6 Reasons To Avoid Sun Exposure After An Accidental Burn

Accidental burns in the kitchen, or outdoors are more common than we realise. While immediate first aid and medical care are important, what happens after the injury plays an equally important role in how well the skin heals. And, one of the most overlooked situation is sun exposure after a burn injury. Sun protection that people frequently neglect after a burn is one of the most crucial safety measures for their recovery.

According to Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant Dermatologist at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, people who sustain burn injuries must protect their skin from sunlight because it affects therecovery process and skin health. Read ahead to know evrything she shared with us,

Reasons To Avoid Sun Exposure After An Accidental Burn

Here are a few reasons why people must completely avoid sunlight after they experience an accidental burn:

1. Burned Skin Is Highly Vulnerable to Sunburn

The skin loses its ability to shield itself from environmental hazards after a person sustains a burn. The affected region develops heightened sensitivity toward ultraviolet (UV) radiation and can develop new sunburns from even minimal sun exposure which can intensify the existing pain, redness and skin inflammation. “The exposure to sunlight which a person would have handled normally becomes dangerous when they undergo their recovery process,” Dr Passi noted.

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2. Increased Risk of Permanent Pigmentation Changes

Skin healing becomes interrupted because of sunlight exposure after a birn which may result in hyperpigmentation. Dr Passi explained that damaged skin exposed to sunlight tends to produce excess melanin, causing the area to darken unevenly. “This can result in long-lasting or even permanent discolouration (in some cases), making the burn mark appear darker than the surrounding skin tone.”

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3. Higher Chances of Visible Scarring

Sunlight exposure disrupts the skin's normal process of healing. Prolonged sun exposure during healing of a burn injury encourages the formation of thicker, more noticeable scar tissue. Rather than fading smoothly, these scars may become raised, darker, or more defined in case of deeper burns.

4. Delayed Healing Due to Increased Inflammation

The skin experiences increased inflammation due to UV rays. When burned skin is exposed to the sun, this inflammation intensifies, slowing down the regeneration of healthy skin cells. As a result, it may cause wounds to require more time to heal and the skin may remain tender for extended periods, or become more prone to complications.

5. Newly Formed Skin Remains Photosensitive

The skin which forms after a burn remains sensitive to sunlight exposure. These fresh tissues are naturally thinner and far more photosensitive than normal skin. Dr Passi shared that the fresh tissues are thin and more sensitive to light. Sun exposure during this period can result in both skin irritation and physical damage. According to her, this sensitivity extends for several days or even months.

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6. Greater Risk of Long-Term Skin Damage

The process of repeated sun exposure on burned skin areas creates two different types of skin problems which can even lead to long-term skin issues. Absence of post-burn sun protection leads to three common skin problems which include chronic pigmentation changes, persistent scars and increased sensitivity.

How to Protect Burned Skin from the Sun

The process of sunlight protection for burned skin requires protective measures. These include:

• Keep the affected area covered with loose, breathable clothing
• Avoid stepping out during peak sunlight hours
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen only after the skin has healed and on medical advice
• Stay indoors or in shaded areas whenever possible during recovery

Bottomline

Experts share that the sun should not be exposed to your skin after you get a burn as this protective measure helps to prevent further skin damage, decrease scar formation and enable your skin to heal. Aways consult an expert after an accidental burn to avoid complication and skin scars.