How To Treat a Sunburn

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Did all that fun in the sun end with a nasty burn? Let’s get you some relief.
Added July 19, 2008

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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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.

Comments View all (2)...

that video was really cute :]

Reply 10 months ago by allisoninwonderland

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?

Reply 2 months ago by Nora_Collins

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