Caring for Sunburn

Despite taking precautions, a day at the beach or working in the yard can lead to sunburn.  A sunburn literally cooks the skin and is not less serious than any other type of burn; the severity of the sunburn itself determines what steps should be taken.  Most sunburns can be cared for at home, however if a high fever, nausea, or other severe symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted.

To care for sunburn at home drink water, juice, and electrolyte drinks to replenish fluids.   Because the burn itself depletes the moisture in skin, the body will be working extra hard to rehydrate.  Acetaminophen can be taken orally to address headaches, slight fevers, and chills resulting from the burn, and will help to some extent with the inflammation and pain of the skin, especially if taken before the skin becomes fully inflamed.

Over the counter creams and aloe gels can help soothe the pain and moisturize the dry skin also.  If not available, a cool bath can help, as can using a soft cloth soaked in chilled skim milk.  The coolness helps immediately, and the protein film which the milk forms can help ease the discomfort when the coolness wears off.