How to treat sunburn at home

With the warmer weather it's important to remember the steps needed to stay safe and well in hotter weather. If you or your child develop sore, red skin after sun exposure, there are several steps you can take to treat sunburn at home, minimise the damage, and speed up the healing process.

How to treat sunburn at home

Seek out shade

Often you're not aware that the sun is burning your skin until sunburn symptoms start to appear. But if you do notice your skin getting hot or sore, make sure you find shade as soon as possible. "If you find yourself burning, it is paramount to get out of the sun to avoid further damage," advises Dr Najia Shaikh, GP medical director at One Skin Clinic.

Cool the sunburnt area

The next step is to cool down the area. Depending on your circumstances and the size of the sunburnt skin, you can put a damp towel on the affected area or take a cool bath or shower. Although this may feel a little uncomfortable, cooling the area will help to minimise damage.

Stay hydrated

It's also important to keep yourself hydrated. "I look at this as approaching and treating the burn from the inside out, as well as topically. Heat stroke, fatigue and dehydration are often seen in conjunction with burning, so it is important to remain hydrated. This is applicable of course all summer, even if you don't burn," says Shaikh.

Take painkillers to alleviate sunburn pain

If you are in pain and are able to take painkillers, over-the-counter pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen will help to ease soreness.

Soothe the sunburn

There are products designed for putting on after being in the sun. However, these are not specifically designed for sunburn treatment. They may, however, help to moisturise affected areas. "You can put on an after-sun lotion, cream, or spray. They often help cool the skin and replace any lost moisture the burning process has inflicted. Use more natural products to help sunburns heal and to avoid further irritation," explains Shaikh.

How long does sunburn last?

Mild to moderate sunburn can last for as much as a week, so it's important to continue caring for the area until the skin has completely healed. You may continue to experience soreness, redness or other symptoms such as skin peeling. So how should you best care for sun-damaged skin?

How to stop sunburn peeling

"Continue to put on after sun and moisturising products, which will really work at rehydrating the skin, locking in moisture. Following this step will help prevent peeling and relieve the burning, prickling and itching symptoms. When washing, use cool water, as hot water will be uncomfortable and add heat back to the skin."

"Again, treat the burn from the inside out by replenishing fluids and taking anti-inflammatory relief. Continue following the initial steps until the symptoms and burns ease. Try not to scratch or pick at peeling skin. And as tempting as its cooling properties may be, do not use ice," advises Shaikh.

It's also best to keep out of the sun as much as possible while your skin heals. "Do not venture back into the sun until fully healed," says Shaikh. "If you have to go outside, fully cover the affected areas with loose-fitting, breathable clothing, and seek shade as much as possible."

How to prevent sunburn

As well as protecting any damaged skin, it's important to follow advice carefully to avoid sunburn in the future. Avoid the sun between 11 am and 3 pm, which is when it is at its hottest with lots of harmful ultraviolet UV rays," explains Shaikh.

"When outside, seek shade, cover up, stay out of the sun, stay hydrated and, always wear sun cream. Sadly, the damage incurred from sunburn is permanent and long-lasting so should be avoided at all costs. Your burns will heal but my biggest offering of advice is that prevention is better than cure.

"Wear sun cream, especially on the face, 365 days of the year. Even in bleak and rainy weather, UV rays are still able to penetrate the skin. During the summer, wear a minimum of SPF30 sunscreen on the body and face. Pay attention to reapplication - for example if you go into a swimming pool, or after two hours in the sun."

Can sunburn cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke?

Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke - where your body has to work hard to keep your at a constant temperature. It's important to know what the signs of these are what to do.

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