Last week you might have learned how to treat a burn, but what about sunburns? Sunburns can be just as painful and discomforting as heat or thermal burns.
Utahans are more prone to sunburns at this time of year as our climate is hotter and drier in summer months and our state is at a high elevation. If you’re feeling the burn from too much sunshine and not enough sunscreen, don’t worry! There are a number of things you can do at home to help care for your sunburn and temporary relieve discomfort or pain.
A sunburn occurs when skin gets too much sun without proper protection or sunscreen. Sunburns can be mild to severe, and some can even blister. If you’re having a hard time doing daily tasks or sleeping due to a sunburn, remember these tips to care for the burn and help with the pain.
Cool-Watered Bath or Shower.
Take frequent baths or showers with cool water. It helps cool the skin down and closes the skin’s pores, which helps avoid drying the skin out. Avoid using soaps with perfumes or scents. Mild soap is best.
When you are done bathing or showering, make sure you pat the skin dry. Do not rub it. Apply lotion once you are dry to trap the lotion into your skin to help with the burn’s healing process.
Speaking of Lotion… Make Sure it Has Aloe Vera or Soy.
Whatever lotion or moisturizer you choose to use is fine as long as it has aloe vera or soy in it. These are two natural ingredients that help relieve discomfort or pain on the skin’s surface. Word to the wise, however, check your lotion and aloe vera gel to make sure there isn’t any alcohol in it. Alcohol will dry your skin our further and cause more discomfort.
Drink Water.
You need to replenish your fluids! Water not only prevents dehydration but it helps lubricate and moisturize the skin, which helps with the sunburn healing process.
Yogurt, Milk, or Tea Bags.
Yogurt and Milk will produce a protein layer over the skin to temporarily relieve pain. Simply apply milk with washcloth and use as cold compress, or apply yogurt to affected area(s). If you’re eyelids are sunburnt, use tea bags to decrease swelling.
Remember, sunburns have long lasting effects that don’t go away when the redness, swelling, or discomfort does. Dr. Brackeen says, “Repeat sunburns put you at a substantial risk for skin cancer and premature skin aging, and I want people to ‘learn from the burn'”.
If your sunburn is severely blistering over a large portion of your body, you have a fever and/or chills, or you are woozy or confused, you should see a doctor. Call our office for an appointment at 801-724-9840.