On a beautiful summer day, what’s better than lounging by the pool and catching some rays? Despite our best efforts to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of sunshine, many of us still manage to get burned. When your skin is hot to the touch, throbbing or itching from sunburn, what are the proper steps to relieve discomfort?
1. Leave Blisters Alone
Although you may be tempted to peel, blisters are a sign of second-degree sunburn. If you do not allow these blisters to heal on their own, you could develop a serious skin infection.
2. Take Cool Showers
When your skin is hot and irritated, cool water can provide instant relief. In addition to cool showers, placing a cool cloth on the burned areas several times a day can relieve discomfort.
3. Moisturize the Skin
After a cool shower, moisturize the skin with aloe vera to prevent further skin dryness. The aloe vera plant is a natural remedy for skin irritation.
4. Take Pain Relievers
If you’ve experienced a severe sunburn, ibuprofen can relieve pain and swelling. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help the medicine pass and prevent dehydration.
5. Protect Your Skin
Repeat sun exposure will only make the burn worse. When you go outdoors, make sure you dress to cover the affected areas and wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face.
Know the Signs of Sun Poisoning
In some cases, a sunburn can be so extreme that you feel physically ill. Sun poisoning occurs when prolonged UV-ray exposure causes skin inflammation. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical care:
- Large areas of blistering
- Pain and tingling
- Fever or chills
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dehydration
- Dizziness
The skin is our largest organ, so it’s important to keep it protected. At the Vein Centers of Connecticut, we offer a variety of aesthetic services to keep skin glowing, including chemical peels, injectables and microdermabrasion. To learn more, contact us today!