How to Soothe and Treat Sunburns

Summer is a wonderful time to be outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. Unfortunately, it is also the season for sunburns. Always use sunscreen, the higher the SPF, the better. Sunscreen helps prevent getting sunburned and damaging your skin.
If you have or had a sunburn it can be severely painful. The following is a way to help soothe and treat a painful sunburn.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aloe Vera Gel
• Very Soft Cloth(s)
• Ice Pack(s)
• Aspirin or ibuprofen
• Non-fragrance Lotion

1. Put Aloe Vera Gel upon the burnt area as soon as possible. This will help soothe and cool the burn.

2. Take an ibuprofen, aspirin, or any medicine that is an anti-inflammatory. This will help bring down the swelling as well as provide temporary pain relief.

3. To aid in cooling the burn, place an ice pack over the area. This will also help reduce the swelling along with the ibuprofen. Make sure the ice pack is covered with a very soft cloth. Placing an ice pack directly on the skin is not recommended or advised.

4. Later re-apply the Aloe gel; you can re-apply as frequently as you want. Another helpful hint is to put the gel in the refrigerator, this will cause it to become much cooler and soothe your skin even more.

5. Soak a soft cloth in cool water for a couple of minutes. Ring out the cloth until it stops dripping and wrap it around the sunburned area. This also helps at night to ease the pain, just be sure to place a towel underneath the covered area otherwise your sleeping area will become very damp.

6. Repeat the steps above as often as necessary. The only exception to this step is the ibuprofen, avoid overdosing. Read the medicine bottle for more information.

7. When the burned areas are less painful, use a non-fragrance lotion, this will help moisturize the dry skin. Always remember to use sunscreen, this will make your summer a lot more enjoyable.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not necessary to purchase name brand Aloe Vera Gel, generic brands work just as well.
• You can use a soft kitchen towel or very old t-shirts to act as the cloth. This helps you save money and is earth-friendly.
• Be sure to drink plenty of water. You can get dehydrated from the sunburn.
• This article does not replace going to the doctor or acts as a substitute for medical advice. This is what I have done personally to treat my sunburns.
• If your sunburn is very severe and is causing an extreme amount of pain seek medical attention immediately.
• Never take a hot shower or bath right away. This will increase you pain. If need be take a cool bath instead of a shower, the pressure from the shower may irritate the burn even more.

[mikes197131]

on 8/14/2009 Thanks for the good advice.