What Should I Do If My Skin Burns from Exposure to The Hot Sun?

If your skin is burned from exposure to the hot sun, it’s essential to take immediate action to alleviate the discomfort and promote healing. Here’s what you should do:

 

1. Get Out of the Sun

Immediately move to a shaded or indoor area to avoid further sun exposure.

 

2. Cool Compresses

Apply cool, damp compresses to the affected areas. Use a clean cloth soaked in cool water or take a cool bath or shower.

 

3. Hydrate

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as sunburn can dehydrate your body. Consider consuming hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.

 

4. Aloe Vera Gel

Apply aloe vera gel to the sunburned skin. Aloe vera has soothing properties that can help reduce inflammation and provide relief.

 

5. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

If you experience discomfort or pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen following the package instructions.

 

6. Avoid Tight Clothing

Wear loose, breathable clothing that won’t rub against your sunburned skin and cause additional irritation.

 

7. Keep Moisturized

After the initial cool compresses, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.

 

8. Cold Milk Compress

Soak a cloth in cold milk and apply it to the affected areas for about 15 minutes. The proteins in milk can help soothe the burn.

 

9. Cucumber Slices

Place chilled cucumber slices on the sunburned skin to provide a cooling effect.

 

10. Stay in a Cool Environment

Try to stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment to prevent further irritation to your sunburned skin.

 

11. Avoid Harsh Skincare Products

Refrain from using harsh skincare products, especially those containing alcohol or retinoids, on sunburned skin, as they may aggravate the burn.

 

12. Stay Moisturized

Continue to apply moisturizer regularly to prevent your skin from drying out as it heals.

 

13. Don’t Pop Blisters

If blisters develop, avoid popping them, as this can increase the risk of infection.

 

14. Avoid Scratching or Peeling

Resist the urge to scratch or peel the skin, as this can prolong the healing process and increase the risk of infection.

 

15. Avoid Further Sun Exposure

Give your skin time to heal by staying out of the sun until the sunburn has completely subsided.

 

Remember that sunburn can be serious, and severe cases may require medical attention. If you experience severe sunburn with symptoms like fever, chills, or large blisters, or if the sunburn covers a significant portion of your body, seek medical attention promptly.

 

Prevention is crucial to avoid sunburn altogether. Always wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and seek shade when needed, especially during peak sun hours. Taking proactive measures can protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.