Before I start, I don't condone getting sunburned. I can't even count how many times I've heard from people, "Oh, I never burn" or "I have to burn first before I start to tan." Yeah, I'm calling BS on that! A sunburn, no matter, what degree, is very unhealthy for your skin. It looks bad (do you really want to look like a lobster?) and inflicts long-lasting wrinkle-inducing sun damage to the skin.
According to Skin Cancer.org, they share with us Five Ways To Treat A Sunburn:
1. Act Quickly
If you feel the tale-tell tingling of a burn or see any sign of skin reddening on yourself or your child, get out of the sun and start treatment.
How many of us out there actually wear sunscreen on a regular basis? I do. That means face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. Even if it's NOT sunny outside, it's important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin. On an overcast day, it's possible to still get burnt. So, always wear sunscreen.
2. Moisturize
After a cool shower or bath, slather on a moisturizing cream or lotion to soothe the skin. Repeat frequently to make peeling and flaking less noticeable.
I've found that Aloe Vera gel tends to cool sunburned skin. If that doesn't work, keep a cool towel on the area.
3. Hydrate
Any burn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body. So drink extra water, juice and sports drinks for a couple of days and watch for signs of dehydration: Dry mouth, thirst, reduced urination, headache, dizziness and sleepiness. Children are especially vulnerable, so check with a doctor if they appear ill.
It's really important to drink a lot of water, anyway. Read my article: Liven Up Your Water for a refreshing and healthy recipe for your taste buds.
4. Don't Wait to Medicate.
Check with your regular physician first to see if you should take (or give your child) a dose of ibuprofen (for example, Advil) as soon as you see signs of sunburn and keep it up for the next 48 hours.
This will help reduce redness and swelling that could appear.
5. Assess the Damage
Most sunburns, even those that cause a few blisters, can be treated at home. But if a blistering burn covers 20% or more of the body (a child's whole back), seek medical attention. Anyone with a sunburn who is suffering fevers and chills should also seek medical help.
Consider the burn a warning that your sun-safety net has failed and vow to do better next time. That means using sunscreen, covering up with clothing and hats and avoiding the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Following these tips will help with your sunburn home care. Of course, when it doubt, it's important to always consult your physician for professional medical advice.
Visit my website and schedule your appointment with me today!
