Apply aloe vera, moisturize, and use a cold compress to calm your irritated, red skin.

Many of us have unintentionally burned ourselves in the sun. Perhaps you forgot to apply sunscreen since you weren’t going to be outside, or perhaps you forgot to reapply later in the day or just missed a few spots.

Your skin is now heated, throbbing, and lobster-colored from whatever it was. What’s next? Aloe vera and cold baths are two remedies you may have heard of for sunburn relief. Which one ought you to try?

Take a shower to relax

Tips for Treating Sunburns
Tips for Treating Sunburns

It should come as no surprise that applying water to skin that feels hot is the best course of action. Dr. Piliang suggests taking a chilly bath or shower to lower the temperature of your skin. By doing so, inflammation is lessened. But keep it brief because spending too much time in the water dries up your skin. Keep the water pressure low when taking a shower to avoid applying too much pressure to the area that is injured.

Tips for Treating Sunburns: Employ aloe vera

Aloe vera plants produce a green gel that can actually cool and calm your skin while it is burning. Aloe vera’s anti-inflammatory qualities can help soothe your skin and lessen any stinging or pain. It’s only a short-term solution, but whatever keeps the burn under control till it heals, right?

Just make sure to use aloe vera gel that is 100% pure (directly from the plant) or that is purchased at a store and has no added irritants or fragrances.

Apply moisturizer

Apply moisturizer
Apply moisturizer

It’s a good idea to seal in the moisture once you cool off with some water. Apply a moisturizing cream or lotion while your skin is still wet to help lock in moisture, advises Dr. Piliang. Apply moisturizer frequently for the first few days following the initial burn to prevent dryness.

If you moisturize your skin before it has cooled off, you risk trapping the heat and exacerbating the pain and inflammation.

Apply a cold compress

You can use a cold compress, such as a wet towel or washcloth, to reduce the swelling of your burn, especially if it only affects a small region. However, avoid using an ice pack to the burn. Ice can be more harmful than helpful, despite the fact that it may seem like a smart idea to combat high heat with extreme cold.

Apply itch relief medication

Apply itch relief medication
Apply itch relief medication

Even more so than a burn, sunburn itching can occasionally be a nuisance. However, there are techniques to lessen that as well. Apply a small layer of 1% hydrocortisone lotion to the burnt region if you’re itching.

Maintain your hydration

Sunburns cause your body to divert fluids to your skin, which can cause you to quickly become dehydrated. As a result, be sure to increase your water intake.

Avoid touching burnt areas

Even though it might seem simple, never touch a sunburn. Depending on how bad the burn is, even the smallest touch can make things worse. Don’t touch the blisters from your sunburn, even if you might feel tempted to.

When should you visit the doctor?

Sometimes, DIY solutions fall short. Don’t ignore the problem if you notice that your sunburn isn’t healing or feeling any better. Sometimes, getting medical help is the best course of action.

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