Sunburns from tanning beds are treated in the same way as burns from the sun. Even though sunburns may come from different sources, they affect your body in the same manner, reports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is wise to refrain from tanning altogether, as excessive exposure to the sun and tanning beds has been shown to increase the odds of developing skin cancer, but if you do suffer a burn, you can choose from several home remedies for some relief.
Compresses
A cool compress of cold water can provide sunburn relief, according to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. You can also create compresses using white vinegar, witch hazel, milk, or a solution of cool water and baking soda. Make several compresses in advance using washcloths and store them in plastic bags in the refrigerator for cool, on-the-spot relief. To use, apply the compress to your sunburn until the cooling effect has worn off. Do not rub your skin with the compress or use it on broken skin or blisters, as doing so may cause an infection, reports the Washington University Medical School.
Special Baths
A cool shower or bath may provide sunburn relief, and the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration recommends using an alcohol-free moisturizer after bathing to help keep your skin moist. You can also take cool or lukewarm baths with 2 cups of vinegar or 2 oz. of baking soda added to the bath water for additional cooling power and itch control, according to the Washington University Medical School. Commercially prepared oatmeal bath products may also help. Use caution when adding ingredients to your bath if you have open wounds or cracked skin to reduce the odds of infection.
Other Remedies
Pure aloe vera gel applied directly to your sunburn not only relieves burning and itching but also moisturizes your skin to encourage healing. You can also take ibuprofen for pain relief and to reduce swelling, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A sunburn dehydrates your body, so be sure you are drinking plenty of fluids. Most important, protect your burn from the sun and refrain from tanning in a tanning bed until your burn is fully healed to reduce the risk of scarring and skin cancer.
