Most people, especially those with more fair skin, have experienced the consequences of being out in the sun for too long. The skin gets red and, most unpleasantly, becomes painful, especially when touched. Eventually sunburns will heal and the skin regenerates, often leaving a tan where the skin was once red. Still, it is never pleasant to have a sunburn and some severe sunburns can be incredibly painful. The good news is that there are many ways one can soothe a sunburn.
Prevention is always the best thing to try, first. Sunburns are generally not good for the skin nor are they pleasant, so rather than treating the issue it is best to avoid it altogether. Using proper sun protection, protective clothing like hats and sunglasses, and staying out of the sun between 10am-4pm can all help to protect the skin. Of course, sometimes sunburns still happen.
There are plenty of products that can be found at most local supermarkets or drug stores. These products are designed specifically to treat and relieve the pain of a sunburn. There are Aloe Vera moisturizers and gels that can be applied to skin in order to soothe it. Aside from these, there are other ways to soothe a sunburn. Many home remedies can even be found in most modern houses.
As soon as a sunburn starts to form one can take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen. This will combat many elements of the sunburn, including the pain and redness. It also helps stop the burn from getting any worse.
It is suggested to take a cool shower or bath in order remove any substances which could agitate the skin, like chlorine or sand, and also sooth the skin. Aside from this, one should be sure to hydrate. The sun can dehydrate both the skin and the entire body and drinking fluids, especially water, is the best way to combat dehydration.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance and it even contains antiseptic properties and therefore has a very soothing affect. It can help to combat any itchiness which accompanies the sunburn. One of the best ways to apply baking soda to a sunburn is to add a cup of baking soda to cold water and sit in the bathtub for around 15 minutes. If a bath is not preferred the baking soda can be used with a small amount of water in order to make a paste which can be applied to the affected area. It should be left for about 10 minutes and then it may be rinsed off. This particular remedy can be repeated multiple times a day.
Oatmeal can help to reduce irritation and allow the skin to stay hydrated. A cup of oatmeal can be added to a bath, or you can cook the oatmeal, allow it to cool, then apply it to the skin. It is recommended not to rub it into the skin.
There are a variety of cold compresses which can be applied to the sunburned area. Green tea, egg whites, skin milk, or simply ice may be used. Soak a damp cloth in one of these substances or wrap the ice in the cloth and then simply apply the compress to the sunburn.
