How to Get Rid of Sunburns

Sunburns are an all-too-common issue for many Americans, and the resulting skin irritation and pain can be hard to bear. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get rid of sunburns and keep your skin healthy and protected. By understanding what causes sunburns, how to prevent them, and how to treat them, you can protect your skin and stay healthy and comfortable.

What Causes Sunburns?

Sunburns are caused by overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can damage the skin and lead to irritation, redness, and pain. The most common cause of sunburns is failing to use the right type of sunscreen or not applying enough of it, though long periods of time in the sun can also cause sunburns, even when sunscreen is used. People who have fair skin are more at risk for sunburns than those with darker skin, but anyone can get sunburned.

How to Avoid Sunburns

The best way to avoid sunburns is to practice sun safety, which means taking steps to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays. This includes:

• Wearing protective clothing: Wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants to cover as much of your skin as possible when outside.

• Staying in the shade: Try to minimize your exposure to direct sunlight. If possible, stay in the shade or find other ways to stay out of the sun during peak hours.

• Wearing sunscreen: Apply sunscreen before going outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. Make sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30.

• Avoiding tanning beds: Tanning beds and sunlamps are never a safe alternative to natural sunlight and can actually increase your risk of skin cancer.

How to Treat Sunburns

If you do get sunburned, there are several steps you can take to help relieve the discomfort and speed healing.

• Take a cool shower or bath: Taking a cool shower or bath can help cool the skin and reduce inflammation. Don’t use hot water, as this can make the burns worse.

• Apply a moisturizer: After taking a cool shower or bath, apply a moisturizer to help soothe the skin and prevent peeling. Lotions with aloe vera or soy can be especially helpful.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

• Apply a cool compress: A cool compress, such as a damp cloth or ice pack, can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.

• Don’t pop any blisters: If you have any blisters, don’t pop them. Instead, leave them alone and keep them covered with a bandage.

• Stay hydrated: It’s important to stay hydrated when you have a sunburn, as this can help speed healing.

• Avoid further sun exposure: Avoid going out in the sun until your sunburn has healed.

In summary, sunburns are a common skin issue that can be prevented through sun safety practices, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and avoiding tanning beds. If you do get sunburned, there are steps you can take to help relieve discomfort and speed healing, such as taking cool showers or baths, applying moisturizers, and taking pain relievers.