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How to treat sunburn

Get the lowdown on treating sunburn on holiday.
Nodded off on your sun lounger or just lost track of time snorkelling? We’ve all been caught out by sunburn. In holiday hotspots like Egypt or Goa – where temperatures hit 32 degrees and above – it’s easy to underestimate how powerful the sun’s UV rays can be. Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Here are our top tips for treating your sunburn, as well as expert advice on how to protect your skin from the sun in the first place. Your risk of skin cancer increases with every burn so it’s super important to take the sun seriously. Plus – let’s be honest – no one likes the lobster look.

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1. COOL YOUR SKIN DOWN

First things first, you need to get yourself out the sun. Head for a shaded spot – look for those palm trees – and then apply a cold compress to the affected area(s). Haven’t got one? A glass of iced water will work wonders too. But make sure you don’t apply ice directly to the sunburn, because it can get stuck to the skin and cause more damage – yikes. A cool bath or shower will also help to relieve the pain.

2. REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Sunburn equals increased blood flow and increased inflammation of the skin. So, you might want to take an aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce the inflammation and reduce the pain. Remember though, kids under 16 shouldn’t take aspirin. If you’re unsure, always check with a doctor first or ask at the nearest pharmacy. You can wear loose and breathable clothing to avoid further skin irritation too.

3. PREVENT DEHYDRATION

Because sunburn raises your body temperature and draws fluid to the skin’s surface it can make you feel tired and dizzy. So, it’s important to drink lots to prevent dehydration – put down the cocktail and pick up the water. Avoid soft drinks because they can contain caffeine, which is a top culprit for dehydration.

4. USE SOOTHING SKIN CARE

When you’re out of the bath or shower, gently rub moisturiser over your skin while it’s still damp. Look for products with Aloe Vera in to help keep your skin cool and moist, and avoid petroleum or oil-based creams because they trap the heat and make the burn worse. Still suffering? Head to the nearest pharmacy to seek help. They usually stock hydrocortisone cream – it’s a stronger option for reducing inflammation.

5. SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR?

You should seek medical help if you have severe blistering, a fever or are dizzy or confused. Don’t pop blisters – it can lead to infection. And finally, stay out of the sun until your sunburn is better.

Bottom line – the best treatment is prevention. Remember to take some time out from sunbathing – most hotels have umbrellas – top up your sun cream regularly and try to cover up when you’re taking part in outdoor activities. Then, you can focus on enjoying your escape without worrying about sunburn.
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Author: Jessica Houtby

Last updated: 20.02.2019.

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