To help a sunburn, follow these effective steps:
- Get out of the sun immediately to prevent further damage
- Cool the skin with a cool shower, bath, or damp towel. Avoid very cold water or ice directly on the skin to prevent further irritation
- Apply soothing moisturizers containing aloe vera or soy while the skin is still damp to help soothe and hydrate the skin
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce pain and inflammation
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration since sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface
- Avoid harsh soaps and do not scrub or exfoliate the skin, as this can worsen irritation
- Do not pop blisters if they form, as blisters protect the skin and help healing
- Consider applying 1% hydrocortisone cream for mild to moderate sunburn to reduce itching and inflammation, but avoid benzocaine products
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not rub against the sunburned skin and stay out of the sun until healed
Additional home remedies that may help include colloidal oatmeal baths and applying cool compresses
. If sunburn is severe, with blistering, swelling, fever, or signs of infection, seek medical advice promptly
. These measures help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and support the skin’s healing process after sunburn
