Sunburns
Sunburns
Sunburns
Treatment
- Aloe Vera Gel
o Soothing
o Moisturising ability
o Antiseptic properties
o As frequently as needed
o Can keep in fridge
o Can be applied to a variety of areas
o Cheap
o Many dosage forms
- Moisturiser
o Nourishment and hydration of skin
- Soove (topical anaesthetics)
Limit use (can cause Absorption of anaesthetic)
no more than 3- 4 times daily
no more than 3-4 days
don’t use on wide extensive areas or on broken skin
o Lignocaine
Contact sensitisation low
High systemic toxicity
o Benzocaine
Contact sensitisation high (more likely to cause allergic reactions)
Not high systemic toxicity
- Hydrocortisone
o Not much use in Aus and NZ
o Limited to
2-3 times daily
No more than couple of days
- Dressing pads and paper tapes
o Reduce oozing
- Oral analgesics / anti inflammatory
o NSAIDS
Ibuprofen
o Paracetamol
o Antihistamines For itching
Drowsy if requiring for sleeping
Fenergin
Complications of sunburn
- Infection
o Damage to primary defences increase susceptibility to infection by bacteria
o Exudate is sugary and is a good medium for bacteria to thrive
- Heat stroke
o Chills and fever / sweating
o Exhaustion
o NVD
o Refer to doctor (for hydration assessment)
Sunscreens
- Function to
o Block UV energy (UVA, UVB)
UVB is more responsible for erythema (1000x times more likely to cause cf UVA)
UVA more responsible for melanomas and ageing skin
- Zinc paste
o Total block of UV rays
o Confined to small areas
- Broad spectrum sunscreens
o Titanium dioxide
Higher spf with more Titanium dioxide
o Other absorbers of UV energy (function to produce other wavelengths that are less
harmful)
Formulations may contain several chemicals
Each chemical different wavelengths
o NB storage conditions effect efficacy of the sunscreen, absorbers at work when cap
open. Also check expiry date
SPF: Sun protection factor
- SPF50+ highest in NZ
o Not allowed to market product above 50 (safe once a day)
- Dose of UV radiation required to produce one minimal erythema dose of the
application erythema / Dose needed to produce one minimal erythema dose
unprotected
o i.e ratio of time to produce same extent of burning after application of sun
protection
Photoallergic reactions
- immune response produced due to drug reaction with light sensitive drugs
o dissipation of UVA light by drug evokes memory response
Phototoxic reaction