What to Do if You Get a Sunburn

We all make mistakes, what should you do if you do get a sunburn?

-Immediately place a cold compress of wet washcloth to cool the burn

-Drink lots of water, you need to re-hydrate! In addition to water, a sports drink or tablet with electrolytes can help.

-Take aspirin or ibuprofen, which is an anti-inflammatory and helps reduce swelling, redness and discomfort.

-Apply aloe vera gel or any lotion with aloe vera.

-Keep the sunburned area completely covered from the sun while it is healing.

-Take frequent cool baths or showers to help relieve the pain.

-If your skin blisters, allow the blisters to heal. Blistering skin means you have a second-degree sunburn. You should not pop the blisters, as blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection.

-Most importantly, learn your lesson and do not get sunburnt again! Skin damage builds up over time starting with your very first sunburn. The more you burn, the greater your risk of skin cancer. Subsequent UV damage can occur even when there is no obvious burn.