Treating sunburn is much more difficult than preventing it from happening. However, half of US citizens aged 18-29 report at least one sunburn each year. Whatever the type, your skin will bear the risk. Learn how to deal with and get rid of this problem as quickly as possible and take precautions in the future.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Immediate Handling
Step 1. As soon as your skin feels burned, get out of the sun immediately
A second's exposure to sunlight can make your burn worse. The best way to deal with it is to go inside the room. However, if it is not possible to get into the room, take shelter in a nearby place.
- Beach umbrellas don't really provide much protection against ultraviolet rays unless they are large and made of strong material.
- Even if you have shelter, it doesn't mean you are free from sun exposure. Ultraviolet light can penetrate a variety of surfaces and penetrate anything from clouds to leaves.
Step 2. Rinse or take a cold shower
The water will cool the skin and can reduce the burn. Avoid using soap as it will irritate and dry out the skin. After that, let your body dry by itself. Towels will only cause discomfort and blisters.
If you have to use a towel, don't rub it against your skin, but simply pat it gently
Step 3. Use aloe vera gel or moisturizer
Apply it on the sunburned skin to moisturize and cool it. Repeat several times or at least twice a day to reduce dryness and speed up exfoliation.
- You can also use lotions or gels that contain vitamins C and E considering their benefits for reducing skin damage.
- Avoid using products that contain oil and alcohol.
- If you have an aloe vera plant near you, you can take the gel directly from the leaves. Cut an aloe vera leaf, cut it to taste with a knife, and scoop out the gel inside. Then, apply the gel on your burn.
- The gel taken directly from the aloe vera plant does not contain any mixture, is natural, and is able to work effectively.
Step 4. Drink plenty of water
Heat and prolonged exposure to light will cause dehydration. Sunburn also sucks water from the surface of your skin and other body parts. Remember to always drink plenty of water over the next few days.
Generally, we are advised to drink eight glasses a day. However, drink more than that amount until the sunburn heals, especially if you have to stay out in hot weather or do sports or activities that make you sweat
Part 2 of 3: Traditional Home Remedies
Step 1. Prepare a cold compress and place it on the sunburned body part
Wrap the ice cubes in a damp cloth. Then, gently apply pressure to the burned area for 15 to 20 minutes. Do it several times a day.
Remember, do not apply ice or other cold objects directly to the skin. This method actually makes the skin injured due to the cold of the ice and only makes things worse
Step 2. Consider taking an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Advil)
Ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and irritation, and even prevent long-term skin damage. If you decide to take the drug, continue the course of treatment for 48 hours.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) does help relieve pain from burns, but it doesn't have the anti-inflammatory effect of ibuprofen
Step 3. Wear loose clothes
Avoid clothes made of rough or scratchy materials. Most people feel comfortable with clothes made of light and light cotton fabrics.
- Protect sunburns by covering them when outdoors. Put on a hat, bring an umbrella or parasol and wear clothes made of tightly woven fabric.
- Also, make sure you apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30. Reapply the sunscreen at least every 2 hours.
Step 4. Close the curtains and lower the temperature in your home
If your house has air conditioning, turn it on. If there is no air conditioning, a fan can reduce body temperature significantly, especially when directed directly at the area exposed to the sun.
The basement is the best place to recover from a sunburn because it is usually cool and protected from the sun
Part 3 of 3: Natural Home Treatment
Step 1. Soak some black tea bags in hot water
Cool the water (please use ice to speed up the cooling process). Remove the tea bag from the water and place it on the part of the body that is exposed to the sun. The tannins in tea can reduce inflammation. You can also apply cold tea all over the sunburned area.
Tannins are natural astringents. Research also shows that tannins can help heal sting wounds and prevent infection
Step 2. Pour a cup of plain yogurt into a bowl
Mix it with 4 cups of water. Dip a wet cloth into the yogurt mixture and place it on the sunburned body part for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this step every 2-4 hours.
- Unsalted yogurt contains probiotics and enzymes that can heal sunburned skin.
- Make sure you use plain yogurt, not vanilla flavored, which usually contains sugar and few probiotics.
Step 3. Sprinkle about a cup of baking soda into a soaking tub of cold water
Soak in there. After bathing, let the baking soda solution dry on your skin. This solution will relieve pain and help your skin heal.
Baking soda contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, baking soda can reduce inflammation and prevent infection
Step 4. Pour water into a colander filled with dry oatmeal and cover with a bowl
Remove the oatmeal and soak a cloth in the solution. Use the cloth to apply the solution to the sting every 2-4 hours.
Oatmeal contains saponins that are able to clean the skin while providing a moisturizing effect
Tips
- Stop using makeup, oil-based lotions, or fragrances for a few days after your skin has been exposed to the sun.
- Store aloe vera-based lotion or gel in the refrigerator to make it more comfortable when applied.
- Avoid using acne medications. Acne medication actually makes your skin dry and red.
- Make sure the lotion or gel you are using does not contain alcohol as it can dry out the skin.
- Do not use butter, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or oil-based products as moisturizers. These products will clog pores, block heat from escaping, or cause infection.
- Especially during sunburn, don't hesitate to use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every time you leave the house. Also wear a hat and long sleeves.
- If blisters appear, do not burst. Clean the area around it with an antibacterial solution.
- Coconut lotion, apart from being non-greasy, is just as good as aloe vera in relieving sunburn!
Warning
- In severe cases, you may have to seek medical help. If you have a fever or flu-like symptoms, you could be having a sunstroke, a condition that can develop seriously.
- See a doctor if the blisters from sunburn spread widely or become infected.
