How to Treat Sunburn

Here's How to Treat Sunburn

Sunburns can be annoying, painful, and in severe cases, dangerous. Most sunburns are minor and can be treated at home with simple measures.

Immediate Care

- *Stay out of the sun.* Further exposure to the sun can worsen your sunburn and make it take longer to heal.

- *Cool down your skin.* Take a cool bath or shower, or apply cool compresses to your skin.

- *Moisturize your skin.* Aloe vera gel, unscented lotion, or petroleum jelly can help soothe and hydrate your skin.

- *Take an over-the-counter pain reliever* such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve any pain or discomfort.

After the Initial Burn

Continue to take care of your sunburn for the next few days to help it heal and prevent complications.

- Keep your skin moisturized. Re-apply moisturizer throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and prevent peeling.

- *Don't pick or scratch your skin. Picking or scratching your skin can damage it further and increase your risk of infection.

- *Protect your skin from the sun. Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and wear long sleeves and pants when you're outdoors.

- *See a doctor if your sunburn is severe. Blistering, fever, or signs of infection are all reasons to seek medical attention.

- Additional Tips

- *Drink plenty of fluids* to stay hydrated.

- *Eat a healthy diet* that is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to help your skin heal.

- *Get plenty of rest*. Your body needs time to heal.

- *Avoid alcohol and caffeine* which can dehydrate your skin.

Preventing Sunburn

The best way to treat sunburn is to prevent it from happening in the first place.

- *Limit your time in the sun*, especially during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm.

- *Wear sunscreen* with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more often if you're swimming or sweating.

- *Wear protective clothing* such as long sleeves, pants, and a hat when you're outdoors.

- *Seek shade* when you can, especially if you have fair skin or are sensitive to the sun.