Sunburn is an inflammatory skin reaction that happens when you are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays for a prolonged span. There is inflammation and reddening in the outermost layer of your skin. In severe cases, you can also have swelling, peeling, and blistering. You can also feel weak, nauseous, chills, and feverish. Mild cases of sunburnt skin can be treated via home remedies. The treatment process focuses on relieving inflamed and reddened skin and reducing the pain.
Ways to Soothe and Relieve Sunburnt Skin
Here are some of the home remedies for sunburn that you can opt for:
1. Take a Cool Bath
It is extremely important to bring down your skin’s temperature once you accidentally sunburnt it. Take frequent cool showers or baths. This is one of the effective sunburn remedies that help in reducing inflammation. You can also use a wet towel to cool down the burnt area. You can even use natural ingredients in the water while bathing. For instance, mixing cider vinegar in bath water will help you to ease inflammation, pain, and itching.
2. Keep Yourself Hydrated
You will tend to become dehydrated as the sunburn areas will draw your body’s moisture content toward the skin’s surface. Hence you need to drink enough water and stay hydrated. Having adequate water reduces the symptoms and aids in quicker healing. This is the reason why you must replenish your body with electrolytes and fluids , especially if you spend some time in the sun to prevent sunburns.
3. Use Moisturizers
Applying moisturizers like aloe vera, calamine lotion, etc., helps to cool down the skin’s burnt area. Try to use moisturizers often to avoid skin dryness. However, you must ensure that you use moisturizers after cooling down the skin. Otherwise, it will trap the heat, making you feel more uncomfortable. In addition, try to use alcohol-free products and those which contain lidocaine and benzocaine.
4. Allow the Blisters to Heal
Refrain from touching the sunburn blisters. Allow time for the blisters to heal naturally. This is how; you can avoid scarring and infection. In case the blister breaks, clean the area with warm water and use an antibiotic. Use a non-stick bandage to cover the place. Even skin peeling is a standard process after you have gotten skin burnt. You should even handle the peeling gently.
For extreme cases, you must reach out to a doctor. For instance, if you observe that the blisters are feeling numb, you must take medical help.
How to Prevent Accidental Sunburn Skin?
Here are the preventive measures that you must take to avoid getting sunburnt again:
1. Do Not Forget to Use Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen and try to reapply after every 2 hours, depending on the temperature. This helps in preventing sunburn, premature aging, etc. If you get sunburned very often, it will have an adverse impact and cause premature wrinkling and skin cancer. Hence, dermatologists always suggest including sunscreen application as a part of the daily routine.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
You should also try to wear sun-protective clothing to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Try to wear long-sleeved, loose-fitting clothing and avoid darker colors. Sun-protective clothing has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Broad-brimmed hats and shades are also recommended when you are stepping out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, suffering from sunburn skin can happen, but that does not mean you should neglect it or not take any preventive measures. So, keep the tips suggested above, take the proper care of your skin, and avoid any skin-related issues in the coming days.
