Sunburn can be described as painful skin condition that develops irritation due to over exposure of harsh rays of sunlight. The sunburn would appear within few hours of exposure to UV rays of sunlight or from similar sources like artificial sunlamps. It is difficult to cure sunburn which may take several weeks or even months to fade.
Sunburned lips are a condition in which the outer layer of soft skin gets peeled off from the lips. This could cause intense pain and irritation due to dryness. Damage caused to the skin due to sunburn is sometimes irreparable. More and more layer of skin gets damaged due to repeated exposure forming dark spots, wrinkled skin and even skin cancers.
Sunburned Lips Symptoms :
The sunburned lips would become hot to touch and gives throbbing pain and burning sensation. It can cause tightness and dryness in the lips. Even by casual touch the lips may become sensitive and painful. For some people cracks can develop on the lips and in severe cases they may even split making it very difficult to eat or drink anything. Due to intense sunburn the lips may start bleeding. The skin becomes tender to touch and over time blisters or painful sores may develop.
Often there would be intense itching and pain on the lips. The superficial layer of the skin from the lips would begin to flake off leaving it vulnerable. In some cases the color of the lips might change to dark red or pink. Pain would be felt every second on the lips and being soft and delicate organ, the pain would be almost unbearable without treatment.
Sunburned Lips Causes :
Sunburned lips are the result of over exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation cannot be seen by naked eyes since the range is very short. Among the various types of radiation, Ultraviolet A and B causes sunburn to large extent. Sleeping in the tanning beds for long can also cause sunburned lips.
Who Are At Risk ?
Sunburned lips can develop to anyone who spent too much time in the sunlight. Body’s natural defense melanin may not be in the expected level to manage the harsh rays of the sun. Having very fair complexion, living in sunny warm climate, spending too much time outdoors and having sunburn history makes one prone to develop sunburn in lips also.
Diagnosis :
No separate test is needed to diagnose sunburn in lips. The very symptoms of intense pain, cracking of lips and irritation are enough to detect sunburned lips.
Treatment :
Sunburned lips cannot be cured fully but certain remedies can help in managing the symptoms.
- Moisturizers :
Always keep the lips moisturized. Dryness is the main cause of cracked lips and splits. You can gently apply petroleum jelly on the lips over and again to make sure that it does not dry out. Try using vitamin E products or waxes that can keep the lips moisturized.
Images, Pics, Photos and Pictures of Sunburned Lips :
Home Remedies For Sunburned Lips :
Apply gel of Aloe Vera liberally on the cracked lips which can produce soothing effect on the skin. It can also give relief from the intense pain and irritation on the lips. Try using few drops of olive oil on the affected lips. Butter milk, potato juice, turmeric paste and sandalwood paste are effective in cooling the skin and preventing dryness.
Don’t touch your lips often even it is difficult to resist due to intense itching. You can apply cold compress on the cracked lips by dipping a soft cloth on cool water and placing it on your lips. Antiseptic wipes are prescribed by skin doctors to treat blisters and sores. Drink plenty of liquids daily since it improves hydration and moisture level in your body. Have patience. Licking the lips or touching it frequently will worsen the condition. It takes time for the wound to heal.
Prevention :
Sunburned lips can be easily prevented by applying sunscreen lotion liberally on the lips and over the body while going out in the sunlight. Choose the sunscreen that has more than 15 SPF factor. Avoid going out in hot sun and restrict the time you spend outdoors.