When you need a quick method of darkening your skin before a social event, you may turn to a tanning bed. Unfortunately, just like unprotected exposure to the sun, tanning beds can have side effects, including tanning burns and even an increased risk of cancer, states the American Cancer Society. If you experience a tanning bed burn, you have the same options available for relief as for a typical sunburn.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a common remedy for skin burns associated with tanning beds. Aloe vera, when applied topically to the burn, works as an anti-inflammatory and skin cooling agent, helping to reduce swelling and relieve pain associated with the burn.
OTC Anti-inflammatory Medication
You can also use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to help relieve problems with tanning bed burns. Anti-inflammatory medications reduce inflammation, which helps heal the damaged and burned skin tissue faster. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, also act as a pain reliever, helping to dull the pain of the burn.
Cold Compress
Another way to relieve tanning burns on the skin is to apply a cold compress, recommends the Mayo Clinic. The coolness of the compress helps reduce the painful burning sensation and also helps reduce swelling, which can help the burnt skin heal quicker.
Anesthetic Products
You can also purchase over-the-counter anesthetic sprays and ointments that are specifically designed to treat burns on the skin. These sprays contain anesthetic pain relievers, such as benzocaine, that work by blocking nerve signals in the skin. By blocking these signals, these products reduce the pain associated with the burn.
Corticosteroid Cream
If a tanning bed creates a serious enough burn, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid cream, such as prednisone. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation, allowing quicker healing of the damaged skin tissue. Corticosteroids are typically only effective within the first 24 to 48 hours, states the Mayo Clinic, making the prescription of corticosteroids uncommon.
