Here at Docturnal Health, it is our mission to make healthcare accessible and affordable. For these reasons, we thought it would be helpful to provide our clientele with helpful information concerning common summer ailments. “Summer Bummers” is a series about how to prevent and treat not-so-fun minor afflictions. That way, you can head out to the beach, go for a hike, or even hang out in your backyard without having to worry about a sunburn or tick bite. 

Our first “Summer Bummer” is, you guessed it, sunburns! Sunburns are a common ailment that makes skin hot and painful to touch. Sunburns are caused by too much exposure to UV, or ultraviolet light. UV light can come not only from the sun itself but also from tanning beds and sunlamps. Since you probably don’t want to become a hermit during the summer, telling you to simply avoid these things is too simple. You can’t avoid the sun if you plan to enjoy all that summer has to offer. So, in order to optimize your chances of not getting sunburned, we’ve outlined some steps you can take to prevent your special outing from becoming painful. 

Step 1: Wear Sunscreen!

You know the drill. Sunscreen (of at least 30 SPF) has been proven again and again to be the biggest help in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Make sure to reapply at least every two hours or more often if you’re washing all that protection off in the water, or with a good summer sweat.

Step 2: Cover Yourself!

Whether this is sitting underneath an umbrella, wearing UV protectant clothing, finding a shady tree, or wearing sunglasses, covering the sensitive parts of your body (like your skin) is a direct and easy way to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. The more sensitive your skin is to the sun, the more cover you should seek out.

Step 3: Tan Responsibly!

It is crucial to your health to avoid excessive use of tanning beds or sitting out in the sun for too long to get your dream tan. Both of these activities can expose your body to a lot of ultraviolet rays, which are not good for your skin health. Make sure to wear and reapply sunscreen and drink lots of water when getting your tan on.

What if I Already Have a Sunburn?

If your sunburn is minor (and something you feel comfortable treating yourself) you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, apply a cool ointment such as Aloe Vera or cloth, apply an anti-itch cream, and drink lots of water to help relieve some discomfort.

If you are concerned about your sunburn or it is more serious, setting up an appointment at Docturnal Health is also an option!
Our expert healthcare providers will happily answer your questions and aid you on your path to recovery. Our platform is available all day and all night (they call us “Docturnal” for a reason), so don’t worry if you have to call us after a long beach trip. We are here for you and happy to help. 

Here at Docturnal Health, it is our mission to make healthcare accessible and affordable. For these reasons, we thought it would be helpful to provide our clientele with helpful information concerning common summer ailments. “Summer Bummers” is a series about how to prevent and treat not-so-fun minor afflictions. That way, you can head out to the beach, go for a hike, or even hang out in your backyard without having to worry about a sunburn or tick bite. 

Our first “Summer Bummer” is, you guessed it, sunburns! Sunburns are a common ailment that makes skin hot and painful to touch. Sunburns are caused by too much exposure to UV, or ultraviolet light. UV light can come not only from the sun itself but also from tanning beds and sunlamps. Since you probably don’t want to become a hermit during the summer, telling you to simply avoid these things is too simple. You can’t avoid the sun if you plan to enjoy all that summer has to offer. So, in order to optimize your chances of not getting sunburned, we’ve outlined some steps you can take to prevent your special outing from becoming painful. 

Step 1: Wear Sunscreen!

You know the drill. Sunscreen (of at least 30 SPF) has been proven again and again to be the biggest help in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Make sure to reapply at least every two hours or more often if you’re washing all that protection off in the water, or with a good summer sweat.

Step 2: Cover Yourself!

Whether this is sitting underneath an umbrella, wearing UV protectant clothing, finding a shady tree, or wearing sunglasses, covering the sensitive parts of your body (like your skin) is a direct and easy way to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. The more sensitive your skin is to the sun, the more cover you should seek out.

Step 3: Tan Responsibly!

It is crucial to your health to avoid excessive use of tanning beds or sitting out in the sun for too long to get your dream tan. Both of these activities can expose your body to a lot of ultraviolet rays, which are not good for your skin health. Make sure to wear and reapply sunscreen and drink lots of water when getting your tan on.

What if I Already Have a Sunburn?

If your sunburn is minor (and something you feel comfortable treating yourself) you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, apply a cool ointment such as Aloe Vera or cloth, apply an anti-itch cream, and drink lots of water to help relieve some discomfort.

If you are concerned about your sunburn or it is more serious, setting up an appointment at Docturnal Health is also an option!
Our expert healthcare providers will happily answer your questions and aid you on your path to recovery. Our platform is available all day and all night (they call us “Docturnal” for a reason), so don’t worry if you have to call us after a long beach trip. We are here for you and happy to help.