Summertime typically means spending more time outdoors, which can increase your chances of getting a sunburn. People sometimes underestimate the time spent in the sun or forget to apply sunscreen, which can lead to painful sunburns.
While avoiding a sunburn is the goal, if you do get sunburned, it’s important to treat it right away. This will help your skin feel better and help promote healing. Here are some expert tips from the American Academy of Dermatology for how to properly care for your sunburned skin.
- Cool showers or baths: Take cool showers or baths to help relieve the pain of a sunburn. Gently pat yourself dry to avoid further irritation to your skin. Colloidal oatmeal baths can also be helpful.
- Topical treatments: For added comfort, you can apply calamine lotion or put a cool, damp washcloth on the affected area.
- Moisturizers: Use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy. This can help make your sunburned skin feel better. It’s best to do this right after a bath or a shower.
- Pain relief medications: To further reduce pain and any swelling, consider taking over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Hydration: Drinking extra water can help prevent dehydration caused by sunburn.
- Blister care: If your skin develops blisters, let the blisters heal slowly. Never pop a blister. The reason blisters form is to help your skin heal and keep it safe from infection. You can apply petroleum jelly to the blister to help protect it.
Keep in mind that getting sunburned can cause long-term skin damage. Even just one or two sunburns can raise your risk of developing skin cancer.
To protect your skin, always use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on all sun-exposed areas of your body. Additionally, wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses when outside.
