The first step in treating sunburn is to get out of the sun immediately. Then, focus on cooling the skin and relieving pain.
Immediate Actions
- Get out of the sun: This prevents further damage.
- Cool the skin: Take a cool (not cold) shower or bath. Alternatively, apply cool compresses to the affected area several times a day. Avoid very cold temperatures as this can worsen discomfort. (Canada.ca, Mayo Clinic, WebMD, Skinsight, AAD, Nemours KidsHealth, MyCPRCertificationOnline, Franciscan Health)
Pain Relief and Moisturizing
- Pain relief: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as soon as possible to reduce pain and inflammation. (Mayo Clinic, Franciscan Health)
- Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer, aloe vera gel, or a lotion to soothe and hydrate the skin. Avoid lotions containing benzocaine or lidocaine, as these can potentially irritate the skin further. (Reference 1, WebMD, AAD, Franciscan Health)
Advanced Care (If Necessary)
- Blisters: If blisters form, do not pop them. If a blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area and apply a topical antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. (Skinsight)
- Severe burns: For severe sunburns with significant pain, blistering, fever, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention. (St John Ambulance, St John Vic)
Things to Avoid
- Harsh soaps: Do not wash burned skin with harsh soaps, as this can further irritate the skin. (Reference 1)
- Hot water: Avoid hot showers or baths, as they will worsen the burn. (MyCPRCertificationOnline)
- Creams/lotions with numbing agents: Avoid creams or lotions containing numbing medications like benzocaine or lidocaine. (Reference 1)
This first aid treatment focuses on immediate relief and prevention of complications. Always consult a doctor for severe burns or persistent symptoms.
