Get Rid of Sunburn Fast

Sun burn not only causes pain but also makes your skin dry. If your skin is too sensitive, always take extra precaution while going out in the sun. Wear sunscreen that can block UVB and UVA rays with SPF 40 or at least SPF 15.

Do not leave any uncovered portion of your body without sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen after two hours.  If you have fair skin, then you are more vulnerable to sun burn because sun’s effect depends upon your skin’s melanin type. When you are on a beach holiday, and enjoying sun bath, do not forget the possible risk of sun burn. Overexposure to  sun’s ultra violet rays can lead to not only sun burn but also sun stroke or skin cancer as well.

If you have got a burn, then to reduce its effect, you need to take certain measures as soon as you notice them. Here is what you can do.

The moment you realize your skin is burnt, cool your skin immediately by taking a shower or have cool compress or just wipe your skin with cool wet cloth. Once your skin is sunburned, don’t use soap. Soap extracts natural oil from your skin which is essential to repair damage skin and heal the sun burn quickly. For quick relief from sun burn, avoid direct sunlight on your skin, wear light cotton and soft clothing and continue with cool compress.

Moisturize your skin as often as you can. Use moisturizer that contains aloe. Aloe has natural healing power. Using fresh aloe gel directly from plant by breaking and squeezing its leaf is a far better way to get quick relief.

Other antibacterial ointments and gentle moisturizer which do not contain chemicals or dyes or scents can sooth your skin and help to stop the skin from drying out.

If you have severe burn and the pain is unbearable, then rushing to a doctor will be a wise decision. Generally antibacterial ointments containing local anesthetic llidocaine like Solarcaine are prescribed by doctors to heal sunburn. But use of these medicated lotions without medical supervision should be avoided. Wear loose fitting clothes to avoid getting your skin rubbed and irritated further. Resist yourself from scratching the skin or breaking the blisters. To reduce pain, inflammation and irritation, you can take pain killer.

Staying hydrated is essential for getting rid of sunburn. Drink enough water to keep your body hydrated and cool. This will also help to avoid heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Severe sunburn can lead to bacterial infection. They need immediate medical attention.