How to Ease the Pain of a Sunburn

Pain and redness from a sunburn usually peak after about 24 hours, followed by blisters, itching and peeling. There are several ways to treat a sunburn. Follow these steps for simple home treatment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Peppermint or green tea
• Aloe vera
• Cold compresses
• Aspirin or ibuprofen
• Antibacterial ointment
• Drinking water
• Gentle moisturizer

1. Take a cool shower or bath as soon as you realize you have a sunburn. Brew an extra strong batch of peppermint tea and add it to your bath for a pleasant remedy. Don't wash with soap; leaving your skin's oils intact helps it to heal.

2. Cover the sunburned area with 100 percent aloe vera gel. If you have an aloe plant at home, cut off one of the stalks, peel one side of it and rub it all over the burned area. Fresh aloe works better than store-bought gels.

3. Apply cool, wet compresses to the burned area whenever you need relief from the heat. For extra relief, soak the compresses in peppermint tea or green tea.

4. Take aspirin or ibuprofen several times a day to reduce pain and inflammation.

5. Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the burn.

6. Avoid breaking any water blisters. Apply antibacterial ointment to any that break on their own.

7. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

8. Apply a gentle moisturizer to your skin of you like. It will help return your skin to normal levels of moisture, but it won't help relieve the pain of the burn.

Tips & Warnings

• Children are more prone to dehydration and heat exhaustion than adults, and should drink plenty of water while in the sun. Call your child's doctor if you observe excessive sweating, clammy skin and a rapid pulse.
• If you develop a high fever or become dizzy or disoriented, contact a physician immediately.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[negzero]

on 6/9/2009 Great article very useful. Will definitely use this summer.

[Merriment]

on 6/8/2009 Very effective tips for sunburns. I just used most of these methods over the weekend after incurring a bad sunburn from that deceptive overcast weather. They worked quite well!

[omghow]

on 5/31/2009 I had no Ideal. thanks for sharing. Cheers.

[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?

[anonymousm]

on 3/10/2009 Tea Tree Oil is the best for any burn! I keep it on hand year-round for any and all burns. It's even great to put on in areas where mosquitos are likely to bite, they will avoid you. It has a strong mint-like scent, but not unplesant. Tea Tree Oil will keep a burn moist so you'll have less peeling, and it will literally cool the burn instantly. I'm never without Tea Tree Oil!!!