Can Warm Water Help Treat Sunburns?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the efficacy of warm water in treating sunburns, exploring the underlying physics and biology of sunburns, and whether warm water can aid in the healing process. Participants express skepticism about the claim and discuss the nature of sunburns, including their causes and appropriate treatments.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that warm water can help open skin pores and release heat, potentially aiding in sunburn treatment.
  • Others argue that sunburns result from UV radiation damage rather than overheating of the skin, suggesting that warm water would have no beneficial effect.
  • A participant questions the validity of the warm water claim and requests credible sources to support the argument against it.
  • Another participant emphasizes that sunburns should be treated as burns and advises against applying heat, recommending cool water and specific lotions instead.
  • Some participants express doubts about the effectiveness of warm water, noting that it adds heat to the skin, counteracting any potential benefits.
  • Links to external resources are provided for further reading on sunburn treatment and causes.
  • Concerns are raised about deleted posts, indicating a meta-discussion regarding moderation and freedom of speech within the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the effectiveness of warm water in treating sunburns, with some supporting the idea and others firmly rejecting it based on the understanding of sunburn causes.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources for information on sunburn treatment, but there is no consensus on the role of warm water in the healing process. The discussion includes differing opinions on the nature of sunburns and appropriate treatment methods.

oexnorth
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I have heard that warm water helps to open the pores of your skin, and therefore, can release more heat which will aid in the treatment of a sunburn. I was immediately skeptical, but after a few searches I found answers both for and against it. What are the actual physics behind this, and, if a definitive answer can be given, what is it? Thank you.
 
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Personally, I'm pretty sure its completely ridiculous! :P
A sun 'burn' isn't from your skin getting too hot, its from radiation (mostly ultraviolet) damage. People often get sunburns while skiing, due to the reflectivity of the snow; or on cloudy days (cool, but still irradiated).

Hot water, and opening poors will have ZERO effect.
 
zhermes said:
Personally, I'm pretty sure its completely ridiculous! :P
A sun 'burn' isn't from your skin getting too hot, its from radiation (mostly ultraviolet) damage. People often get sunburns while skiing, due to the reflectivity of the snow; or on cloudy days (cool, but still irradiated).

Hot water, and opening poors will have ZERO effect.

I appreciate your reply and I thank you. Can you direct towards something that I can see for myself why warm/hot water doesn't work?
 
oexnorth said:
I appreciate your reply and I thank you. Can you direct towards something that I can see for myself why warm/hot water doesn't work?

It isn't our job to prove to you it doesn't work. The claim is ridiculous and does not address the root cause of a sunburn- UV damage. Unless you can post a credible site which proves it does help, this thread was done before it started.
 
oexnorth said:
I appreciate your reply and I thank you. Can you direct towards something that I can see for myself why warm/hot water doesn't work?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_burn is plenty.
 
A sunburn is still considered a burn {generally classified as a superficial or first-degree burn}, and should be treated as such.

If the area has fluid filled blister, seek medical aid. Never apply heat to a burn. Use cool water, and lotions developed for treating burns. Never use salves or ointments that would trap the heat in.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunburn-treatment/AN01423
 
Thanks, hypatia. When I first heard that running warm or hot water over your skin to open the pores to let more heat out, I had serious doubts. Hot water might open the pores but it still adds a lot of heat to the system, so any benefits are immediately countered. Most of what I've read and the help that I've gotten from the people on this forum have put that myth to rest. Thanks again.
 
Does the Physics Forums edit posts? A couple of comments were deleted from this one, including my own. I don't like negative back-and-forths, but I also respect freedom of speech. Can someone tell me what happened to those posts? I have backups if anybody wants to see what I mean.
 
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