Ways To Treat A Sunburn
Going outside can be a lot of fun. But if the sun is up and you stay out for quite some time, it can prove to be quite dangerous. Without taking proper precautions, you can be left with a sunburn. If you suffer from this frequently, you become susceptible to skin cancer later. What do you do to reduce your changes and protect yourself?
First, keep in mind that it is far better to take a few, simple steps to prevent sunburn than to deal with the days of pain later. To prevent sunburn, stay out of the sun. If you cant do this, use a good sunscreen to protect your skin. There are many sunscreen products on the market today that come with different types of SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Choose one with a higher SPF for maximum protection. An SPF of 45 or higher is best if you have a fair complexion. Waterproof sun block is also available so you can enjoy water sports. Don’t forget to wear a hat and loose clothing to block the suns rays.
For pain, use aloe or another cooling agent. You can get this inexpensive remedy at many stores. Choose a product with aloe at the top of the list of ingredients and check the expiration date since aloe loses its healing properties with time. When applied immediately, aloe will turn your sunburn into a tan, meaning there will be less peeling of the dead skin or none at all. If you want to save even more, simply look for an aloe vera plant and break open a leaf. Apply the gel to the sunburn to soothe the burn and moisturize the skin.
A cold shower can minimize heat and make you feel better. Stay in the water and rinse gently. Avoid soap on burned areas because it takes away natural oils that heal your skin. When you’re through bathing, slip into loose clothes and avoid the sun till your sunburn gets better. If you desire, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. For stronger pain relief, see your doctor.
Finally, always drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. Avoid alcoholic beverages since they may make dehydration worse. If you choose to sunbathe, do it wisely.
