10/03/2008

AN EFFECTIVE SUNBURN TREATMENT?

Many sunburn sufferers reach for corticosteroid creams and ointments in hopes of soothing their burned skin, but a recent study indicates that these skin remedies are not likely to bring relief. While such topical corticosteroids as hydrocortisone and betamethasone are effective for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, they were found to have no effect in reducing sunburns. Researchers found that once the skin displays an inflammatory reaction to damage from ultraviolet (UV) light, it is too late for corticosteroids to be effective. The only way to diminish the pain associated with sunburn is to take pain medication. "After sun" lotions may also provide a temporary reprieve, but the severity of the sunburn will remain.

Sunburn is generally caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet light. In addition to causing severe pain and discomfort, sunburn can age your skin and place you at risk of skin cancer. September is National Skin Care Awareness Month. If you experience skin discomfort or notice an unusual mole on your skin, please call ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY at 630-832-2111 to arrange a skin evaluation. We use the latest advances to diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases and conditions of the skin, hair, and nails in adults, teens, and children. Our practice is located at 103 N. Haven, Suite 7, Elmhurst.

P.S. Once it is understood that a sunburn is a mark of damaged skin, one can begin to realize that there is no such thing as a "healthy tan."