Yes, definitely we all need some vitamin D once in a while, you know- just moderate sun exposure. However, excessive exposure can lead to more than just a perfect golden suntan.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be at the beach to get a sunburn. you can get it from just a short stroll around the block, the briefest exposure to UV rays can get you looking like an overcooked crab.
Exposing your skin to UV rays damages the skin cells causing your body to react by attempting to repair the damage by producing sunburns. The burning sensation, redness or blistering of the skin is not the damage but the damage-repairing process by your body’s immune system.
The nose just like all other parts of your body is susceptible whether you have a small or button-like nose. In fact, your nose sticks further out as compared to the rest of your face. So, yes, it is very common to get nose sunburns.
Signs and symptoms
Normally, the signs and symptoms of sunburns manifest after a few hours of sun exposure. However, its magnitude may take a day or more to fully manifest.
- Swelling.
- Pinkness or redness.
- Blistering.
- Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch.
- Pain, itchiness, tenderness.
- In severe cases, symptoms may include headaches. Nausea, Fever, and fatigue.
However, in a couple of days, your body will start the healing process through, maybe, peeling of the outer layer of the exposed skin. The healing process depends on the severity of the sunburns.
Risk factors – blistering
Sunburn blistering is very common after prolonged exposure to the sun. Blisters may also appear on the nose-usually, they look like fluid-filled bumps on the surface of the skin.
The blisters form a protective mechanism of the body or rather the immune system to protect the damaged sunburnt skin from any infection as well as initiate the body’s healing process.
Nose sunburn blisters appear within 1 hour of sun exposure or even after a day. Usually, they tend to be painful and/or itchy and cause so much discomfort.
Home remedies to get rid of sunburn blisters on the nose
If the nose blisters are not accompanied by other signs and symptoms such as centralized pain and itching, then it can easily be treated without any medical intervention. Home remedies for sun blister relief include:
Cold Compresses
Use a soft washcloth dipped in some apple cider vinegar and ice-cold water or alternatively wrap some ice cubes in the washcloth then place it on the blisters. This will offer instant relief from the burning sensation as well as the heat.
Mixture of barley, yogurt and turmeric powder
Mixing barley, some yogurt and turmeric powder in equal amounts act as the best treatment for sunburn blisters.
Gently apply the mixture or paste formed on the nose to form a thin layer and avoid rubbing or scratching your nose as this may cause the blisters to burst. Leave the paste on for about 20 minutes before washing it off with some cold water.
Mixture of tomato juice and buttermilk
Mixing two teaspoons of tomato juice and one teaspoon of buttermilk will help alleviate the burning sensation and hasten the healing process.
Gently apply the mixture on your nose and leave it on for about 30minutes before rinsing it off with some water.
Aloe Vera
Apply some aloe Vera gel to moisturize your nose. Aloe Vera is rich in micro-nutrients which elevates the immune system, moisturizes the skin and hastens the healing process. Apply some fresh Aloe Vera gel extract from the plant and directly apply on you’re the affected area of your skin.
Mixture of honey and vinegar
Honey and vinegar are rich antibacterial agents hence applying a mixture of the two ingredients on the affected area will prevent infections on the blisters.
Treatment
Sunburn treatment do not necessarily heal the skin. However, it can minimize swelling, pain, and discomfort.
If home remedies fail to work you should consult a doctor in order to get the best treatment to soothe the pain and prevent infections.
Home remedies to treat sunburnt nose
Cool compresses
Cooling the skin down is vital for quick sunburn relief. Soak a washcloth in some cool water or alternatively wrap some ice cubes in a washcloth and place it in the affected area.
Moisturize your skin
Moisturization helps to soothe as well as well nourish sunburnt skin. Using essential oils such as lavender helps to moisturize the skin as well as soothe them.
Use some baking soda
The alkaline and antiseptic nature of baking soda make it a good soothing agent for sunburns as well as relief of the itchy sensation in the affected area.
All you need to do is mix the adequate amount of water with four tablespoons of baking soda to form a paste. Directly apply this paste to the affected area using some cotton wool and leave it for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off using tepid water. This remedy can be used 1-2 times daily depending on the severity of the sunburns.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is known for its superior anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to soothe and relieve the pain of sunburns.
Refrigerate some aloe Vera gel extracts for about 30 minutes and apply it to the affected region, leave it to dry in order to allow the skin to absorb the medicinal properties. Repeat this process at least 5-6 times daily until the severity reduces.
Alternatively, you can purchase aloe Vera gel from the market in case you don’t have an Aloe Vera plant.
Apple cider vinegar(ACV)
ACV is an excellent astringent as well as a great pain reliever for sunburns. Additionally, ACV is known for its ability to hasten the healing process and decrease the itching and inflammation resulting that may result. The malic acid present in apple cider vinegar will help in reversing the damaging effects of sunburn.
All you need to do is make a solution of equal parts water and ACV, soak some paper towels in the mixture and put them over the affected area. Leave the paper towels until they become completely dry before removing them. Repeat this severally on a daily basis until your condition descends.
Black tea
Black tea is rich in anti-oxidants that are good for treating irritated and sunburnt skin. Tannins present in tea protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation, decreases inflammation and restores skin’s Ph balance.
cucumbers
Cucumbers are natural antioxidants and analgesic agents hence good for soothing sunburnt skin. All you need is chilled cucumbers, mashed to form a paste and applied to the affected area.
How to prevent them
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the nose is very prone to the most aggressive types of skin cancer which is usually hard to treat because of the complex structure of the nose.
It’s therefore very important not to forget taking proper care of the skin on your nose similar to other parts of the parts. And, not just when you are at the beach!
- First thing first, it’s important to avoid sun exposure especially between 10:00-3:00 since the sun is brightest during this time span.
- If you need to go out during the day, always ensure that you apply some sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or even higher on your nose. In order to get the best results ensure you apply sunscreen half an hour before stepping out so that it soaks well into the skin.
Additionally, remember to reapply sunblock after every two hours at least as well as after a swim for maximum protection.
- Invest in a 3-inch brimmed sun hat or even wider to cover and protect your nose as well as your face from UV rays. The wider the brim the better the prevention of sunburns. Brimmed hats are better as compared to baseball hats.
Additionally, darker colors are better compared to bright ones because they absorb reflected light to your face from water, sand or even snow.
Sources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sunburn/symptoms-causes/syc-20355922
- https://beautisecrets.com/sunburn-blisters-on-nose
- http://www.skincancer.org/
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer.html
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/99689-prevent-nose-getting-sunburned/