A Detail Guide on How To Treat Sunburn Quickly & Effectively

Sunburn can be incredibly painful and occurs when our skin is damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Sunburn typically causes our skin to become tender, sore, peeling, blistering, warm, and red. In some cases, it can become incredibly itchy. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of sunburn.

After being burnt, our skin will start its healing process almost immediately, which can cause the skin to peel or flake within a few days of being burnt, however, it can take over seven days for the skin to recover completely.

While sunburn is often considered an embarrassing inconvenience for many individuals, it’s best to be avoided as it can significantly increase your chances of developing unnecessary health problems, which can later develop into skin cancer.

Picture credit – Rizky Ade Jonathan from Shutter Stock Images

Levels of Sunburn

The level of sunburn depends on the kind of treatment you will provide. Here is a detailed table explaining the severity levels of different levels of sunburn.

How To Treat Sunburn Fast

To get immediate relief from sunburn, here are tips you should try

1. Have a cool bath

Have a cool bath after exposure to the sun to reduce heat. This will calm the skin. You can add a hydrating body wash to keep the skin well moisturized. 

You should check some of our best body washes online

Alternatively, you can apply a cold damp cloth to the affected areas to reduce pain and swelling.

2. Keep Yourself Well Hydrated

Sunburned skin draws fluid to our skin’s surface and away from the important parts of our body. With this in mind, you must take the time to keep yourself topped up with water and hydrated.

Also, you can use moisturizers containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Avoid those containing alcohol or fragrances.

How To Treat Sunburn at Home

Nearly all levels of sunburn can be easily treated at home without the intervention of a medical professional. However, if the sunburn covers over 20% of a person’s body, it’s highly recommended that you seek medical advice.

Below are certain home remedies that can help to prevent sunburn at home;

1. Aloe Vera

Known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Applying Aloe vera gel on sunburned areas helps fasten the healing process.

Its gel can be obtained from a plant or a store.

2. Apply moisturizers

Using the right moisturizers can make a significant difference. Look an alcohol or fragrance-free moisturizers.

Also, consider moisturizers with ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to help repair the skin barrier.

3. Over The Counter Pain Relief

Pain relief is an essential part of treating sunburn. 

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Follow dosage instructions carefully.

Also, Calamine lotion may provide some relief from itching and discomfort, especially for mild sunburns.

Note: Consult your doctor before taking any medications if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

4. Drinking Chamomile Tea

Drinking Chamomile tea can provide internal soothing and potentially reduce inflammation caused by radiation from the sun.

Due to its soothing effect, drinking chamomile tea can indirectly make you feel better by promoting relaxation and aiding sleep which is crucial for healing.

Who is at Risk of Sunburn?

Every one of us exposed to some form of UV light is at risk of being sunburnt. You will be at far greater risk of sunburn if you are exposed to intense levels of sun on rare occasions or are in a warm country where there can be stronger levels of UV rays.

Don’t forget, even in colder climates you can be susceptible to sunburn, as water, ice, and snow are capable of reflecting the sun’s UV rays onto your skin.

Also, babies and young children are much more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays, which means extra care should be taken to protect their delicate skin.

What Should You Do if You are Sunburnt?

1. If you sense that your skin may be burning either through a tingling or hot sensation, it’s time to hit the shade for a while and begin treating what could be a nasty sunburn.
2. After a day in the sun, a cool shower or bath is recommended, and once you hop out, it’s time to slather on the moisturizing lotion or cream to soothe your skin.
3. Keep yourself well-hydrated
4. Be prepared with medication if needed
5. Identify how bad your burn is

How To Prevent Sunburn

There are some strategies you can use to prevent yourself from too much sun. These strategies include;

1. Wear a sunscreen

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can protect you from UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen must contain at least a sun protection factor of 30 and above (SPF 30).

Wearing sunscreen should be the last thing in your skincare routine. Ensure it is applied 20-30 minutes before sun exposure.

Also, wear sunscreen for your kids to protect their skin.

2 Wear Sun Protective Clothing

Choose clothing with the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). Also, cover up with long sleeve shirts, pants, and hats with wide brims.

3. Wear Sunglasses

Choose sunglasses that protect your eye from UVA and UVB.

4. Seek Shades

During peak hours of sunlight, try to seek shade by staying under canopies, in the car, indoors, under the tree, or using an umbrella when in the sun.

5. Limit Sun Exposure

Plan outdoor activities for later in the day when the sun’s rays are less intense.

Potential Risk of Sunburn

Sunburn poses potential risks to your skin health in both the long and short term. 

Here are some potential risks of sunburn;

1. Risk of skin cancer
2. Damaged skin cells which may lead to pain and discomfort
3. Skin damage and premature aging
4. Weaken your immune system making it prone to infections
5. Too much exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause damage to the eye leading to cataracts.

Wrapping Up

So in conclusion, it’s better to be safe than sorry……be sure to wear sunscreen so the sun doesn’t get the better of you.

Also, understanding the severity of your sunburn helps guide the right treatment approach. Preventing future sunburns with proper sun protection and skincare is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

By following these guidelines, you can alleviate discomfort and promote faster healing of sunburned skin.