Sunburned Lip Care
A sunburn occurs when your skin is exposed too long to the sun’s damaging rays. If you suffer from a sunburn on your lip, it may be uncomfortable to eat, drink or talk. Fortunately, most sunburns are mild, and your lips will heal themselves, with a little help, within a few days. Applying a lip balm that contains a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 can help protect your lips from becoming dry, cracked or sunburned.
Instructions
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Apply a cool compress to your lips to reduce the heat from the burn. A compress is a wet washcloth or other soft cloth. It is important to use a cool, but not cold, compress because sunburned lips are fragile, and you do not want to damage them further by applying a very cold cloth.
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Use an aloe vera lotion or lip balm on your lips. Aloe vera is a natural plant extract that soothes sunburned skin while restoring moisture to it. Apply the aloe vera in a thin layer as often as you can but at least a few times a day, especially before you go to sleep at night.
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Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve within a few days. Most burns are first-degree burns that heal within a week. However, if you suffer from a second-degree burn, or your burn is not healing, notify your doctor immediately. In addition, if you have a fever or chills, you may be experiencing heat exhaustion, and you should seek immediate medical assistance.
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Tips & Warnings
Try an over-the counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease any pain caused by the sunburn.
Avoid eating spicy or salty foods while your lips are healing. These types of food can cause irritation that make your lips even more uncomfortable.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
