Sunburn results from damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet rays. The University of Wisconsin, Madison, states that skin cancer, which can be caused by excessive sun exposure, is the most common and preventable type of cancer. In order to minimize your risk of sunburn, experts recommend limiting sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and always using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher. However, if you already have a sunburn, your immediate concern may be relieving the concomitant severe itching.
Step 1
Bathe in tepid water sprinkled with 1/2 cup of dry oatmeal or an entire small box of baking soda. As an alternative, make a compress by soaking a washcloth in cold oatmeal water or plain milk.
Step 2
Take two aspirin or acetaminophen every four hours. If you don't have either, University of Nebraska dermatologist Rodney Basler suggests taking three to four ibuprofen every eight hours.
Step 3
Refrigerate a bottle of lotion containing vitamin E for several hours, then spread it onto your skin after applying cold compresses or taking an oatmeal bath.
Step 4
Spritz your skin with an over-the-counter local anesthetic or cortisone spray. Anesthetics include lidocaine, benzocaine, benzyl alcohol and diphenhydramine hydrochloride.
Step 5
Cleanse your skin with an unscented, moisturizing cleansing cream instead of soap while your sunburn is healing. Soap can dry your skin, which can make itching worse. Take quick, cool showers, and moisturize your skin afterwards.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin E lotion
- Baking soda or oatmeal
- Aspirin or acetaminophen
- Cortisone or anesthetic spray
- Washcloth
