Unfortunately, there is no fast-fix sunburn treatment. Once sunburn
occurs, you can't do much to limit damage to your skin. However, the
following tips may reduce your pain and discomfort in the hours and
days following sunburn:
- Take anti-inflammatory medication, such as
aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), on a regular basis
according to the label instructions until redness and soreness
subsides.
- Apply cold compresses � such as a towel
dampened with cool tap water � to the affected skin. Or take a cool
bath.
- Apply a moisturizing cream, aloe or 1
percent hydrocortisone cream to affected skin. A low-dose (0.5
percent to 1 percent) hydrocortisone cream may decrease pain and
swelling, and speed up healing.
Some dermatologists warn against using products that claim to
relieve sunburn pain but may actually irritate your skin or cause an
allergic reaction. These include topical "-caine" products, such as
benzocaine.
Keep in mind that it may take four to six hours after sun exposure
to know the full extent and severity of sunburn. If blisters form,
don't break them. They contain your natural body fluid (serum) and are
a protective layer. Also, breaking blisters slows the healing process
and increases the risk of infection. If needed, you can lightly cover
blisters with gauze.
Within a few days, your body will start to heal itself by getting
rid of the top layer of damaged skin � the "peeling" process.
Following this process, your skin may have an irregular color and
pattern for a time.
Seek medical care for sunburn if:
- Severe sunburn covers a large portion of your body with blisters
- Sunburn is accompanied by a high fever or extreme pain
- Severe sunburn doesn't respond to at-home care within a few days
