-degree burns), aids in healing of scar tissue
and aids in tissue repair. Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids,
10,000 mg. per day, is needed for tissue repair and healing
but also reduces scarring. Aloe vera gel, apply 3 or
4 times per day, is good on burn after healing starts,
reduces pain and scarring. Calcium, 2,000 mg. per day,
is necessary for pH balance and potassium utilization and reduces
stress on tissues. Magnesium, 1,000 mg. Silicon, taken
as directed on the label, helps repair connective tissue. Unsaturated
fatty acids, taken as directed on the label, is needed for tissue
healing. Vitamin B complex/PABA, 100 mg.
per day, is important for serious burns, PABA is good for protecting
the skin. Vitamin E ointment, use ointment on burn after
healing starts or open a capsule and apply, helps prevent scarring.
Zinc, 100 mg. per day for a month, then reduce to 50
mg. per day, is used for tissue healing.
- Aloe vera
- Horse Chestnut (external use)
- Jasmine, yellow flowers
- Witch hazel
- Wood strawberry
In sunstroke, effective therapy may save the patient's life. Without
delay, the nude patient should be placed in a bathtub filled with
ice water. This will not cause pain, shock, or cutaneous vasoconstriction.
The patient's temperature will need to be monitored carefully. Remove
from bath when temperature falls to 103 F. or 39.4
C. If ice water and a bathtub are not available, place wet
sheets on the nude body, fan vigorously, and massage the skin. The
use of sedatives may be required to control convulsions. Careful observation
of the patient for signs of fluid imbalance and renal failure will
be required for several days.
Diet for second and third degree burns is very important. Eat high-protein
foods for tissue repair. Plenty of fluids taken as the sun can quickly
dehydrate the body.
If first or second degree burns, apply cold water compresses immediately.
Remedies for first or second degree sunburns:
- make a large pot of strong tea and let it cool. Soak cotton in
the tea and apply to the affected areas. Leave on for up to 30
- dissolve 1 lb. of baking soda into a tub of cool water. Soak in
the tub for 30 minutes.
- massage aloe vera juice on the sunburned area. Reapply every hour.
Aloe vera will also help moisturize and relieve the skin dryness.
Use pure products without mineral oil, paraffin waxes, alcohol,
Another remedy for first and second degree sunburn: Boil 2
to 2 1/2 lb. chopped horse chestnuts in water.
Add the decoction to bath water for sunburn.