How to Treat a Sunburn
Did all that fun in the sun end with a nasty burn? Let’s get you some relief.
Up next in First Aid: When Nature Attacks (14 videos)
The great outdoors can cause not-so-great injuries and illnesses. Know how to treat them with the advice in this Howcast video series about first aid.
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
Steps
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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.
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Step 2
Apply something soothing
Apply something soothing, like aloe vera from a plant or lotion, or 1% hydrocortisone cream.
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Do not use petroleum-based products or products with benzocaine; they’ll just lock in the heat.
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Step 3
Take an aspirin
If you’re an adult, take an aspirin; its anti-inflammatory properties will help relieve the pain.
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Never give aspirin to children under 16; give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead.
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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.
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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!
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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%.
