You forgot the most important part of spending time outdoors soaking up the sun…the SUNSCREEN! Check out our helpful sunburn first-aid tips!
You forgot the most important part of spending time outdoors soaking up the sun…the SUNSCREEN! Its ok, we’ve all been there. So, you’re sunburned - what can you do now?
Apply a cold compress such as wet washcloth to sunburned areas. You can also take a cool bath or shower, just make sure the water pressure is very gentle as your burned skin will be sensitive to the touch.
Apply a cooling gel such as Aloe Vera, or a moisturizing lotion which will soothe the feeling of heat. If you have a severe sunburn, you can also apply hydrocortisone cream to the affected area, which can be found over-the-counter in most drug stores.
Sunburn, and spending too much time in the sun can also cause dehydration, so drink plenty of water to help your body replenish lost fluid.. It can also aid your body to recover sooner from the burn.
Apply topical cream, lotion or ointment to any blistered areas, making sure to not pop any of the blisters. After application,, cover the burn with a non-stick bandage. Also do not peel or pick at sunburned areas.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This will not only help ease the pain, but will also decrease the swelling that results from sunburn.
After experiencing a severe sunburn, you should be on the lookout for several symptoms. If you develop a fever, worsening pain, headache, nausea or confusion you should see medical treatment. In addition, if you notice any red streaks or blisters that contain pus, seek treatment, as these can be signs of infection, and should be treated quickly.
Heat Exhaustion & Other Heat-Related Health Risks
Summer Sun Safety Tips
Winter TBI Awareness
Tips for a Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving
Your Preferred Center
Your Preferred Physician
Popular Patient First Health Matters Articles
Articles by category
Articles by tag