Dermatologists Share Tips for Sunburn Prevention and Treatment
SCHAUMBURG, IL--(Marketwired - May 13, 2014) - While warmer weather means more outdoor activities, it also means carefully protecting your skin from the sun. A common problem during spring and summer, sunburn can cause skin to become tender, red, and even scaly. Without the proper protection of sunscreen and clothing, sunburn can cause long-term damage, as well as considerable pain and discomfort.
"Whether you're at the beach, going for a jog, or playing a round of golf, it's important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays," said board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth S. Martin, MD, FAAD, who maintains a private practice in Hoover, Alabama. "Although sunburn may seem like a temporary condition, it leaves behind long-lasting damage to the skin that increases a person's risk for getting skin cancer."
To help prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer, Dr. Martin recommends the following tips:
"Sunburn is better prevented than treated, but if you do get a sunburn, it's important to begin treating it as soon as you notice it," said Dr. Martin. "The first step you should take is to get out of the sun -- and preferably indoors."
To help heal and soothe sunburned skin, Dr. Martin recommends the following tips:
"Unfortunately, the first signs of sunburn can take two to three hours to appear, making it especially important to carefully monitor your skin during outdoor activities," said Dr. Martin. "If you get sunburned and you have blisters that cover a large area, such as your entire back, or if you have chills, a headache, or a fever, seek medical care immediately."
The "Sunburn: How to Treat" video is posted to the American Academy of Dermatology's (Academy) website and the Academy's YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the Academy's website and YouTube channel each month.
For more information about how to prevent skin cancer, visit the Academy's SpotSkinCancer.org. There, you can learn how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map for tracking changes in your skin, and find free skin cancer screenings in your area. SPOT Skin Cancer™ is the American Academy of Dermatology's campaign to create a world without skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection, and care of skin cancer.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology) or Twitter (@AADskin).
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2014/aad/sunburn_prevention/
Contact Information:
Jennifer Allyn
(847) 240-1730
Nicole DiVito
(847) 240-1746
Kara Jilek
(847) 240-1701