Sunburn Relief: Cool Down, Heal Up, and Enjoy Your Summer

Sunburn Relief

Sunburn SOS: How to Calm Down and Get Better

This summer is a time to enjoy the sun, but occasionally that enjoyment can turn into a searing pain known as sunburn. Your body’s method of screaming “ouch” after too much ultraviolet (UV) exposure is that burning, itching feeling. Sun warriors, do not be alarmed! There are techniques to calm things down and encourage recovery.

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Why Do You Get Sunburned?

Prior to treating sunburns, let’s identify the cause. There are two types of UV radiation that are emitted by the sun: UVA and UVB. UVB radiation is primarily responsible for sunburn, whereas UVA rays cause accelerated aging by penetrating deeply into the skin. The DNA of the skin is harmed by these UVB rays, which results in inflammation and that excruciating burning feeling.

Hurt! I’m Sunburned. How Am I Able to Help?

Sunburn Relief

The secret to treating sunburns is to prioritize healing and lowering inflammation. This is your survival handbook for sunburns:

Calm Down:

Sunburn Relief

• The Power of chilly Water: A chilly bath or shower can rescue your skin from sunburn. Try to get the water lukewarm, not freezing. For further relief, you can even mix some oatmeal or baking powder into the bath [1].
• Soak It Up: A brief swim in a lake, stream, or ocean can be quite relaxing. Just keep in mind that saltwater can be drying, so make sure you rinse and rehydrate with fresh water afterward [2].
• Cold Compress Magic: A cool compress can be incredibly effective for providing targeted relief on smaller locations. After soaking a fresh washcloth in cool water and wringing it out, apply it gently to the sunburn for brief periods of time. Ice should not be applied straight to a burn as this could cause more skin damage [3].

Staying Hydrated Is Essential:

Sunburn Relief

• Drink up: Being sunburned causes your body to lose moisture, so drinking plenty of water is essential. Your best option is water, however beverages high in electrolytes can also aid in replacing lost minerals [2].
• Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: Use an aloe vera-based, fragrance-free moisturizer after letting it cool and patting, rather than rubbing. Natural anti-inflammatory qualities of aloe vera can aid in burn relief and healing [1].

Relieve the Itch:

Sunburn Relief

• Avoid Scratching: Try not to give in to the need to touch that itch! Scratching can aggravate skin even more and raise the possibility of infection.
• Power of Oatmeal: Both the burn and the itching can be relieved with an oatmeal bath. Add some ground oats to a lukewarm bath to make it into flour [2]. Your neighborhood pharmacy may also have lotions or creams containing colloidal oatmeal.
• Calamine Lotion: This over-the-counter lotion can assist in reducing sunburn-related irritation and discomfort [4].

Put on Success-Oriented Clothing:

Sunburn Relief

• Your Friend Is Loose Cotton: Wearing tight clothing can aggravate skin burns. Choose airy, loose-fitting cotton clothing to facilitate airflow and ward off more chafing.
• Cover Up: Take precautions to avoid further sun exposure when you must be outside. Put on sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV protection factor (UPF) 50 or higher clothing to shield yourself from the sun [5].

Pain Management:

Sunburn Relief

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are two over-the-counter pain medicines that can help if you have sunburn pain [6].

Extra Advice for a Quick Recoveries:

Sunburn Relief

• Avoid Hot Showers: Taking a hot bath or shower can exacerbate your sunburn. Remain with warm water.
• Minimize Inflammation: Steer clear of processed meals and alcohol, as these can exacerbate inflammation.
• Sleep it Off: Your body can concentrate on mending when you get enough sleep.
• Don’t Pop Blisters: If blisters appear on your sunburn, don’t pop them! Your risk of infection may increase if you pop them.

When to Visit a Physician:

Even while you can treat the majority of sunburns at home, there are instances when you should consult a doctor:

• if a significant section of your skin is covered in blisters.
• if you feel sick, have a fever, or have chills.
• if you have sunburn around your eyes or on your face.
• if, in spite of home remedies, the sunburn gets worse after a few days.
• It’s Always Better to Avoid Sunburn Than to Treat It!

Although sunburns are unpleasant, there is good news: they can be mostly avoided. Here are some pointers for staying safe in the sun:

SPF is your best friend: Put on an all-purpose sunscreen.