Treating Sunburn and Foot Blisters

CEBU, Philippines - The long walks in the open streets during yesterday's Sinulog Grand Parade may have resulted in sunburn and foot blisters with some people, whether parade participants or audience or both.

Experts advise that treatment of sunburn should begin right from the moment a stinging sensation is noticed on the skin. In which case, one should get out of the sun and go indoors.

The website www.aad.org also offers good ideas for relieving and soothing the skin discomfort:

1. A cold, damp towel must be placed on the affected skin. This has to be done for 10 or 15 minutes a few times every day. This will help take some of the heat out of the skin. Frequently taking cool baths or showers can also help relieve the pain. Applying moisturizer after bath can help trap the water in the skin and ease the dryness.

2. Moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy helps to soothe sunburned skin. Lotions that have aloe vera help make the skin feel better. One must be careful not to use lotions or creams that contain petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine, as these trap the heat and can further irritate the skin.

3. If the sunburn really hurts, taking ibuprofen may be considered. Ibuprofen will help reduce swelling, redness and discomfort.

4. Drinking extra water helps. Sunburn makes the body get very dry inside hence, there is a need to drink a lot of water to avoid possible dehydration.

5. Skin blisters should not be touched. If skin blisters occur, popping them only makes the sunburn worse. Skin blisters are a sign of second-degree sunburn. Simply allowing the blisters to heal on their own will prevent infection.

6. Extra care should be taken to protect the skin while the sunburn is healing. Covering the affected skin when outdoors facilitates fast recovery. Tightly-woven fabrics are best; it's the type that, when held up to bright light, won't allow any light coming through.

In case of little children getting sunburn and are feeling sick, parents shall take their kids to the doctor.

While sunburn may seem like a temporary condition, it can cause long-lasting damage to the skin. The damage can increase a person's risk for getting skin cancer.

On the other hand, those that have foot blisters - those little bumps or bubbles that are caused by friction in walking - will find these tips from www.greatist.com to be of great help:

1. First, make sure hands are clean. Washing hands with water and soap before draining the blisters is advisable. Dirty hands may carry bacteria that can worsen the pain.

2. Clean the blisters. A clean swab must be used, with water and soap, rubbing alcohol, or iodine.

3. Use sterilized needle. A needle or a pin must first be sterilized with rubbing alcohol, using a clean swab or pad. Sterilizing the needle by heating it can only further irritate the wound.

4. Puncture the blister from the side. Aim for spots close to the blister's edge and puncture horizontally. Soak up the draining fluid with a clean piece of cotton or gauze, pushing gently near the hole with the fingers.

5. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover the blister.  Cover properly with clean bandage to keep bacteria from getting in. Secure the cover with medical tape.

6. Allow a few days to pass. After two to three days, cut away and remove the dead skin by using sterilized scissors or tweezers and rubbing alcohol to keep the area clean.

7. Repeat step number 5. Apply more antibiotic ointment and bandage again until healed.

Small blisters may just be left intact. Popping may only make it bleed and pose the risk of bacteria getting into the bloodstream.

Most blisters do not pose any serious health risk. But these should not be ignored, because they can get infected and result in more serious trouble. There are many ways to prevent blisters, in the first place. One way is to coat the feet with foot powder, creams and lotions to maintain proper moisture. Choosing anti-blister socks is another, preferably synthetic socks that wick moisture away from the skin. Also, it helps to wear comfortable shoes and socks that fit smoothly.