How to Handle Sunburns
By Lana Bandoim
Imagine going to the beach and spending hours in the warm sun. From playing in the water to building sand castles, it is easy to forget about the danger of sunburns. Now, imagine coming home with red and painful skin that is covered in blisters. Pay attention to the following tips about sunburns.
Take Action
Do not wait for the sunburn to get worse before taking action. First, immediately get out of the sun to avoid more exposure. Second, consider taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help fight the inflammation and pain. If you are on other medications or have questions, talk to a doctor before taking NSAIDs.
Drink Fluids
Although the skin is sunburned, drinking fluids is still important. Avoid caffeinated beverages that can increase dehydration and focus on plain water. The sunburn can actually draw fluid and dry the skin, so it is crucial to stay hydrated.
Try Other Treatments
From home remedies to over-the-counter creams, there are multiple treatment options for sunburns. Consider using a moisturizer, cream or lotion designed to help sunburns. Aloe vera is a popular treatment and can help cool the burn. Hydrocortisone cream is another option that does not require a prescription and is easy to purchase.
Some people find relief from applying plain yogurt to their skin. Others use cool compresses after dipping them in water. The goal is to find a way to soothe the skin without increasing irritation or making the blisters worse.
Take Extra Precautions
It is important to give the skin enough time to heal from sunburns. This means you may have to avoid the sun and cover up while outdoors. In addition, take extra precautions to avoid scratching the skin. Blisters also need time to heal, and infection can start from scratching.
Get Help
In some cases, severe sunburns may require medical intervention. See a doctor or go to a hospital if the sunburns continue to get worse and will not heal. In addition, it is important to seek medical treatment for infections.
Although you may take several precautions, it still easy to end up with sunburns after a long day at the beach or pool. Consider using these tips to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the pain of sunburns. Talk to a doctor if the sunburns are not healing. Remember that the best option is to avoid sunburns so you do not have to deal with these problems.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Southlake, Tex.