When you have had too much fun in the sun, your skin suffers. Sunburn usually heals on it its own, according to the Mayo Clinic, but it usually takes several days. In the meantime, you must deal with pain, discomfort and peeling skin. Although home remedies won't reverse the damage sunburn does to your skin, they can provide some relief while the sunburn heals.
Cooling Remedies
Cooling remedies can provide relief from the heat of sunburn. Take a cool bath or shower, or gently apply cool, wet wash cloths to the affected areas. Apply as often as necessary to obtain relief. Another cooling remedy, as published by The Skin Cancer Foundation and recommended by Dr. Zoe Draelos, a noted dermatologist from Winston-Salem North Carolina, is to apply a washcloth soaked in cold skim milk to the affected areas. The coolness soothes the burning skin, and the milk forms a film of protein that helps ease pain and discomfort.
Moisturizer
A light moisturizing cream applied to affected areas several times a day can relieve dry, parched skin. The Mayo Clinic also suggests using hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera lotion. Hydrocortisone cream may also reduce pain and swelling and promote quicker healing. Continue to use moisturizing cream while your skin is peeling. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises, however, that you should not use moisturizer if your skin is blistering. The NIH also advises against using products that contain lidocaine, benzocaine or petroleum because of the possibility of skin irritation or allergic reaction.
Pain Medications
Get relief from pain and soreness with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen and naproxen. Take regularly according to label directions until pain and redness decrease. Do not give aspirin to children.
Hydration
Prolonged exposure to the sun causes you to lose fluids through your skin, which can lead to dehydration. Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water, sports drinks and juices will help replenish lost fluids.
Remedies for Blisters
After a few days, your sunburned skin may form blisters. If this happens, treat the blisters gently and don't break them. Broken blisters are more prone to infection, and breaking them can hinder the healing process. Blisters often break on their own, so covering them lightly with dry bandages, such as gauze, can help prevent infection.
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