Treating Sunburns
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Being outdoors is great this time of year…until you get sunburned.
In this article, we will explore some ways you can help soothe your sunburned skin and cover some simple tips to help prevent future sunburns.
If you are outside and you notice your skin becoming red or pink, warm, painful, or swollen, you should go inside as soon as possible. If you’re unable to go indoors, find a shady spot. The most important thing to do when you first notice the sunburn is to get out of the sun.
As soon as you are able, take a cool bath or shower. Adding a moisturizer to your slightly damp skin will help with dryness. Do this as needed.
Use a moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to soothe your skin further. Hydrocortisone can also be helpful if the area is particularly uncomfortable.
Take an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce pain or swelling. Important note: make sure to follow the product’s dosing instructions.
Stay hydrated. Drinking water will help with possible dehydration as a sunburn takes fluid away from the rest of the body by taking it to the surface of the skin.
If you develop blisters, let them heal. Popping them can cause infection.
If you need to go back out into the sun, protect your burned (and unburned!) skin with long-sleeved clothing. Clothing that you are unable to see through when you hold it up to the light works best. (Check out the coolibar clothing line UPF 50+ that we sell in our office!)
Sunburns occur when there is too much exposure to the sun. Sounds pretty simple, right? That exposure, however, can cause long-lasting damage to your skin and increase your potential for developing skin cancer. Always make sure you are applying sunscreen when you spend extended amounts of time outside in the sun. Wear protective clothing whenever possible. We offer a variety of sun protection clothing and hats in our office boutique. You can view our selection at your next appointment.
If you have a sunburn that is not healing or have more questions about sunburns and how to protect your skin better, give us a call at 828-253-2533 and make an appointment with our board-certified dermatologists!
