How to treat a sunburn this summer. Sunburns that come with a little bit of enjoying the summer’s sun too much can be super painful and also mess up with your glow up. Understanding how to effectively treat sunburn is important as it helps ease unnecessary discomfort while also preventing further skin damage. I will be giving you 13 tips on how to treat a sunburn this summer. So without wasting time, let’s dive in.
Meaning of sunburn
Sunburn is a skin condition caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, leading to red, painful, and sometimes peeling skin.
Sunburn causes
- Using tanning beds or lamps.
- Overexposure to sun UV rays.
- Spending long periods outdoors without sunscreen.
- Not wearing protective clothing or hats.
- Having light or fair skin, which is more prone to burning.
How to treat a sunburn
The following 13 tips will help you treat a sunburn of you have one.
1. Cool the skin
Since your skin has been burned it is important to cool it off. This can be done by taking a cool (not cold) shower or bath to ease the pain. You can also apply a damp cloth to the sunburned areas for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
2. Moisturize
After cooling your skin, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel. This keeps the skin hydrated. Apply moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture. Remember to avoid using products with alcohol as they can dry out your skin.
3. Stay hydrated
Sunburn pulls fluid to the skin’s surface, causing dehydration. Drink extra water to replace lost fluids and help your body heal. Consider other drinks, such as sports drinks or coconut water as they contain electrolytes. This helps balance your body’s hydration levels more effectively.
Other foods to keep you hydrated
- Fruits
- Smoothies
- Vegetables
- Soups and Broths
4. Protect your skin
Stay out of the sun until your skin heals. If you need to go outside, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen. The sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours. However, it is advisable to stay away from the sun until your skin heals.
5. Take pain relievers
Go to a nearby pharmacy and get over-the-counter painkillers. Painkillers help to reduce pain, swelling and discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package.
6. Don’t touch blisters
If blisters form, don’t pop them. They help your skin heal and protect against infection. If they do burst, clean the area gently and apply an antibiotic ointment.
7. Avoid tight clothing
Wear loose, soft clothing to avoid irritating the sunburned skin. If it’s really necessary to go outside, wear loose, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield your skin from the sun.
8. Use anti-inflammatory creams
Visit your pharmacy and let them recommend to you a cream that will reduce inflammation and itching.
9. Stay cool indoors
Use fans or air conditioning to keep your environment cool, which can help soothe your skin and prevent further irritation. Avoid hot showers and heat sources that can worsen the sunburn. Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
10. Avoid harsh soaps
Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps when washing to avoid further irritation to your sunburned skin. Use mild, fragrance-free soaps or cleansers made for sensitive skin. These are less likely to cause irritation.
11. Do not exfoliate
Avoid using scrubs, exfoliating brushes, or any products that might irritate the skin more.
Reasons to not exfoliate
- It delays healing.
- It worsens peeling.
- There’s a risk of infection.
- Exfoliation leads to scarring.
- Exfoliating increases pain and irritation.
Be gentle with your skin until the sunburn heals.
12. Do not go for tanning
Stay away from tanning beds and lamps. They emit UV rays which worsens the burn and raises the risk of long-term damage like premature aging and skin cancer.
13. Monitor for Signs of Infection
Watch for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or pus. Seek medical attention if you suspect an infection.
In conclusion, you need to treat a sunburn as soon as possible and effectively. By following the above tips, you can minimize pain and promote healing of your skin even faster. If your sunburn is severe or accompanied by symptoms like fever, chills, or dizziness, seek medical attention.