How to Treat Sunburn and Alleviate Symptoms

Summer is a wonderful time of year. The days are long and the sun shines brightly. Many people easily find the motivation to get outside, play, and soak up the rays. Many of us, however, end up with sunburn. Heat radiates from the burned skin and it is painful to the touch. Clothing can be uncomfortable when it barely rubs against the skin. There are some things that can be done to treat sunburn to make it more comfortable and to protect your health.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Cold compress or bath
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Water-based moisturizer
• Hydrocortisone cream

1. Assess the severity of the burn. If you have any combination of swelling, blisters, purulent discharge (pus), fever, chills, nausea, and increasing pain, see your doctor for treatment. Otherwise, refer to the following steps.

2. Drink the recommended eight glasses of water per day. Sun exposure can lead to dehydration. Water is also necessary for regular body processes such as healing.

3. Treat any inflammation with an anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

4. Keep the skin cool by taking a cool bath or applying a cold compress.

5. Apply a moisturizer to the skin, such as body lotion or aloe vera. Continue moisturizing until after the skin is finished peeling.

6. Apply a hydrocortisone cream to lessen the pain.

7. Do not break any blisters. You may wish to cover them to protect them. If they break, apply an antibiotic ointment.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a water-based moisturizer to allow the skin to breathe.
• Avoid moisturizers with fragrance as they can contribute to skin irritation.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Sunburn
• Moisturizers 101: The basics of softer skin - MayoClinic.com