Getting a sunburn is uncomfortable and unsightly at the least and extremely painful at the worst. Getting rid of a sunburn is usually not instantaneous, but it isn’t very hard either. Here are some simple tips for getting rid of a nasty burn:
- Aloe– For immediate relief, aloe lotion is the best way to go. Depending on the severity of the burn, it may not make the burn go away entirely after one application. Apply liberally every day until the burn heals.
- Water, water, water– Drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Place cold water on the burn area as soon as you can. Also, cold showers will help.
- Pain killers– Pain relievers such as Advil or Ibuprofen will help to soothe and numb the pain and burning sensation.
- Avoid strong soaps– Using a stong soap will irritate the skin further. Avoid them at all costs.
- Moisturize– There are specific creams designed for burned skin. Use one of these daily until your skin heals up to prevent it from drying out. Look for creams with cocoa butter, vitamin E, tea and lavender oil.
- Stay inside– Avoid further burns by staying inside as much as possible after you have been burned and until you heal. Of course, if you have to go out, make sure you cover up as much as you can.
- Vinegar– Apple cider and white vinegars are well-known for healing sunburns. Either add the vinegar to bath water or put some on a towel and dab it on the burn. This will prevent peeling and blistering.
Remember:
- Sunscreen: If you are leaving the house and will be outdoors for more than half an hour, apply sunscreen liberally (at least 15-20 SPF!). Reapply every few hours or so, depending on the weather, heat and your location. Also, if you have fair skin, make sure to use a higher SPF.
- Cover up: Make sure to wear a hat if you will be outdoors for a lengthy amount of time. If possible, wear long sleeves and pants as well.