How to Treat Sunburn

When nice weather comes around, everyone wants to be out in the sun. If you are not prepared then you might end up with a nasty burn. People who burn often over the course of their lifetime have an increased chance for skin cancer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aloe
• Sunscreen
• Damp rag
• Anti-inflammatory

1. The best possible way to treat a sunburn is to avoid being burned in the first place. There are many ways to do this and sunscreen is the best. You can buy it in many different types of SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Depending upon your skin, choosing the best one for you is not that difficult. The lower the SPF number on the bottle, the less protection you will get. A higher SPF number means more protection. If you have a fair complexion, then an SPF of 45 or higher is good for you. There is waterproof sunblock also available, so you can still enjoy water sports. Also, wearing a hat and covering your skin up with loose clothing is a great idea. Being covered makes it impossible for the sun to get to your skin.

2. Aloe helps to soothe the pain and calm the sunburn. This can be purchased at most stores and it is inexpensive, depending on the brand you buy. Aloe also has other benefits; if put on right away it will help your sunburn turn into a tan. There will be less peeling of the dead skin and possibly none at all.

3. Using a wet rag or cloth and applying it right to the burn area will provide some temporary relief from the pain and discomfort of a sunburn. Some people say that soaking the rag in a mixture of vinegar and water will also draw out the heat of a sunburn.

4. Make sure to take in enough fluids by drinking water. When sunburned, most people tend to get really dehydrated.

5. Use an anti-inflammatory for the burn. This will help take away pain and inflammation out of the burn so you are more comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid soap while you have a sunburn. Soap can cause unwanted irritation.
• Never put lotion on a sunburn. It seals in the heat and clogs the stressed-out skin.

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[sneedc]

on 5/25/2009 Thanks, I'm using these remedies for my 12 yr old who just came in all fried up.

[justmentenn]

on 4/23/2009 I know this sounds completely crazy but vapor rub is not just for colds anymore!! It is the greatest relief for sunburn I know of. I work with teenage girls, who are absolutely impossible when they get burned!! We use the vapor rub on their burnt skin and it takes out the itching, burning and stiffness.Try it.... what have you got to loose?

[sunny2556]

on 4/17/2009 This will not help to cure your current sunburn, but it will prevent you from getting another one. Get the right sun protection and use this tool to calculate your safe sun tanning time:http://www.sundicator.net/uv-calculator/