With the summer rapidly approaching and the mercury already rising, we’re spending a little more time outside. We’ve been told time and time again about how to apply (and re-apply) sunscreen and about wearing protective clothing, but no one is perfect and sometimes we forget. Unfortunately, this temporary slip in memory might leave you with scorched skin. Prevention is of course best. But if you do get a sunburn, it’s important to treat your skin quickly in order to minimize the damage. Here’s what to do.
1. Get out of the sun
This may seem like common sense, but people often fail to do so. As soon as you feel your skin starting to burn or see redness, get out of the sun. The skin damage has already started, and you don’t want it to go any further.
2. Determine the damage
Most sunburns can safely be treated at home. If, however, you have blisters on more than 20% of your body or are experiencing internal symptoms, such as nausea, chills, or fevers, you should seek medical attention immediately.
3. Cool down and moisturize
Use cool compresses or take a cool bath to reduce the heat in the skin (a shower isn’t a great idea because the blast of water may be uncomfortable on burned skin). Skip the soap as that may dry the skin out more. Opt for a gentle non-soap cleanser or baking soda or oatmeal to soothe the skin. If you can’t do cool compresses or baths, try aloe vera to cool the skin and reduce inflammation. After cooling the skin, apply a cream to moisturize and soothe the skin. Look for creams containing ceramides, glycerin or oatmeal. If a particular area feels especially uncomfortable, dab a small amount of OTC hydrocortisone on it for a day or 2. But avoid petroleum, benzocaine and lidocaine. Petroleum traps heat in your skin, which you definitely don’t want, and benzocaine and lidocaine can cause irritation and allergic reactions. If you have blisters, leave them alone. Popping blisters and peeling burned skin can lead to permanent scarring
4. Pop a pain pill
Sunburned skin is often tender and swollen, so taking over-the-counter ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory, can help reduce some of the redness, swelling, and discomfort.
5. Hydrate
When you get a sunburn, your blood vessels dilate and you loose water from you skin, so you can get dehydrated very easily. Drink lots of water to ensure that you stay hydrated. Coconut water and waters with added electrolytes may be even more effective.
Remember sunburns can be serious so if you feel sick at all, see a doctor immediately. Lastly, promise yourself and your skin that you will try your best to never let it happen again.
