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What to Do If You're Sunburnt
Identify the Severity of the Sunburn
Sunburn severity can vary from mild redness to severe blistering. First, assess the degree of your sunburn. Mild sunburns might result in slight redness and tenderness, while severe sunburns can cause significant pain, blistering, and swelling. If your symptoms are severe, including extensive blistering, chills, or fever, seek medical attention immediately.Cool the Affected Area
Cooling your sunburnt skin can provide immediate relief. Take a cool bath or shower, or apply a cold, damp cloth to the affected areas for 10-15 minutes multiple times a day. Avoid using ice or very cold water, as it can cause further skin damage.Hydrate Your Skin
After cooling your skin, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer. Aloe vera gel is an excellent option, known for its soothing properties. Reapply the moisturizer several times a day to keep your skin hydrated. Avoid petroleum-based products, which can trap heat and make the burn worse.Stay Hydrated
Sunburn can dehydrate your body. Increase your water intake to help your skin heal and to prevent dehydration. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, and more if you are spending time outdoors in the heat.Avoid Further Sun Exposure
Protect your sunburnt skin from further damage by staying out of the sun. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers the affected areas and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 if you need to go outside.Take Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging, and consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying health conditions or are unsure about which pain reliever to use.Care for Blisters
If your sunburn results in blisters, do not pop them, as this can increase the risk of infection. Keep blisters clean and loosely covered with gauze. If a blister breaks, gently clean the area with mild soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment.Monitor for Signs of Infection
Be vigilant for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or a fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.Prevention is Key
To prevent future sunburns, always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before going outdoors, reapply every two hours, and more often if swimming or sweating. Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin. Taking these steps can help alleviate the discomfort and promote healing of sunburnt skin, ensuring a quicker recovery and preventing complications.Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after noticing a sunburn?
As soon as you notice a sunburn, get out of the sun and seek shade or go indoors to prevent further exposure.
Can I take a cool shower or bath to relieve sunburn?
Yes, taking a cool (not cold) shower or bath can help soothe the skin and ease discomfort.
What type of moisturizer is best for sunburned skin?
Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy to help soothe the skin.
Is it okay to use over-the-counter pain relievers for sunburn pain?
Yes, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Should I apply sunscreen to sunburned skin if I need to go outside?
It's best to avoid sun exposure while your skin is healing. If you must go outside, wear protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to any exposed skin.
Can drinking water help with sunburn?
Staying hydrated is important as sunburn can dehydrate your body. Drink plenty of water to help your skin heal.
Is it safe to use aloe vera gel on sunburn?
Yes, applying aloe vera gel can help cool and soothe sunburned skin.
When should I seek medical attention for a sunburn?
Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, blisters covering a large area, fever, chills, or signs of infection.
Can I use home remedies like yogurt or tea bags for sunburn relief?
Some home remedies may provide temporary relief, but it’s best to use products specifically designed for sunburn care, such as aloe vera gel or hydrocortisone cream.
Should I pop any blisters that form from sunburn?
No, do not pop blisters. Popping them increases the risk of infection. If blisters do pop, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean bandage.
Is it okay to exfoliate sunburned skin to get rid of peeling?
Avoid exfoliating sunburned skin as it can cause further irritation. Let the skin heal naturally and gently moisturize it.
Can using ice packs help with sunburn?
Do not apply ice directly to the skin, as it can cause further damage. Instead, use a cool, damp cloth to soothe the burn.
How long does it typically take for sunburn to heal?
Mild sunburn usually heals within three to five days. More severe sunburn can take up to a few weeks to completely heal.
Can I use makeup to cover up sunburned skin?
Avoid using makeup on sunburned skin as it can further irritate it. Let your skin breathe and heal.
How can I prevent future sunburns?
To prevent future sunburns, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, avoid peak sun hours, and seek shade when possible.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Self care - sunburn
- NHS - Sunburn This NHS page provides comprehensive information on the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of sunburn.
- British Association of Dermatologists - Sunburn The British Association of Dermatologists offers advice on sunburn, including prevention tips and how to treat sunburn effectively.
- Cancer Research UK - Sunburn and Skin Damage Cancer Research UK provides detailed information on the relationship between sunburn, skin damage, and cancer risk, along with steps to prevent sunburn.
- British Skin Foundation - Sunburn Treatment and Prevention The British Skin Foundation offers guidance on the treatment and prevention of sunburn and discusses its long-term effects on the skin.
Useful links from: Self care - sunburn
- NHS - Sunburn Official NHS page providing detailed information on symptoms, treatments, and prevention of sunburn.
- British Skin Foundation - Sunburn Charity page offering expert advice on managing sunburn and protecting skin from sun damage.
- Cancer Research UK - Sunburn Guidelines on understanding the risks of sunburn, its connection to skin cancer, and tips for sun safety from Cancer Research UK.
- NHS Inform - Sunburn Comprehensive information from NHS Inform about sunburn, including first aid advice, and when to seek medical help.
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- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.