I think most of us have dealt with sunburn at one time or another. You know, that red, lobster looking skin that burns, blisters and itches. When I was a kid I got it really bad while on vacation and had to visit an Emergency Room for treatment. The rest of my summer vacation was ruined due to the pain that I had experienced.
* This post contains affiliate links. I’m not a medical expert and I’m only sharing my personal experience with the readers of this blog.
Over the years I’ve gotten sunburn from time to time even after taking precautions and applying sunscreen. Yes, I’m guilty of staying out in the sunshine too long and guilty of not reapplying the sunscreen as often as I should. With that said, there are ways you can soothe and treat a minor sunburn at home.
Here are some of my personal BEST tips on how to treat sunburn.
1. Take a cool shower or bath. When you get out gently pat your skin dry with a cotton towel. Don’t rub the towel across your body which will irritate your skin even more.
2. Apply cold compresses to the affected area. I like to use wash cloths that have been dampened with cold running water. You don’t want to apply frozen ice packs onto the affected area which can make it hurt even more. Change your cold compresses as often as needed.
3. Skip all bath and body products! Don’t use soap, shower gels, bubble baths, body lotions or creams on your body until the area has healed.
4. Apply Aloe Vera onto the affected area. I personally will use Aloe freshly squeezed from one of my Aloe plants when we’re at home. When we’re traveling I will use one of my favorite products called Aloe After Sun Gel made by Banana Boat. It’s made with pure Aloe Vera to help soothe, cool, calm, and replenish your skin. You can apply it to your body and/or face as often as needed.
Tip: I like to keep my bottle refrigerated or in my insulated cooler bag. The gel feels extremely soothing on your skin when its applied cold. Don’t store your bottle in the freezer!
5. You can apply a topical anti-itch cream to your skin if you experience intense itching. I like to use Hydrocortisone Cream as needed.
6. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably WATER and a lot of it! You need to stay hydrated and flush your system with water.
7. Keep the affected areas clean and dry. You don’t want to irritate the area or get an infection. Plus, stay out of the sun for a few days!!!
If you think you have a second or third degree burn you should seek medical attention. In addition, if you start having other symptoms such as a severe headache, vomiting, stomach pain, chest pain, a lot of blistering, etc., you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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My two favorites are aloe vera and hydrocortizone cream, but these are all good tips.
I use Aloe Gel for those occasional sunburns. I am trying to be better about applying sunscreen. Good tip to keep it refrigerated.
these are great tips. I do not get in the sun any more. My body does not like the heat and I don’t need a tan at my age. Thank you for the information.
I had a lot of sunburns as a teenager. This is all good advice and I would really like to use the Aloe After Sun Gel made by Banana Boat.