Keeping your skin safe and healthy through the hot summer months requires care and attention. Although many people enjoy getting a nice tan, it’s important to remember the potential dangers of excess sun exposure (DNA damage and cancer are two) and to take steps to protect your skin. Use of a water resistant broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen is highly recommended. Since the sun’s light is most damaging during the hours of 10AM to 2PM, be sure to wear protective clothing and hats, and seek shade at this time of day.

Even with the best efforts and intentions, if you do end up getting a bad sunburn there are immediate steps you can take to mitigate the damage to your skin. These include:

• Immediately get out of direct sunlight—Retreat to a cooler environment indoors if possible, or find shade.
• Cool down—Take a cool bath or shower and apply ice to red, sore, itchy, blistering skin.
• Moisturize—Use vaseline or aloe vera based lotion to rehydrate your skin.
• Drink plenty of water—You can easily notice the rapid effect that drinking water has on dehydrated skin by watching your fingertips. The wrinkled skin will plump up quickly as your skin absorbs liquid from within.
• Don’t pop blisters—Blistering is actually a sign of second degree burns. Allowing blisters to resolve on their own without popping or draining them will provide the best healing response.

While the short term consequences of sunburn may be uncomfortable, the longer term damage of repeated unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin lesions and cancers.

Benign and malignant lesions can look alike, so it is vital that you seek the experience of a skin care specialist. Dr. Juan Vaillant of Old Bridge Dermatology has been treating patients for hair, skin, and nail problems for over 30 years, and has the extensive background needed to help address a variety of dermatological issues. From skin problems like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer, to hair and nail issues like hair loss, dandruff, and nail fungus, Dr. Vaillant is dedicated to improving the overall health of each of his patients. If you are looking for an amiable, highly skilled dermatologist, call our office in Old Bridge, NJ at (732) 679-0222 and make an appointment.