First Aid >>Sunburn
Do not let the cold weather fool you! You can get a sunburn while skiing
or snowboarding if you do not properly protect your skin from the sun.
A sunburn is generally a first-degree burn of the skin caused by overexposure
to the sun.
Prevention of sunburn:
- Wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
- Reapply your sunscreen every two hours.
- Wear a hat and eye protection.
- Wear lip balm with an SPF 15 or higher.
Symptoms of sunburn:
- Redness
- Pain
- Mild swelling
- Possible blisters and severe swelling
Treatment:
- Apply cold water to the area.
- Place cold wet cloths on the area.
- Do not rub.
- Seek medical attention for severe sunburn. Do not break blisters or put any creams or ointments on severe sunburn.
Sources:
The American Medical Association: Handbook of First Aid and Emergency
Care. Random House, New York, NY, 1990.
Backer, H.D., Bowman, W. D., Paton, B.C., Steele, P. & Thygerson,
A. Wilderness First Aid: Emergency Care for Remote Locations, Jones and
Bartlett,
Boston, MA, 1998.
References:
The American Medical Association: Handdook of First Aid and Emergency
Care. Random House, New York, 1990.
Water Facts, Health Science, Spring 2001.
