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19th Jun 2017

5 Easy Ways To Treat Sunburn If You’re Looking Like A Lobster After The Weekend

Alana Laverty

Anyone else cry with pain in the shower this morning?

No?

Just us?

Well, if you’re suffering as much as we currently are, then you’re gonna wanna take note of the following ways to ease and treat your sunburn. 

1. Replenish your fluids

Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface and away from the rest of the body, so you’re prob feeling seriously dehydrated. 

It’s important to rehydrate by drinking extra liquids, including water and sports drinks that help to replenish electrolytes, immediately and while your skin heals.

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2. Cool it down ASAP

If you feel you’ve gotten burnt, cool it down ASAP. 

If you’re near a cold pool, lake or the sea, take a quick dip to cool your skin, but only for a few seconds so you don’t prolong your exposure. 

Then cover up and get out of the sun immediately. 

Continue to cool the burn with cold compresses. You can use ice to make ice water for a cold compress, but don’t apply ice directly to the sunburn. Or take a cool shower or bath, but not for too long, which can be drying, and avoid harsh soap, which might irritate the skin even more.

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3. Moisturise while skin is damp

Aloe vera is best for sunburn, but other gentle moisturisers will do the job. 

Moisturise while skin is damp as this will retain moisture better. 

Avoid petroleum or oil-based ointments, which may trap the heat and make the burn worse. 

Repeat to keep burned or peeling skin moist over the next few days.

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4. Wear loose clothing

Nothing worse than a bra strap or the waist of your jeans rubbing up nice and close with your sunburn. 

The looser your clothes, the better. 

5. Decrease the inflammation 

You can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen, to help with discomfort and inflammation.

A light cortisone cream can help calm redness and swelling, as directed. 

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When to see a doctor?

You should seek medical help if you have severe blistering over a large portion of the body, have a fever and chills, or if you’re woozy or confused. 

Don’t scratch or pop blisters, for the love of God, as this can lead to infection. 

Signs of infection include red streaks and oozing pus (ew). 

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