How to Get Rid of a Sunburn

How to Ditch That Sunburn Fast

Ouch! Sunburn. Been there, felt that. That painful redness is a real bummer. But don't worry, there are ways to make it better!

What's Actually Happening?

A sunburn is basically sun damage. Too much sun zaps your skin's cells. That's why it's red, sore, and maybe even blistered. How bad it gets depends on your skin, how long you were in the sun, and how strong the sun was that day.

First Things First: Sunburn SOS!

The quicker you act, the better. Here's what to do:

• Get out of the sun! Seriously, this is the most important thing. Find some shade or head inside.
• Cool it down. A cool shower or bath feels amazing. Skip the hot water – it'll just make things worse.
• Drink up! Water, water, water. You need to rehydrate after sweating.

Home Remedies: Your Sunburn First-Aid Kit

You probably have some of these already! They can really soothe that burn:

1. Aloe vera: This stuff is magic! The gel cools and calms the skin. Look for a high concentration of aloe.
2. Cool compresses: A cool, damp cloth feels great. Just soak a cloth in cool water and gently press it onto the burn. Repeat as needed.
3. Oatmeal bath: Add some colloidal oatmeal (that's finely ground oatmeal) to your bath. It's like a soothing hug for your skin.
4. Milk compresses: Similar to cool compresses, but with cool milk. The lactic acid might help.
5. Yogurt: Plain yogurt can also help because of the lactic acid. Try applying it for a few minutes, then rinse.
6. Potatoes: Cold, peeled potato slices can help. Their coolness is naturally soothing.
7. Cucumber: Same idea as potatoes – cold cucumber slices offer a refreshing, cooling effect.

Store-Bought Helpers

These over-the-counter options can help too:

• Hydrocortisone cream (1%): This helps with the inflammation and itchiness.
• Pain relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain and fever (if you have a fever).
• After-sun lotions and gels: Many have aloe vera, menthol, or lidocaine to soothe and cool.

When to See a Doctor

Most sunburns heal fine, but see a doctor if:

• The pain is unbearable. Home remedies aren't cutting it.
• You have a fever.
• You have lots of big blisters.
• You have chills.
• You're dehydrated. (Dizzy? Weak? Dark urine?)
• It looks infected. (Increased pain, swelling, pus, red streaks from the burn)

Preventing Sunburn: Be Sun-Smart!

The best cure is prevention! Here's how:

• Sunscreen is your friend. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) 15-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
• Seek shade. Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Cover up. Long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and sunglasses help a lot.
• Skip the tanning beds. They're really bad for your skin.

Long-Term Effects: Protect Your Skin!

Sunburn isn't just a temporary thing. Repeated sunburns can age your skin faster and increase your risk of skin cancer. Protect your skin!

Taking Care of Your Sunburnt Skin

Sunburn is no fun, but with these tips and a little care, you'll feel better fast. And remember: Prevention is key!