päikesepõletused

Päikesepõletused refer to the skin damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. This condition is characterized by redness, pain, and sometimes blistering of the affected skin. The severity of a päikesepõletus depends on factors such as the intensity of UV radiation, the duration of exposure, and an individual's skin type. Fair-skinned individuals are generally more susceptible to severe sunburns.

Symptoms typically appear within a few hours of sun exposure and can worsen over the next 24 hours. These include a warm or hot sensation on the skin, tenderness, itching, and in more severe cases, swelling, fever, chills, and nausea. Prolonged or repeated exposure to the sun, leading to multiple päikesepõletused throughout a person's life, increases the risk of premature skin aging, such as wrinkles and age spots, and significantly raises the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma.

Prevention is key to avoiding päikesepõletused. This involves limiting direct sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours (typically between 10 AM and 4 PM), wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) regularly. Sunscreen should be applied liberally and reapplied every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Protecting children's skin is particularly important, as severe sunburns during childhood can have long-term consequences. Treatment for mild päikesepõletused focuses on relieving discomfort and includes cooling the skin with compresses or baths, applying moisturizing lotions, and staying hydrated. Severe sunburns may require medical attention.