Soothe sunburned skin and alleviate discomfort with these simple yet effective remedies.
Cooling and Soothing the Burn
First and foremost, get out of the sun immediately! Then, focus on cooling the affected skin.
- Cool Compresses or Baths: Apply cool (not cold) compresses or take a cool bath or shower. This helps reduce inflammation and pain. Avoid harsh soaps. (Source: Mayo Clinic, NHS, Canada.ca, Nemours KidsHealth)
Moisturizing and Healing
Hydration is key to healing sunburned skin.
- Moisturizers: Apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy while your skin is still damp. This helps lock in moisture and soothe the burn. (Source: MedStar Health, AAD, Mayo Clinic) Reapply as needed throughout the day.
- Calamine Lotion: Calamine lotion provides additional soothing relief. (Source: MedStar Health, Yale Medicine)
- Hydrocortisone Cream: A nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream can also help reduce inflammation. (Source: Mayo Clinic Health System)
Pain Relief
Sunburn can be painful.
- Pain Relievers: Take a nonprescription pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
Important Considerations
- Avoid: Harsh soaps, rubbing the affected area too vigorously, and prolonged sun exposure. (Source: Yale Medicine, Canada.ca)
- Seek Medical Attention: If you experience severe sunburn, blisters, fever, chills, or other concerning symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
