The sun shines brightly during the long days of summer, motivating many to get outside to play and soak up the rays. Unfortunately, those who venture outdoors are often plagued with sunburn.

Sunburned skin is red and painful. It may be warm to the touch. Blisters and swelling may develop. In their article, “Sunburn: Symptoms,” the Mayo Clinic advises, “See your doctor if the sunburn is blistering and covers a large portion of your body; is accompanied by a high fever, extreme pain, headache, confusion, nausea or chills; [and] doesn’t respond to at-home care within a few days.” The only cure for sunburn is to allow it to runs its course, but there are several things you can do to treat sunburn symptoms and to promote good skin health. The following are tips for how to treat sunburn and alleviate symptoms.

1. Drink water. Aim for the recommended eight glasses per day. This helps regulate body temperature and is essential for normal body processes, including healing the skin. It treats dehydration caused by sunburn.
   
   
2. Take an anti-inflammatory medication. This helps to reduce swelling and pain. Anti-inflammatory medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are more popular choices, compare the effects of each with aspirin to find what really works for you. If you are already taking aspirin for heart health, simply increase your dose from one baby aspirin to one or two regular aspirin. You may need to take the aspirin every four hours for pain relief.
   
   
3. Use a cold compress. This cools the skin to relieve pain and to reduce swelling. Another option is to take a cool bath.
   
   
4. Apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera. Apply a moisturizer to the skin, such as body lotion or aloe vera. The aloe vera may reduce pain and inflammation. Use a water-based moisturizer to allow the skin to breathe and to lessen the likelihood of acne breakouts. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances that may irritate the skin. Continue moisturizing until after the skin is finished peeling.
   
   
5. Apply a hydrocortisone cream. Look for a hydrocortisone cream, such as Cortisone 10, to treat pain, swelling, and itching.
   
   
6. Do not break any blisters. You may wish to cover them to protect them. If a blister breaks, apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
   
Tweet


Related Articles
• How to Treat a Sinus Infection without Antibiotics
• 4 Remedies for Cold and Flu Prevention: Which Work, Which Don’t
• Simple Acne Home Treatment for Acne Caused by Excessive Dead Skin Cells
• Best Way to Lose Belly Fat, Weight Loss – Exercise Regularly
• Controlling Type 2 Diabetes