In the last few years, we’ve heard a lot about the importance of covering your body in SPF 50+ sunscreen daily. Sunscreen can reduce the signs of ageing and protect your skin from sunburn, but it is also an ideal tool for skin cancer prevention. But, as you know, if you don’t use sunscreen or forget to re-apply it every 4-5 hours, your skin will be exposed to the sun, and you’ll probably get a sunburn.
Most sunburns can cause mild pain, making it uncomfortable to wear clothes or get enough sleep at night. Although it’s critical to learn how to prevent sunburn, it’s also necessary to learn how to treat it. So, without further ado, we present to you some of the best ways to treat and repair sun-damaged skin.
Take a cold shower to relieve pain
Once you get a sunburn, you’ll have to take good care of the burnt area on your skin. Since sunburn can cause pain, it’s advisable to take cold showers because cold water can help you minimise discomfort. More importantly, you will notice that your skin is more sensitive than usual, which is why it’s essential to avoid showering with hot water for a few days.
After you get out of the shower, gently pat yourself dry and apply a lotion or a moisturiser on your sunburn. Find a moisturiser that contains aloe vera because this plant reduces inflammation and redness.
Avoid additional sun exposure
Exposing burnt skin to more UV rays is a bad practice, and if you want to heal faster, be sure to stay inside the house for a few days or avoid going out during the hottest time of the day. If you have no other option but to leave the house, it’s advisable to stay in the shade and apply a generous amount of sunscreen every few hours.
Apply aloe vera
As we already mentioned, aloe vera is an excellent homemade treatment for sunburn. Cut aloe vera into cubes and put them in the freezer for a few hours before applying this remedy to your skin. Aloe vera will reduce redness and relieve pain, but it will also help you heal faster.
Skip the soap
After spending a lot of time outside, you probably want to get back home, turn on the AC, and take a bath to rinse off the dirt and sweat. Although it’s essential to use soap or a shower gel to keep yourself clean, it would be best to skip the soap when you get a sunburn. Shower gels and soaps will dry out and irritate your skin, making it impossible to heal faster.
Apply ice
If you don’t have the aloe vera plant in your home, there are other ways to relieve the pain. Once you take a shower and clean the sunburnt skin, be sure to apply ice. It’s worth noting that you should wrap the ice in a clean cloth so that you don’t have to deal with water spills on your bed after you complete the treatment.
Use a rash-relieving cream
Sunburns are known for triggering itching, and it’s often difficult to resist the urge to scratch the burnt area and make the situation worse. In most cases, itching can last for days, making it difficult to sleep or feel comfortable in your skin. A rash-relieving cream can relieve your itch, so be sure to re-apply it a few times a day.
Visit a dermatologist
When trying to treat a sunburn, many people don’t believe that a doctor’s visit can help them relieve the pain. However, as soon as you notice any signs of sun damage on the skin, it’s advisable to visit a board-certified dermatologist who will then examine your sunburn and prescribe medication or dermatologist-approved sunburn relief products.
If your sunburn is severe, you will get a fever and notice blisters on your skin. In that case, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist because they will suggest the best treatment and find the fastest way to heal your skin and break the fever.
Stay hydrated
Although relieving pain and itching is often a top priority, you must drink more water than usual when you get a sunburn. Between us, sunburns tend to draw moisture away from your skin, which is why it’s essential to drink plenty of water until you’re completely healed.
Conclusion
Getting a sunburn can be very unpleasant, but these simple tips will help you relieve pain and get well faster. Be sure to visit a medical professional if you notice the sunburn signs and symptoms, and allow yourself to rest and recharge.
Spending a lot of time under the sun can also cause headaches. Although there are many ways to treat heat-induced headaches and sunburns, you should apply your sunscreen daily, spend more time in the shade, wear protective clothing and stay hydrated to prevent these conditions in the first place.