You’ve probably heard all about the importance of applying sunscreen to your skin before you go out. Yes, even when the day isn’t particularly sunny, the dangers of sun damage are always present. On cool, overcast days, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still pass through clouds! Like many people, you probably don’t follow this simple advice that could save your skin from a lot of trouble and apply a daily SPF. And now your skin is itching, burning, swollen, and lobster-red.
However, you can effectively treat a sunburn if you act quickly. If not treated as early as possible, a sunburn can lead to permanent skin damage such as premature wrinkles, and if frequent enough, even skin cancer.
The first thing to do is get out from under the sun’s harsh rays. Your sunburn will continue to get worse as long as you’re exposed. After that, follow the steps below to treat your sunburn and get some much-needed relief.
- Cool down
The most important thing to do is cool down your sunburn. The longer your sunburn remains heated, the sorer and more damaged your skin will become. So immediately cool down your skin by gently applying a cool compress to the burns, or take a cool shower. Make sure to pat yourself dry when you get out of the shower, and avoid a wiping motion. You want to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier and avoid excess dryness and damage.
- Use aloe to soothe your skin
Aloe is perfect for cooling down and soothing skin. If you have an aloe plant, then squeeze the juice from the leaves of the plant and gently apply it liberally to the sunburned area of your skin. If not, find an aloe vera gel from the store and apply it to your sunburn. Aloe is an ideal solution since it’s not only a natural cooling and soothing agent but also anti-inflammatory and will help heal your sunburn faster.
- Moisturize by applying lotion
Regularly apply a gentle lotion to keep your skin moisturized, preferably when your skin is still slightly damp after your shower or bath. However, make sure the lotion you use is not oil or petroleum-based, as these can make the inflammation worse by heating your body up. Instead, look for gentle lotions that are hydrating and soothing, and with ingredients like soy, glycerine, aloe, oatmeal, or ceramides. If your sunburn caused blistering, avoid applying lotion to these areas.
- Drink plenty of water
When you get sunburned, you go through a process known as vasodilation, which causes your blood vessels to dilate and rapid water-loss from your skin. This can further lead to dehydration, headache, and fatigue. To prevent these symptoms (and avoid heatstroke!) make sure to keep yourself hydrated at all times. Drink water regularly, especially if you’re active throughout the day, by keeping a water bottle within reach. Drinks with electrolytes, like coconut water, are also great options to prevent dehydration.
- Take medication to reduce pain and inflammation
If your sunburns are causing you pain or discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen to help reduce swelling and relieve the pain. Sensitivity and tenderness from a sunburn is normal, but if you’re experiencing extreme pain and discomfort, seek immediate medical attention.
- Blisters? Leave them alone
If your sunburn is accompanied by minor blisters, it means that you are suffering from a second-degree sunburn. Make sure to minimize contact with the blisters as much as possible. The blisters are your skin’s reaction to the burn, and are actually there to help heal the skin and prevent further infection. Additionally, picking at the blisters can cause infection and could lead to permanent scarring. If you do experience scarring, contact a dermatologist like Dr. Robert Miller by clicking here, to avoid permanent damage.
- Know when to seek medical attention
In most cases, sunburns are not severe. Even with the presence of minor blisters, they can be treated at home. However, if you find that you have blisters over a large area of the burn, or if you’re experiencing a fever, headache, or chills, seek immediate medical attention.
If you’ve experienced sunburn or sun damage, consult a dermatologist like Dr. Robert Miller of Long Beach, CA for the skincare treatment plan that will work best for you, before your symptoms turn into long-term damage. Dr. Robert M. Miller has been recognized as a Top Doctor by FindaTopDoc.com and has been awarded the Patient’s Choice Award, and is recognized as one of the top Long Beach Dermatology Practices by OpenCare.com. To make an appointment, click here.
Sunburns can lead to several other skin complications that can cause permanent damage if not treated in a timely manner. Consult a skilled and experienced dermatologist for more information on how to effectively treat sunburns to minimize long-term damage and prevent them in the future.
