Fun in the sun may be your summer mantra and, although you can never have too much fun, you can definitely have too much sun. We understand that it is often hard to remember to reapply sunscreen or go under the shade once in a while. It will be even harder to stay clear of the sun during the recommended 10 am to 4 pm time frame that you have to avoid those harmful rays. So if you get the inevitable sunburn, here are some tips you can use at home to treat it.
If you experience pain then over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are available to manage it. These medications will also help reduce inflammation on the sunburned areas.
- Sunburnt skin will feel hot and irritated. A cool bath will give you instant relief as the running water alleviates the pain. A gentle flow of water is ideal. Water gushing out of the shower may only hurt your skin.
- Do not attempt to rub the area with soap, or scrub with a shower gel, as this only will agitate the condition.
- A wet cold compress will soothe your skin when you have sunburn.
- Gels or lotions containing aloe vera are great first aid options for sunburn. Lather it onto the affected area without working into the skin too much. If these are not available and you have access to the actual plant, this will work also. Do this as often as necessary.
- Cortisone creams have a low concentration steroid content that can reduce the inflammation of the sunburn.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Getting sunburned has been clinically proven to cause dehydration and water intake will effectively counteract this effect.
Sunburns are manageable, but can be bothersome when you get them. For more information about how to avoid sunburn, or for other skincare advice, call Dr. Kathleen Behr at (559) 435-SKIN (7546) or visit our clinic at 1125 E. Spruce Ave. Suite 207 Fresno, CA 93720 and schedule a personal consultation today.
