How To Treat a Sunburn

  • July 19, 2008
  • 25,385 Views

Stabbey from Stabbey (and 4 others)

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Did all that fun in the sun end with a nasty burn? Let’s get you some relief.

You Will Need

  • A bathtub or cold, wet compresses
  • Aloe vera plant or lotion, or hydrocortisone cream
  • Aspirin
  • Sunblock
  • Baking soda or colloidal oatmeal
  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • An antibiotic ointment
How To Treat a Sunburn: Cool off your skin

Step 1: Cool off your skin

Cool off your skin with a cool bath or cool, wet compresses. If you opt for the bath, add a half cup of baking soda or several cups of colloidal oatmeal (available at drugstores). Soak for 10 minutes. Repeat as often as needed.

How To Treat a Sunburn: Apply something soothing

Step 2: Apply something soothing

Apply something soothing, like aloe vera from a plant or lotion, or 1% hydrocortisone cream.

Do not use petroleum-based products or products with benzocaine; they’ll just lock in the heat.

How To Treat a Sunburn: Take an aspirin

Step 3: Take an aspirin

If you’re an adult, take an aspirin; its anti-inflammatory properties will help relieve the pain.

Never give aspirin to children under 16; give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.

How To Treat a Sunburn: Let your skin heal

Step 4: Let your skin heal

Let your skin heal. If blisters form, leave them alone; if they break, use an antibiotic ointment. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about peeling—but a moisturizing lotion can ease any itching.

How To Treat a Sunburn: Buy a good sunscreen

Step 5: Buy a good sunscreen

Buy a good sunscreen and a big sunhat so you don’t get burned again. And stay out of the sun until your burn has healed!

It’s easier to get sunburned at high altitudes because you’re less protected by the atmosphere—for every 1,000 feet you go up, your exposure to UV rays increases 4%.

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Comments (5)

allisoninwonderland

that video was really cute :]

over 3 years ago by allisoninwonderland

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ribbonofhwy

You can also use white vinegar on a cloth. Pour the vinegar on a cloth and dab gently all over the burn area. It will with many applications help take the burn out and help it heal. A friend received severe burns while out fishing in a remote location with no medical sources available.. I drove to an area I could call out for help, (the mountainous bridge had also caved in so there was no way out) the emergency room ER DR told me to soak him in cool water with baking soda for the burn repeatedly, he started running a fever then start dabbing or patting with white vinegar. The smell is not so great but within 24 hrs and the friend having 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns everything worked out great. Another incident/accident involving a toddler with 1, 2nd and 3rd degree burns from hot water advised the same treatment. 2 entirely different hospital emergency rooms advising me to do this (1 was a burn unit emergency unit). That was 30+ years ago and I this use it. Thank you God and remember if at all possible seek medical attention whenever possible 1st. No I'm not a nurse, just a very fortune Mom.

over 2 years ago by ribbonofhwy

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Nora_Collins

I know this sounds completely crazy but vapor rub is not just for colds anymore!! It is the greatest relief for sunburn I know of. I work with teenage girls, who are absolutely impossible when they get burned!! We use the vapor rub on their burnt skin and it takes out the itching, burning and stiffness. Try it.... what have you got to loose?

over 2 years ago by Nora_Collins

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nonstopchatterbox96

lavender also really helps!!! i get burnt even when i use sunscreen. it makes it go away really quickly!!

over 2 years ago by nonstopchatterbox96

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nikkipie

i own aloe vera and aloe vera gel, and my grandma has skin cancer and HIGHLY advises sunscreen almost everytime i go out side, so im pretty much covered.

over 2 years ago by nikkipie

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