How to Relieve Pain from a Sunburn

Every summer beach-goers slather on the sunscreen and hit the sand and waves. Unfortunately, sunblock isn't always enough to keep a person from getting that painful condition we all know as the Sunburn. Follow these tips to stop the pain associated with too much fun in the sun.

Things You'll Need

• Depending on the remedy desired, you may need the following items:
• Aloe Vera
• Cool Water
• After-sun lotion or spray
• Vinegar
• Damp Towels
• Rest

Instructions

1. Remedy 1: Sunburn pain can be improved by keeping the affected areas moist and cool. This can be achieved by taking several cool or lukewarm showers or baths. Make sure not to use water that is too cold or too warm because extreme temperatures can damage the skin further. You can also use a moist towel and place it over the affected area for 5-10 minutes at a time to help cool and moisturize. However, do not wrap the towel tightly.

2. Remedy 2: Aloe Vera is a well-known skin moisturizer that does not leave a film or residue. Aloe Vera keeps the skin moist and provides a feeling of cooling to burning and irritated skin.

3. Remedy 3: After-sun lotions or sprays have been designed by the sunblock companies to help diminish burns and cool the skin after a burn. These products can be pricey- costing up to $12 per item, but many have a convenient spray feature which allows you to cool the skin without having to rub anything on it.

4. Remedy 4: Vinegar has been rumored to work miracles on sunburns. Simply fill a spray-bottle with 3/4 vinegar and 1/4 cool water, then spray the affected area. Apply repeatedly over the first 24 hours of the burn to diminish the pain and length of the sunburn. Do not cover the burn with anything as the vinegar/water mixture dries.

Tips & Warnings

• Sunburns should never be rubbed or scratched

• Avoid putting lotions on the affected areas that are not designed specifically for sunburn relief

• Avoid wearing restrictive clothing on sunburned areas- restricting airflow to the area may cause blistering or prolonged discomfort

• Products like Lanacane (topical numbing spray) can help decrease a sunburn's pain but will not help rid you of the burn

• Avoid the sun until the sunburn is gone- further trauma to the affected areas can cause pain, infection and scarring