The Top 4 Tips for Sunburn Recovery
On a hot day it is common to lather ourselves with sunscreen to protect our skin. Unfortunately, it does not always do the trick, and you may come down with a sunburn. If you have ever had a sunburn you know how much you want to find some type of relief and you want it as soon as possible. The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute have provided tips below to help with sunburn recovery.
How to Treat Sunburn
How a Sunburn Occurs
While you may love to see the sun shining, it also has a “dark” side. This dark side has to do with the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are harmful whether you physically see the sun shining or if the sun is hiding behind a cloud. This is important to know so that you remember even on a cloudy day, you should apply sunscreen. Applying sunscreen should become part of your daily routine. On sunny days it should be applied more often. If you forgot to apply sunscreen or do not apply enough you may experience the dreaded sunburn. Fortunately, you can find some sunburn recovery through a cold shower, aloe, aspirin, and hydrocortisone cream.
Sunburn Recovery
Sun damage treatment should be based on the severity of it. A common relief option for all levels of severity is to take frequent cool baths or showers. The cold will provide instant relief. Once out of the shower, pat yourself dry to not cause irritation and to allow the skin to retain some moisture. This will help keep your skin from drying out. Next, apply a moisturizer that contains aloe. Application can be done whether you have showered or not. It can also be done as frequently as needed. Aloe can be applied to wherever a sunburn occurs, but be careful not to get it in your eyes if it is being used on your face. Some aloe provides a cooling sensation and will help stop any sunburn-related itching. In addition to aloe, aspirin or ibuprofen can help with any redness or discomfort you are feeling.
Severe Sunburns
If you have a severe sunburn where your skin begins to blister, you will need to allow the blisters to heal on their own. Be sure not to pick at them or pop them as this could cause an infection. To reduce the itching sensation, you can purchase hydrocortisone cream. After the cream is applied you can apply gauze to the affected areas. This will also help stop you from itching the blisters and will hopefully help you forget they are there while allowing them to heal.
Whether you have a minor or severe sunburn the best way to always protect yourself is to use sunscreen, wear a hat, protective clothing, and spend most of your time outdoors in the shade. If you do come down with a sunburn, make sure to stay away from the sun until you are healed and provide your skin extra protection next time you are outdoors.
Contact Us
When a sunburn has got the best of you, our dermatologists can help. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois or the surrounding areas, get in touch with us.