Sunburns are an unfortunate yet common consequence of spending too much time in the sun without adequate protection. While prevention is always the best strategy, knowing how to treat a sunburn effectively is crucial for minimizing discomfort and promoting healing. Dermatologists recommend several strategies to soothe sunburned skin and expedite recovery. This advisory blog will delve into these strategies and present 11 expert-recommended sunburn treatments that can help relieve pain and itching.
Immediate Actions for Sunburn Relief
Cooling the Skin
The first and most important step when you get a sunburn is to start cooling down the affected skin as soon as possible. This will help reduce inflammation and provide quick relief from the stinging, burning pain.
To cool the skin, you can apply a cold compress or take a cool bath. For a cold compress, fill a washcloth or small towel with ice and apply it gently to the sunburned areas.
You can also use a commercial gel pack meant for cooling injuries. Leave the compress on for 10-15 minutes then remove for a few minutes before reapplying as needed.
For a cool bath, use lukewarm water that is slightly cooler than your normal bath temperature but still comfortable. Soak in the bath for 10-15 minutes to allow the cool water to draw heat from your sunburned skin.
Be careful not to use water that is too cold as this could cause further damage.
Whichever cooling method you use, it works by constricting the blood vessels in the burnt skin. This shrinks the vessels and reduces swelling, blood flow and inflammation. The cold temperatures also override the sunburn pain receptors, numbing the sensation.
Starting sunburn relief with cooling right away can make a big difference in your comfort level as the sunburn heals over the next few days. Applying aloe vera gel or moisturizer after cooling also helps soothe irritated skin.
FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack
- Price: $24.99 on Amazon
- Ingredients: Nylon exterior pack with gel filling
- Benefits: This reusable gel ice pack is designed to provide cold therapy, helping to calm inflammation and reduce swelling. The flexible design ensures it molds comfortably to the body for targeted relief.
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Gentle Moisturization
After cooling the skin, it's essential to keep it moisturized to prevent dryness and peeling. Look for products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.
Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel
- Price: $8.69 on Amazon
- Ingredients: 100% aloe vera gel
- Benefits: Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing and moisturizing properties. This gel helps to hydrate the skin while providing a cooling sensation that can alleviate pain and discomfort.
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CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Price: $19.49 on Amazon
- Ingredients: Ceramides and hyaluronic acid
- Benefits: This cream provides deep hydration, which is crucial for healing peeling skin. The ceramides help restore the skin's natural barrier, while hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin.
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Managing Pain and Inflammation
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Pain and inflammation can be managed with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen. These medications reduce swelling and provide relief from pain.
Anti-Itch Solutions
Sunburns can cause significant itching, which can be alleviated with anti-itch creams.
Cortizone 10 Maximum Strength Anti-Itch Cream
- Price: $7.98 on Amazon
- Ingredients: 1% hydrocortisone, aloe
- Benefits: This cream contains hydrocortisone, a potent anti-inflammatory, and aloe to soothe and hydrate the skin. It's effective in reducing itching and discomfort.
Caladryl Calamine Lotion
- Price: $7.76 on Walmart
- Ingredients: Calamine
- Benefits: Calamine lotion is known for its ability to relieve itch and minor skin irritations. It can also help dry out any blisters that may form due to the sunburn.
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Hydration is Key
Keeping your body hydrated is essential when recovering from a sunburn. Drinking plenty of water helps replenish lost fluids and supports skin healing from within.
Long-Term Healing and Protection
Blister Care
If your sunburn results in blisters, it’s important to care for them properly to prevent infection and promote healing.
All Health Hydrocolloid Gel Bandages
- Price: $19.12 on Amazon
- Ingredients: Hydrocolloid gel
- Benefits: These bandages create a moist environment that promotes healing and protects blisters from further irritation and infection.
Spenco 2nd Skin Moist Burn Pads
- Price: $12.93 on Amazon
- Ingredients: High water content dressing
- Benefits: These pads provide a soothing and cooling effect on the skin, helping to relieve pain and keep the area clean.
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Deep Moisturization
To support the healing process and prevent further skin damage, deep moisturization is crucial.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
- Price: $19.99 on Amazon
- Ingredients: Petroleum jelly
- Benefits: Aquaphor creates a protective barrier on the skin that locks in moisture and prevents infection. It’s especially effective for very dry or cracked skin.
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Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Lotion
- Price: $13.49 on Ulta
- Ingredients: Aloe vera, cocoa butter, vitamin E
- Benefits: This lotion combines the soothing properties of aloe vera with the moisturizing benefits of cocoa butter and vitamin E, helping to hydrate and repair sunburned skin.
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Avoiding Common Mistakes
While treating a sunburn, it’s important to avoid certain actions that can worsen the condition:
- Do not use ice directly on the skin: Ice can cause further damage by freezing the skin. Always use a cold compress or a cool bath instead.
- Avoid picking or peeling the skin: This can lead to infection and slow down the healing process.
- Do not rub moisturizers in too vigorously: Be gentle to avoid irritating the skin further.
- Avoid exposing burned skin to the sun: Protect the skin with clothing or stay in the shade to prevent additional damage.
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When to Seek Medical Attention
Most sunburns heal within 1-2 weeks, with peeling possibly lasting longer. However, seek medical attention if:
- The burn is not improving.
- There are signs of infection, such as pus or fever.
- A young child’s burn causes unusual symptoms beyond pain and redness.
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Prevention is Better Than Cure
While knowing how to treat a sunburn is important, prevention is always the best strategy. Regular use of sunscreen helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburns, skin cancer, and premature aging.
Incorporating sunburn treatments into your skincare routine can aid in the healing of current burns, but consistent sun protection is key to maintaining healthy skin.
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Conclusion
Treating a sunburn effectively involves immediate cooling, gentle moisturization, managing pain and itching, and ensuring proper hydration.
By following these dermatologist-recommended strategies and using the expert-recommended products listed above, you can alleviate the discomfort of sunburn and promote faster healing.
Remember, the best way to avoid the pain and damage of sunburn is through diligent sun protection. Stay safe and enjoy the sun responsibly!
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