Ah, summer—the season of sun-kissed days and outdoor adventures. But all that sunshine comes with an enemy: sunburn. As urgent care providers, you're no strangers to the aftermath of a day spent under the rays. So, how can you best help your patients recover from sunburn and prevent further discomfort?
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Medicine
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Misconceptions
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- Moisturize liberally and use NSAIDs/ acetaminophen for pain relief. A gentle, alcohol-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel helps to hydrate the skin and promote healing while providing a cooling sensation. Have patients combine this with OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation.
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- Butter or oils help heal sunburn. Applying butter, oils, or petroleum-based products can trap heat in the skin and worsen sunburn symptoms.
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- Cool down and hydrate. Cool water over burns can help cool the skin and soothe the burn. Increasing fluid intake helps patients stay on top of the fluid loss and dehydration that comes with more serious sunburns.
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- Ice-cold showers/baths help heal sunburn. Very cold water can constrict blood vessels and potentially trap heat within the skin, leading to prolonged discomfort and delayed healing. Educate patients to stick with cool, but not ice-cold water.
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- Avoid further sun exposure. Additional UV rays can further damage already sensitive skin and prolong recovery. Encourage protective clothing and applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors. Remember to reapply!
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- Sunburns turn into tans. A sunburn is a sign of skin damage, not a precursor to a tan, and it does not protect you from future burns.
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As urgent care providers, we play a vital role in educating patients about sunburn prevention and providing effective management strategies when sunburn occurs. Never forget to remind patients to watch for burn-related complications and that picking/peeling the burn can increase the risk of infection.
Following these tips and debunking misconceptions can help your patients recover quickly and safely enjoy the remaining sunny days ahead.