7 Sunburn Tips That Will Change Your Life

Dr Anjali Mahto
By Dr Anjali Mahto

Dr. Anjali Mahto completed higher specialist training in dermatology, During this time, she gained experience in some of the UK’s leading teaching hospitals.

With incredible weather and highs of up to 25 degrees, this bank holiday weekend saw many of us out and enjoying the sun. But what if you spent a bit too much time outside and got sunburn?

First of all, what is sunburn?

Sunburn is an acute inflammatory reaction that follows over-exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It causes direct damage to DNA resulting in inflammation and death of skin cells.

Repeated sunburn can increase your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer in later life and the risk should be taken seriously.

Signs and symptoms usually develop 2-6 hours after sun exposure and peak at about 12-24 hours.

Your skin may become hot, red, tender and blisters can form. In severe cases, it is possible to develop dehydration, imbalances of the important salts in your blood, and skin infection. In rare cases, it can potentially be fatal.

What can be done to relieve the discomfort associated with sunburn?

There are a number of steps you can follow.

SPF sunburn prevention

What if my sunburn is severe?

Severe cases of sunburn require emergency medical treatment.

If you develop blisters that affect up to 20% of your body surface area or other symptoms such as fever, nausea, chills, severe pain, headache, fainting or dizziness it is vital you seek medical attention.

Severe sunburn can be associated with heat exhaustion or heat stroke which are life-threatening.

Skincare clinics Harley Street

Thanks to Dr Anjali Mahto, the skin expert from Self London.

In 2023, Dr Mahto opened her own clinic, Self London where she specialises in acne and acne scarring, but also can treat any skin condition a patient presents with.  

Dr. Anjali Mahto is a UK-trained consultant dermatologist and author of the bestselling book, The Skincare Bible: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Great Skin

She is happy to consult both adults and children with skin, hair and nail disorders. Her areas of specialist interest include acne and scarring, rosacea, moles, and anti-ageing therapies including injectable and laser treatments.

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together some Sunscreen SPF treatment FAQs just for you. 

If you have more questions, you can use the Suncream SPF feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts. 

If you're keen to get started with sunscreen right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited Sunblock SPF in your area.

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