Summer is here! As you head out to the beach, trails, boat, or wherever the great outdoors takes you, the chance of getting a sunburn could be high, especially if you’re not using the proper protection of sunscreen and clothes. However, although we know how to prevent them, sunburns unfortunately happen sometimes.
In the event you do get a sunburn, it’s important to treat it as soon as you notice. Below are tips from our dermatologists to help relieve the discomfort and soothe your skin.
- If in the sun and start to notice your skin is red, immediately get out of the sun.
- As the sunburn progresses, take frequent cool baths and showers to help relieve the pain.
- After the shower apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera to help soothe the sunburned skin.
- To reduce swelling, redness, and pain take an aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Drink extra water to stay hydrated. The sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the body, which could cause dehydration.
- If your skin starts to blister and peel, that means you have a second-degree sunburn. Allow your skin to heal by leaving the blisters alone. This it will protect your skin from infection.
- While your skin heals from the sunburn, it’s important to take extra good care of your skin. We recommend wearing clothing that covers your skin or sunburned area or a hat.
It’s important to note, that while a sunburn is temporary, the impact of a sunburn can leave long-lasting damage, as it increases your chances of skin cancer. We always recommend using our tips here to protect yourself from the sun. And remember to make regular appointments with your dermatologist to address any concerning changes in your skin.
