So you forgot to put on sunscreen, you left your hat and glasses at home and now you're suffering from sunburn pain. It may take several days for your skin to heal, but you can help relieve the burn during the healing process. You may already have everything you need for sunburn relief in your cupboard or medicine cabinet.
Cool Compresses
One simple tip for sunburn relief is to keep the affected area cool. Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D., a contributor at Mayoclinic.com, suggests applying a cool water compress to your sunburned skin. Dr. John F. Romano, a dermatologist working for The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, suggests that your cool compress should be soaked in milk that's slightly cooler than room temperature. Keep the compress on your skin for about 20 minutes. Follow up the milk compress with a cool water rinse.
Cool Bath
Dr. Gibson also suggests soaking in a cool bath to help relieve sunburn pain. Add a cup of apple cider kitchen vinegar to your bath water and soak in it. Vinegar has cooling properties that may help with sunburn relief. If the smell of vinegar is too strong, try soaking in a bath that includes a pound of baking soda or oatmeal. The odors are not as offensive and the products will help soothe your skin.
Moisturize
Commercial moisturizers that contain aloe or over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams work well to relieve sunburn pain. Dr. Gibson warns us to beware of commercial sunburn relief creams that contain anesthetics; it is possible that these products will further irritate your skin.
Replace Fluids
Keep your body hydrated when your skin is sunburned. You need to replace fluids to prevent dehydration, so drink plenty of water or juice.
Keep Blisters Intact
If your sunburned skin forms blisters, keep them intact. According to Dr. Gibson, breaking the blisters slows healing and can lead to infection. You can cover the blisters with a light layer of gauze to protect them from accidentally opening.
Pain Relief
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relief medications containing ibuprofen or aspirin will help relieve your sunburn pain. Follow the package directions regarding dosage.
Peeling Skin
Continue to apply moisturizer to skin that's peeling after a sunburn. By the time your skin begins to peel, the sunburn pain has likely receded, but it still needs additional moisture. The peeling skin is the dead layer burned by the sun; peeling is your body's way of ridding itself of the damaged skin.
