How to Get Rid of Sunburned Skin

There is no quick cure for sunburn but you can aid the healing process.

Sunburn is the result of skin damage from too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, usually from the sun's rays or artificial sunlamps. Symptoms include red, swollen and painful skin that is warm to the touch. Sometimes blisters develop and affected skin may start to peel after several days. Though the symptoms of sunburn are usually temporary and fade on their own over the course of several days, once skin sunburn occurs, there is no "quick-fix" cure. However, correct first aid will reduce the discomfort and promote healing.

Things You'll Need

• Flannel or towel
• Pure aloe vera gel
• Gauze

Instructions

1. Move to a shaded area, preferably indoors, as soon as you notice you are suffering from sunburn, as further sun exposure will only worsen your condition.

2. Take a cool bath or shower immediately to cool down the affected area.

3. Soak a flannel or towel in cool water and apply as a cold compress to burnt skin.

4. Apply a pure aloe vera gel to the affected area to soothe and hydrate the skin.

5. Cover any blisters with gauze to protect them from bursting and increasing the risk of infection.

6. Continue to apply pure aloe vera gel to the affected area as the damaged layer of skin peels.

Tips & Warnings

• To reduce the discomfort of sunburn, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen. (Children and teenagers should not be given aspirin unless directed by a health provider, due to the danger of Reye's syndrome.)

• Be aware that the symptoms of sunburn may continue to develop for up to 24 hours after sun exposure.

• Prevent sunburn by wearing protective clothing, staying in the shade, and frequently reapplying a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 (higher if you have pale, easily burned skin) when out in the sun. Avoid sunbathing between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• If you realize you are suffering from sunburn, treat the affected skin immediately to minimize the severity of the damage.

• Drink plenty of water following sun exposure to avoid dehydration.

• Don't be tempted to break blisters or pull at peeling skin--this will only increase the risk of infection and permanent scarring.

• Avoid applying topical products containing benzocaine, lidocaine, petroleum or alcohol to sunburn. These ingredients may irritate and dehydrate skin further.

• Seek help from a health care provider immediately if you develop blisters covering a large portion of your body, or if you experience possible signs of shock, heat exhaustion or dehydration, such as dizziness, nausea, fever or extreme thirst.

References

• MedlinePlus: Sunburn
• Mayo Clinic: Sunburn Treatment
• HealthyNet: First Aid for Sunburn