1. What is a Sunburn
A sunburn is an actual radiation burn of your skin. The ultraviolet light from the sun damages the DNA of your skin cells, triggering those cells to die (which is a good thing since you don't want mutated cells hanging around, causing trouble). The dead cells release inflammatory signals called cytokines that lead to redness, swelling, and pain. These dead cells slough off within a few days, leading to peeling and often uncomfortable itching.
Here are five ways to treat a sunburn:
2. Take Ibuprophen
Take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprophen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin (Excedrin). These stop inflammation and reduce the amount of redness and pain. It is important to take them as early as possible after the burn because they can block the release of interleukins, the skin's main sunburn signals, and can minimize your discomfort.
3. Apply Cool Moisturizers
Apply cool compresses and cool moisturizers. Try Eucerin Calming Cream. Put it in the refrigerator for an hour or so before applying to your burn. The cold cream will give you instant relief. You can also try aloe, which is a soothing anti-inflammatory. Avoid applying antioxidants such as vitamin E or flaxseed oil; they are likely to cause an allergic contact dermatitis, especially when your skin is exposed and vulnerable.
4. Take a Luke-Warm Bath
Avoid hot showers. Instead, take a luke-warm bath with Aveeno Collodial Oatmeal. The oatmeal is both a soothing anti-inflammatory and a moisturizer, which are the two things your skin needs most right now.
5. Cover Up Your Skin
Avoid any additional sun exposure. The best way is to cover up with clothing; applying a sunscreen to a sunburn can often be irritating and can worsen the inflammation and itching. If you must apply a sunscreen, choose one for sensitive skin such as a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen; these will be less likely to irritate your sensitive sunburned skin.
Avoid numbing sprays such as benzocaine. Although they can feel great when applied, they are notorious for causing allergic contact dermatitis. If you think a sunburn is bad, try adding an incredibly itchy, allergic contact dermatitis on top of a sunburn. As one of my patients put it: "Its like being tied down on a hill of fire ants."
