Sunburn blister treatment

Summer is on the way and with it comes the nasty sunburn that will affect all of us at some point and time. Everyone needs to know some tips and tricks to take care of that nasty burn once it hits home! Of course, try to avoid sunburn by applying sunscreen very frequently all day long while out in the hot sun. However if the sun gets you, here are some good pointers!

First please remember that it can take 12 to 24 hours to know exactly how much sun you actually got so err on the side of caution when trying to judge how much sun you have gotten on any given day. Second know that there is no absolute quick fix to get rid of sunburn. Your skin is burned and it is going to take some time to heal so please allow it the time it needs!

Here are some things that will help it to heal as quickly as it possibly can. Keep your skin as cool as you possibly can. Take a cool bath if at all possible. Avoid getting in hot water in the bathtub or shower as that can drive heat on into the skin. A cool moist environment will help to reduce the temperature of the skin and help it to start the healing process in a quicker manner.

Other home remedies recommend to use equal parts of milk and cool water on cloths to apply to the burned areas. Leave the cloths on for 30-45 minutes then remove. Reapply three to four times a day. You can also purchase Burow solution at the pharmacy. Mix up one packet to 16 ounces of cool water and soak a clean cloth in it. Apply to the sunburned area for 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure every 2-3 hours using a new solution and clean cloth.

Once you have had your cool bath it is time to apply aloe vera solution or lotion to your skin in order to moisturize it well. This will help it to keep its elasticity as well as soothe the burn. If blisters do form on the skin it is better not to break the blister as the skin underneath is trying to heal so allow it to do so. If blisters break then cover them lightly with sterile gauze to keep them clean. Apply antibiotic ointment if needed. Once the skin starts to peel, take a bath then apply moisturizer to allow the skin to come off as it will. Do not try to force the skin to come off. Clip off hanging skin if need be but do not pull it off.

You can take Tylenol, Advil, or Aleve for the pain of the sunburn. If medication is for a child give Children’s Motrin or Tylenol for the pain or consult your pediatrician for a recommendation. Avoid going out in the sun until the sunburn has completely gone away.

If any of the following symptoms occur contact a medical professional immediately as this can constitute a medical emergency. First, if the sunburn affects over 60% of your body and is accompanied by blisters. If you develop a fever or severe pain with the sunburn or the burn does not improve in a few days you need to contact your physician. Other signs and symptoms that you would need to be concerned about and might constitute heat or sun stroke would be nausea, vomiting, headache, being lightheaded or dizzy, problems with breathing, confusion or losing consciousness. If any of these occur you would need to consult your physician as well.

Last updated on Oct 10th, 2009 and filed under Skin Care. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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