If your skin is red and hot to the touch after spending the day in the sun, you've acquired a sunburn. In most cases, sunburns are not dangerous and do not require a doctor's attention. Typically, you can help soothe the pain and irritation of a sunburn with home remedies. If you have a high fever or experience other symptoms associated with your sunburn, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Apply Cold Compresses
A cold compress can help draw the heat out of your skin and make a sunburn feel more bearable. If your sunburn itches, a cold compress will also help prevent you from scratching the burn. Rinse a clean washcloth in cool water, then apply it directly to the most painful and red areas of the sunburn, recommends the Mayo Clinic. If a sunburn is particularly severe and covers a large area of your body, rinse a large beach towel in cool water, then drape the towel over the most severely burned areas. Change the compress if it begins to get warm, and repeat as necessary throughout the day.
Slather on Creams
Moisturizing creams and gels can help keep the skin hydrated and prevent peeling. Aloe vera cream may help reduce the healing time of a sunburn, says dermatologist Rodney Basler, M.D. Aloe vera gel is available at the drugstore, or you can purchase a fresh aloe vera plant and break off one of its leaves. Scoop the gel out of the inside of the leaf, then apply this gel directly to the skin to help soothe and cool a sunburn. Additionally, applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help reduce swelling and speed up the healing time of a sunburn, says the Mayo Clinic.
Take Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Some sunburns, particularly if they are severe, may be accompanied by a low-grade fever and a feeling of overall malaise. To help reduce these symptoms, as well as the symptoms of burning, swelling and pain that accompany a sunburn, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen or aspirin. Aspirin must be used with caution when given to children and teenagers, because in rare cases, it may cause Reye's syndrome, says the Mayo Clinic.
