You have a sunburn – now what should you do to treat it? Even with taking the best precautions for sun safety, sunburns can happen. It’s important to take immediate steps to alleviate the pain and promote healing. Here are some effective measures you can take.
- Get out of the sun. As soon as you notice a sunburn, move indoors or to a shaded area to prevent further UV damage.
- Cool the skin. Use cool (not cold) water to help reduce the heat. Avoid using soap, as it can dry out and irritate the skin. Soak a cloth in cool water and place it on the affected areas for 10-15 minutes several times a day. Avoid hot baths, showers, and saunas.
- Moisturize. Aloe vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied to the sunburned areas. A fragrance-free moisturizer can help keep the skin hydrated. You should try to avoid products containing petroleum, which can trap heat in the skin.
- Stay hydrated. Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, so drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your skin recover.
- Reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce pain and inflammation. Hydrocortisone cream can help soothe particularly painful or inflamed areas.
- Avoid further irritation. Choose loose, soft fabrics like cotton to avoid further irritation to the sunburned skin.
- Protect the skin while healing. Keep the sunburned area covered and out of direct sunlight until it has healed. If you need to go outside, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Monitor for sever symptoms. Seek medical attention if you experience severe blistering; chills, fever, or dizziness; signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus.
Prevention is key, so take precautions to protect your skin from future sun damage so you don’t have to worry about how to treat a sunburn.