Sun-spotting or sun poisoning is a condition where the skin develops very light or very dark patches, leading to discolouration of the skin and also pigmentation. These spots often appear clumped together, forming a patch of skin that lacks pigment. This usually happens due to sunburn resulting from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and can be quite harmful if ignored. Here, skin specialist and dermatologist Dr Tapas Majumdar, Kolkata talks more on the condition and everything you need to know about it.
Treating sun poisoning
Use Vitamin E oil: Use oil enriched in vitamin E to treat sunburn. Make sure you do not replace the oil with cream or any other lotion. Apply it twice daily in morning and night. Vitamin E oil is easily absorbed by the epidermal layer of the skin and works well to treat damage caused by UV rays. It is a good habit to keep this practice whenever you are going for outings in the sun. It will prevent future damage and also heal any hidden residual spots on the skin that you might not have noticed already.
Use products that contain sulphur or selenium: These ingredients help in curing a fungal skin condition known as Tinea versicolor, which exhibits the same symptoms as sun poisoning, that is, discolouration of the skin, leading to skin lightening or darkening. Prolonged sun exposure leads to the appearance of the fungus in the skin more prominently. Your doctor might prescribe a medicated cream that contains sulphur and also for a selenium containing shampoo. These products are used for tropical application so put them on skin for few minutes, and rinse.
Use an anti-fungal ointment: Yeast actually acts as a sunscreen for your skin and over exposure to the sun makes the fungus more visible. However, everyone has naturally occurring fungus in their skin, so it isn t a cause of worry. A simple anti-fungal cream from the pharmacy can minimise the yeast infection, and in turn, the white spots.
Use a sunless tanner to conceal the spots perfectly: This trick can typically save you from embarrassment at a party or even in office. Since these spots lack pigment, applying an artificial pigment such as foundation or sunless tanner will help in blending in the spots completely. Sunless tanners are cosmetic creams containing colour pigments that give artificial tanning effect to your skin.
Go for dermatological treatments: Consult your dermatologist for a long-term treatment of sun poisoning. There are procedures like Intense Pulsed Light and Photofacial that not only help in treating the skin patches, but also cure the entire sun damaged area to give an even toned skin.
Stay hydrated: In the case of sunburn, drink lots of water and sports drinks to replenish the electrolytes that have been lost from your system. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, feeling sleepy or dizzy, less frequency of urination and a persistent headache. Since children are more prone to dehydration, it is important to consult a doctor immediately if any of these signs are visible in an individual.
See your doctor: No matter how well you think to have tackled the situation, you MUST see a dermatologist in case of sunburn. Only he can judge the intensity of the condition perfectly, and treat you accordingly. Topical steroids advised by your doctor can help in getting rid of those spots.
Use home remedies: Common household items often serve as excellent agents to soothe sunburns. Cooked and cooled oatmeal, yogurt, and tea bags soaked in cold water can be applied to the affected region to soothe and cool the skin. Also, coconut oil applied directly on the burnt skin can heal and soothe the condition.
Preventing of sun poisoning
Stay away from the sun: Sun poisoning symptoms usually go away within seven to ten days of occurrence, but the best way of defense against the condition is to actively protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun. UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so you must make an effort avoid the sun during these hours.
Wear sunscreen religiously: Use sunscreen without fail! Make it a part and parcel of your daily skincare regimen. Remember to apply it at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen, which protects from both UVA and UVB rays, or at least one with SPF 30. Know that a sunburn can occur only after 15 minutes of continuous sun exposure, so when protecting yourself from the sun, you must apply sunscreen prior to sun exposure.
Wear protective clothing and accessories: The more skin you have covered, the less prone you are to sun damage. Use accessories like hats and sunglasses to protect you. The sun s rays can be very damaging for your eyes. Many cataract cases can be attributed to sun exposure and UV damage.
Image source: Shutterstock (Image used for representational purpose only)
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