Overview
The National Institutes of Health characterize sunburn as a reddening of the skin due to ultraviolet light. It often develops a few hours after exposure, and can take up to 24 hours for the full effects. Besides redness, sunburn causes tenderness, pain, blistering and peeling to the skin. In more severe cases, you can suffer from nausea, chills, fever and rash as well. While prevention of sunburn using sunscreens and protective clothing is best, there are things you can do to bring immediate relief for this skin condition.
Cold Compress
The Mayo Clinic recommends cooling the skin with a cold compress to help relieve the discomfort of sunburn. Soaking a washcloth in cold water, filling a bag with ice or even a bag of frozen vegetables can all serve as a cold compress. You can also bring about relief by soaking in a tub of cool water. Both methods relieve inflammation of the skin and lessen pain.
Moisturizers
The Mayo Clinic also suggests applying a moisturizer to provide immediate relief. Moisturizers containing aloe vera are one of the more popular products, but you can also help minimize pain and swelling with hydrocortisone, a mild topical corticosteroid. The other benefit of creams containing hydrocortisone is an increase in the healing rate of the skin. However, the National Institutes of Health cautions against the use of moisturizer when blisters manifest.
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can help relieve the pain associated with sunburn, according to the National Institutes of Health. Ibuprofen and aspirin are the most common, but naproxen or acetaminophen can also provide relief. Follow the instructions on the packaging for proper dosages.
The Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health warn against giving aspirin to children and teens. Aspirin has a link to Reye’s syndrome, a rare, yet life-threatening condition characterized by a swelling of the liver and brain when taken while recovering from a viral infection, such as chickenpox or even flu-like symptoms. Avoid giving aspirin to children and teens suffering from sunburn.
Hydration
As you treat the inflammation and pain, it’s important to remain hydrated after suffering sunburn. The effects of prolonged sun exposure go far deeper than skin damage, explains the Mayo Clinic. It can also cause you to dehydrate, so replenish fluids by drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day.
Prescription Medications
When self-care methods fail to provide results, consider talking to a doctor about prescription medications, advises the Mayo Clinic. Prescription NSAIDs or corticosteroids provide higher dosages that may be more effective in lessening the pain, discomfort and swelling, and help to speed recovery.
