6 Best Tips for Sunburn Relief

There is nothing fun about sunburns! The stinging pain, the awful discoloring, and the damage that has occurred beneath the skin that could lead to skin cancer. There are no two ways about it, being sunburnt is less than ideal! If you’ve been painfully roasted, here are some tips to help relieve the pain.

1. Soak in a Cool Bath

While your skin feels like it is literally burning, sitting in a cool bath can help alleviate the sensation. You can take as many baths as you need to, but caring for your skin after you step out of the water is important. Do not rub your skin with a towel. Instead, lightly pat yourself dry but leave the skin a bit damp. Immediately apply moisturizer to your damp skin. This will lock in the moisture and keep your skin from drying out and chaffing, which is sure to make your sunburn more aggravating. For an even, more soothing effect, add colloidal oatmeal to your bathwater. An oatmeal bath has been used for centuries to treat irritated skin. It soothes the skin by trapping in moisture, minimizing inflammation, and cleaning your skin in the process.

2. Apply Aloe Vera or Soy Creams and Gels

Almost everyone nowadays is aware of the soothing effect aloe vera and soy has on the skin. These miracle plants offer an ample amount of moisture to the skin while reducing inflammation. Many sunburn ointments contain aloe vera and soy, so do a bit of shopping and find the right cream for you.

3. Painkillers

Yes, sunburns are painful and common painkillers like Ibuprofen and Tylenol can help relieve some of the pain. These drugs can also aid in the reduction of redness and swelling thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Be sure to always follow the dosage recommended on the bottle.

4. Stay Hydrated

Have you ever noticed that you become super thirsty and tired when you have a sunburn? This is because the sunburnt area pulls your fluid to the surface of your skin, leaving the rest of your body high and dry. Drink enough water throughout the day to keep from becoming dehydrated.

5. Keep it Loose

Many of us can’t stand being touched when sunburnt, so keep this in mind when choosing what to wear. Try wearing loose clothing as tight clothes are guaranteed to further irritate your skin. Nonetheless, when stepping out while sunburnt, you should wear clothes that cover your skin. If the burn receives more sunlight, your symptoms will likely worsen. Wear comfortable and soft materials like cotton, but make sure they are thick enough that light cannot pass through.

6. Try Home Remedies

While certain remedies haven’t been proven by medical science, there are plenty of stories about them working efficiently. Some claim that chamomile tea can soothe a sunburn. Not by drinking it, but by brewing it, allowing it cool and using a washcloth soaked in the tea and applying it to the burn.

While we don’t typically recommend trying several different home remedies, we understand that some may need immediate relief before heading to the doctor. Please keep in mind that you may still need to see a professional and at the very least, protect your skin from future damage.

If you want to stay on the safe side and get more information on real sunburn treatment, just reach out to our experts at The Dermatology Group in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are here to offer you advice, resources, and any treatment options you may need. Give us a call today!