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Tips for Relief from Too Much Fun in the Sun
Symptoms of sunburn do not begin until two or four hours after the damage has been done. The peak reaction of pain, redness, and swelling is usually not seen for 24 hours. Prolonged sun exposure can cause blistering and, sometimes, second-degree burns.
Simply put, avoid too much sun which can cause painful sunburns (and worse. If, however, you do suffer sunburns, here are some helpful sunburn relief tips for your entire family.
1. Do put a cool, wet washcloth or other soft cloth on the burn or take a cool bath.
2. Do NOT put ice on the burn.
3. Do NOT put ointments on fresh sunburns because it can block sweating which is a necessary part of the healing process.
4. Do drink extra water to replace the fluids lost because of sunburned skin.
5. Do NOT use sprays or creams that list benzocaine or any other anti-itch medication because those might cause irritation or allergic reactions.
6. Do NOT apply butter or petrolatum to the sunburn.
7. Adults may use aspirin or ibuprofen products for pain but children should avoid aspirin. Consult your physician for instructions.
8. Once your sunburn starts to peel, you can use a moisturizing cream. Some experts recommend an aloe or cream that list Hydrcortisone1% as an ingredient.
9. Stay in the shade until sunburn is healed. Additional exposure increases the severity of the burn and pain.
10. If the sunburn is severe and blisters develop, call your doctor. Do not (and don’t let your children) scratch, pop, or squeeze the blisters which can easily become infected and cause scarring.