Overexposed? Try these tips for sunburn relief | Mark Mahoney

As we continue with the heat wave and increasingly sunny days, the importance of taking steps to lessen the possibilities of excessive sun exposure and the resulting negative consequences needs serious attention. The primary approach should be that of preventing sunburn through employing proactive measures based on best practices and science. I have written in the past on actions to lessen the risk for skin cancer and melanoma.

However, for those who have overdone their sun exposure and are sunburned, there are some recommendations for relief. The content comes largely from information provided by CVS. References are available.

The following areas are covered in this article.

How long does sunburn last?

What causes sunburn in the first place? Ultraviolet rays from the sun come in two harmful varieties. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are so-called aging rays, which can lead to skin cancer and cause aging effects. Ultraviolet (UVB) B rays are what cause most sunburn and can also lead to skin cancer. It’s recommended to find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both.

How to find relief from sunburn

While there’s no magic cure for sunburn, there are many ways to relieve the pain and discomfort. Tried-and-true techniques include the following:

? Frequent cool showers or baths. These can give some instant relief. Avoid using harsh or perfumed soaps when washing, though. Right after emerging from the water, gently pat skin dry, leaving a tiny bit of water on the skin, then apply a moisturizer. This can help ease the dryness that comes with a sunburn.

? A pain medication. Taking acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort.

? Staying hydrated. The sunburn draws fluid to the skin, away from the rest of the body, so drinking extra water can help avoid dehydration.

? Protecting sunburned skin. While healing, avoid re-exposing burned skin to the sun. Wear sun-protective clothing that covers the burned area whenever outdoors. Tightly woven fabrics are recommended. Topical antibiotic ointments, cream with absorbent dressing or specialized burn dressing materials are also commonly used, especially for blistered skin.

Some products to consider for sunburn relief

There are options for finding sunburn relief products at your local pharmacy. A number of over-the-counter products may help ease pain and manage symptoms. A general listing follows with categories of products available noted.

? Aloe vera. Aloe is well known for its soothing effects on skin. “Buying a bottle of aloe at the drugstore and having it on hand is never a bad idea,” says Dr. Greta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto. Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a dermatologist and pediatrician at SkinSafe Dermatology suggests storing it in the refrigerator for extra cooling relief.

? Hydrocortisone cream. A thin layer of hydrocortisone cream applied two to three times a day can help reduce redness and inflammation, notes Dr. Shainhouse.

? After-sun lotion and moisturizer. These products often include aloe vera as well as other botanicals or ingredients.

? Moisturizer. Once the healing skin starts to shed, “use a gentle moisturizer,” says Dr. Shainhouse. As for particular ingredients, she says to consider coconut and shea butter to moisturize and products that contain ceramides to help restore the broken skin barrier. “If your skin can tolerate mild exfoliation at this point, look for lotions with hydroxy acids like ammonium lactate to gently remove the scale.

? Burn relief spray. Lidocaine is a topical numbing agent that “can really take the pain out of a bad burn,” says Dr. Yadav.

At-home remedies for sunburn relief

Someone stuck at home nursing painful sunburn should consider consulting a qualified health care provider. They can offer advice about over-the-counter and at-home options.

A cool — not cold — compress, for example, can help with relief. And staying hydrated may help a sunburn heal faster, because sunburned skin can swell, drawing water to the skin and potentially dehydrating the rest of the body.

If a sunburn strikes, remember to be patient. It can take up to a week for skin to fully heal. It is strongly advised to avoid further skin damage. Staying indoors is the safest option, but if that’s not possible, wear sunscreen and sun protection, and avoid direct sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your qualified health care provider with any questions/concerns prior to following any specific advice provided here.

Additional information/resources

Check out the link on first aid for sunburn at this Mayo Clinic site at mayoclinic.org

The Cleveland Clinic provides tips on sunburn relief and prevention at health.clevelandclinic.org

Mark A. Mahoney, Ph.D. has been a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for over 35 years and completed graduate studies in Nutrition & Public Health at Columbia University. He can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Overexposed? Try these tips for sunburn relief