Treating Sunburn

If sunburn does happen, be sure to stay out of the sun entirely while it heals. Follow these tips for relief:

• Put a cold compress on the burn (a towel dampened with cold tap water) for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Cool baths can help too. Look for products with oatmeal which can sooth the skin.
  
• Apply moisturizing cream, such as lotion that includes aloe vera. Aloe vera is the most commonly used topical gel for sunburn relief because it helps soothe the skin.
  
• Avoid creams or lotion that contain petroleum or topical anesthetics such as benzocaine or lidocaine. Petroleum products retain the heat, and benzocaine and lidocaine can cause skin irritation.
  
• Use calamine lotion. It can help prevent the itch that often accompanies sunburn and peeling.
  
• Ease the pain with anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen. Do not give children or teenagers aspirin because it can cause Reye's syndrome, a rare, but potentially fatal disease.
  
• Drink more fluids. Overexposure to the sun can significantly increase the risk of dehydration.
  
• Leave blisters alone. Busting blisters caused by severe sunburn will worsen the sunburn and may cause infection.
  
• Call for medical assistance if there are signs of heat exhaustion, shock, dehydration, or other serious reaction. These signs can include dizziness, weakness, nausea, and chills.

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