A sunburn usually starts as swollen, red and painful skin that feels warm. It may take 24 to 48 hours following sun exposure to know the full extent of the burn, and it often takes several more days before your skin begins to heal, explains Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence Gibson. After your skin begins to heal, the top layer of damaged skin will start to peel off, which may cause odd coloration patterns on your skin until it heals fully. Many sunburns respond well to at-home treatment, but some require a doctor’s care.
Step 1
Moisten a clean washcloth or towel in cool water and apply it directly to your skin if it feels itchy or warm as it starts to peel. Cool showers and baths can also provide relief.
Step 2
Apply a moisturizing cream or aloe vera lotion to peeling skin. Rub gently to avoid pulling at the peeling layers. Keeping your skin hydrated can help encourage healing.
Step 3
Rub hydrocortisone cream over burned areas and peeling skin to help relieve pain and speed up the healing process, recommends MayoClinic.com. Look for creams with a low dose of hydrocortisone, from 0.5 to 1 percent.
Step 4
Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help relieve pain as needed. Follow the dosing guidelines on the package and check with your doctor before taking these medications if you have a pre-existing medical condition or if you take other prescription medications. Avoid giving aspirin to children and teens as it can lead to a potentially fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome, cautions MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Protect peeling skin from the sun by wearing clothing that covers your burn and applying sunscreen with a high SPF, or sun protection factor, if you must go outside and expose certain areas, such as your face.
Step 6
Refrain from picking or peeling at your skin as your burn heals. Your skin will naturally come off in the shower or as it dries out. Pulling at sunburned skin can reveal tender layers of skin underneath that may be painful or easily irritated.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth
- Moisturizing cream or aloe vera lotion
- Hydrocortisone cream (optional)
- Anti-inflammatory medications (optional)
- Sunscreen
