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How to treat burnt skin? Treatment, old wives' advice and possible uses of hemp products

What is sunburned skin?

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to skin damage caused by UV radiation from the sun's rays. There are 2 types of UV radiation: that are particularly dangerous: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB radiation damages the outer layers of the skin and is responsible for sunburn. However, UVA radiation can also cause cell damage and lead to premature aging or skin cancer.

After UV rays damage the skin, the body recruits more cells to repair the affected skin cells or create new ones. This process causes the inflammation and redness that is associated with sunburn. The pain from sunburn is usually most intense in the first 6–⁠48 hours after overexposure to the sun.

Types of sunburn

There are different degrees of severity for sunburn. The two most common types of sunburn are:

  • First-degree sunburn –⁠ sunburn damages the uppermost layer of the skin (epidermis). Redness, inflammation and skin sensitivity appear.
  • Second-degree sunburn –⁠ burns affect both the epidermis and the layer underneath (dermis). Pain, discoloration and swelling of the skin may occur and the burn may also cause blistering, fever and chills.

In rare cases, third-degree burns can occur, affecting all layers of the skin and can cause nerve damage. Sometimes several types of burn are intertwined at the same time, e.g. exposed legs may have second-degree burns, but partially covered arms may have first-degree burns.


Symptoms: Itching, blistering and peeling of the skin

Sunburn occurs when the skin becomes inflamed because it has been exposed to UVA and UVB sunlight for too long. Sunburn varies in severity and can present with mild to severe symptoms such as:

  • Red, hot skin
  • Itchy and dry skin
  • Physical discomfort
  • Blisters

Skin burns become apparent after just a few hours in the sun. In severe cases, typical symptoms may accompany:

  • An unpleasant, gritty sensation in the eyes
  • Fever
  • Stomach upset
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

If the skin has been sunburned, more intensive care will be needed long after the pain from the sunburn has gone away. You need to moisturise your skin thoroughly after sunbathing. It is likely that even after care, the so-called peeling of the skin will appear in about 3 days. Do not try to pull off the peeling skin as this could cause injury, prolong the healing time and put you at risk of infection.

If the skin is peeling, choose loose clothing to prevent the skin from rubbing off and regenerate the skin with regular care that includes moisturisers.

How is the treatment?

Mild sunburn is treated by cooling the affected areas and using after-sun products (panthenol, moisturisers and after-sun gels). Use moisturisers without fragrance or dyes and preferably for sensitive skin to keep irritation to a minimum. If necessary, your doctor may prescribe weak, effective corticosteroids with anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory medications such as acetylsalicylic acid or indomethacin can be used to calm the overall reaction.

In case of severe skin burn, bed rest is recommended and in some cases the patient may be hospitalized and treated with infusion.

How long does it take for sunburnt skin to heal?

Sunburns usually take about a week to heal and during this process the skin peels. If the sunburn has caused blistering of the skin and damage to blood vessels, healing may take longer, two weeks to a month.

Table: Grandmotherly advice to relieve symptoms

If you want to go the natural route, you can try to relieve the symptoms with some of the grandmotherly advice you'll find in the table below.

Advice

Description

How to help

Cool water

Cool off in cold water - lake, stream, sea or bath.

Immersion in water will help prevent the burn from getting worse. Avoid chlorinated swimming pools.

Baking soda, cornstarch and oatmeal

Add oatmeal in a cloth bag or a few heaping tablespoons of baking soda/starch to a lukewarm bath.

These ingredients have soothing properties, the bath should last 15-20 minutes.

Aloe vera

If you have an aloe plant at home, cut its leaf and apply the gel to the affected areas.

Aloe offers relief from pain and burning, you can get 100% aloe gel in the pharmacy.

Enough fluids

Drink a lot more water.

Make sure to increase your drinking to replenish the necessary fluids that the skin has lost by being in the sun.

Raw egg white

Rub the affected areas with egg white and leave for a while, then wash off with lukewarm water.

The egg white cools and soothes the skin. It is a good idea to repeat the procedure several times.

Herbs

Try a herbal poultice, e.g. from chamomile or mint.

Brew some tea and let it cool. When it's ready, soak a washcloth in it and apply it to the affected area; the compress will cool and soothe the skin.

Loose clothing

Wear clothes that do not stick to the skin.

Let the skin breathe, choose natural fibres (cotton, bamboo).

Sour dairy products

Try compresses made from cottage cheese, white yoghurt or whey.

They will cool the skin and contain beneficial probiotic bacteria and enzymes that contribute to better regeneration of burnt skin.

Can hemp products help?

As early as the 1st century BC, the Greeks used hemp to treat wounds and injuries in horses. Many historical medical texts also mention hemp as an antiseptic for treating burns and cuts.

Since burns cause inflammation of the skin, applying a natural cream such as hemp cream can help soothe the inflamed area.

A study called Cannabinoids as New Anti-Inflammatory Drugs estigated the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids and how they contribute to skin health. The study suggests that cannabinoids also actively help in mediating the activity of sebaceous glands, which make the skin smooth, and also in promoting the life cycle of skin cells.

Cannabidiol (CBD) can help soothe burns in several ways, helps reduce inflammation and swelling, and can help with pain. In addition, a 2017 study titled The Role of Cannabinoids in Dermatology suggests that relief from itching is one of the promising properties of the active ingredients.


How can CBD contribute?

Scientists believe that CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a cell signaling system in the human body that helps regulate processes such as:

  • Appetite
  • Memory
  • Reproductive function
  • Mood

Endocannabinoids are molecules that occur naturally throughout the human body and are similar in structure to the CBD found in cannabis. CBD interacts with small proteins on cells (receptors), cannabidiol activates CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin and may contribute to their proper functioning. This interaction can help to induce a feeling of relief.

When the skin suffers an injury, burn or inflammation, the ECS is activated and CBD can enhance its action. CBD-based balms and creams can be an option to soothe pain and reduce inflammation in the first step, and then in the second step can help the wound healing process to heal faster.

an earlier study in 1976 suggested that CBD may be helpful in treating burns. CBD offers antibacterial properties that help heal wounds by desensitizing the body to pain, sterilizing the affected area, and promoting the growth of new skin cells.

The results of another study suggest that cannabinoid CB2 receptors play a role in skin wound healing in mice. These findings may improve the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the action of cannabinoid CB2 receptors in skin wound healing and offer a potential therapeutic strategy.

Although the studies look promising, further research is needed as it is not yet possible to say definitively whether CBD cream or any other CBD product has demonstrable medical effects.

CBD can be taken topically or in the form of capsules, for example. If you are starting out with topical CBD, first apply a small amount to a healthy area of skin and see what the reaction is. Cannabidiol is absorbed in the skin and collects inside the sebaceous glands. Products containing shea butter are useful to promote the regeneration of dehydrated skin.

Gummies and vaping can also bring relief. However, topical application of CBD creams offers a way to directly treat the affected areas. It is a good idea to consult a doctor about the appropriate way to use CBD products.

Prevention

How to avoid discomfort, swelling, itching, peeling and possible skin damage? The simplest way is to avoid excessive exposure to the sun, use sunscreens with high SPF protection and other protective equipment (clothing, headgear, sunglasses).

UV rays can damage your skin at any time of the year, even on cold or cloudy days, so it's important to maintain good skin care habits every day, regardless of the weather.

Tip: Interested in hemp cosmetics? Watch our short video review on CBD Star products.

Is it safe to tan while pregnant?

During pregnancy, the body goes through huge changes and due to hormones , the skin becomes more sensitive and prone to sunburn. Expectant mothers are at risk of higher pigmentation spots, overheating of the body and rapid dehydration. Especially in the 1st semester, it is important to avoid sun exposure, as excessive sun exposure can negatively affect fetal development. In addition, UV radiation reduces the amount of folic acid, which is one of the essential building vitamins in pregnancy.

Sunbathing in the 2nd and 3rd semesters is less risky, but it is not recommended to tan the abdomen and guidelines should be followed (do not expose yourself to the midday sun for 11-15 hours, supplement folic acid and follow a drinking regime, use protective creams, headgear and one-piece swimsuits).


Conclusion

Sunburned skin is basically inflammation. If you do get sunburned skin, drink plenty of fluids and stay cool (ideally somewhere indoors). If the sunburn is accompanied by fever or other more serious symptoms, see a doctor. You can also try herbal advice or cannabis creams to relieve symptoms. Always buy cannabis products from reputable retailers to ensure quality products that have been thoroughly tested and are subject to strict standards. Quality products are certified.

Keep in mind that skin protection is essential and always use SPF creams.

Author: Canatura



Photo: Shutterstock

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