How to Reduce the Redness of Sunburn

How to Reduce the Redness of Sunburn: 6 Steps (with Pictures)/**/var WH = WH || {};WH.lang = WH.lang || {};button_swap = button_unswap = function(){};WH.exitTimerStartTime = (new Date()).getTime();WH.mergeLang = function(A){for(i in A){v=A[i];if(typeof v==='string'){WH.lang[i]=v;}}}; Sign Up or Log In or Log In via

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Pin ItArticle EditDiscussPreventing sunburn is oftentimes difficult to do, especially for people who spend a lot of time outdoors in warmer weather or climates. Even the best preventions sometimes fall short, leaving you with reddened, angry skin that is painful to the touch. Knowing how to reduce the redness of sunburn quickly is critical to minimizing the discomfort your sunburn causes and avoiding long-term problems such as peeling.

Edit Steps1Reduce the pain and redness.

Take ibuprofen, aspirin, or other anti-inflammatory medication. Use them as soon possible after noticing you are sunburned. These medications are designed to reduce swelling and irritation and will take the sting out of sunburn. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use, which can be found on the bottle.Apply a cool cloth to the area. Using cold water or a cloth that has been placed in the refrigerator, dampen the sunburned skin. This will reduce the pain and "hot" feeling in the area.Drink water or other clear fluids. These can help to rehydrate your body after over-exposure to the sun and help reduce the fatigue associated with it.Use a potato to draw the heat out. Apply thin slice of potato directly onto your sunburned skin. The natural starches found in potatoes will help to draw the heat out of your skin.Use shaving cream. Since most brands contain cooling agents, applying shaving cream to a sore area might calm the sting of a new sunburn.2Add moisture back in to your skin.

Take a bath. Add equal parts oatmeal, milk, honey, and aloe vera, and pour it into a lukewarm bath. Sit in the tub for approximately 15 minutes.Apply aloe vera. You can get this from a plant or from hydrocortisone cream. Apply it to the sunburned areas of your skin. These products can help to minimize redness while cooling off irritated skin.Create a paste. Mix equal parts water and baking soda, You should make enough to cover the affected skin. Dip a clean fabric cloth into the paste, and press it gently onto the sunburned areas for 3 to 5 minutes.Use live cultured plain yogurt to cover your sunburned areas. Apply the yogurt directly to your skin, and allow it to sit for a minimum of 5 minutes. Once finished, rinse your skin thoroughly to remove the yogurt.3Avoid worsening the area.

Wear loose clothing. Cover the sunburned areas if you need to spend time in the sun. Long sleeves or pants and hats will protect your sensitive skin from the sun's harsh rays and prevent further sun damage.Move indoors. Avoid further exposure to the sun or heat if possible. Expose your sunburned skin to cooler air, preferably air conditioned, as this will allow the heat trapped in your skin to escape.Only take lukewarm showers. The water should be slightly warmer than room temperature but not too hot. The shower will help to improve your skin's circulation and promote quicker healing. Allow your skin to air dry if possible to help soak up additional moisture.Never pop blisters.Don't add ice. Ice when applied directly to a burn can create an "ice burn" feeling and actually increase the level of pain you are experiencing.

Prevention1Always use sunblock if you will be in the sun during a long period of time.

2Always reapply sunblock after using a towel or going in the water.

3Take vitamins E and C. This does not act like sunblock. These vitamins act as antioxidants to heal sunburns. These are most effective when taken regularly. So add these to your vitamin regimen during the summer when you are more likely to be exposed to the sun.

Edit Video

Edit TipsTry to use aloe vera from a plant, as it has been proven more effective than a prepackaged solution.

Edit WarningsAvoid breaking any blisters that form as a result of the sunburn. The blisters are your skin's way of holding moisture near damaged areas, and bursting them will delay the healing process.If your sunburn is accompanied by fever or chills, you need to see a medical professional. These symptoms are indicative of sun poisoning, and you will need to be properly evaluated for the best treatment options.Refrain from using any moisturizing lotions or creams, butter, or oil-based products to your sunburn. These treatments actually trap heat inside the skin and can make your sunburn even worse.

Edit Things You'll NeedIbuprofenBathtubOatmealMilkHoneyAloe veraProtective clothingBaking sodaClean clothPotatoYogurt

Edit Sources and Citationshttp://www.howdini.com/howdini-video-7115166.htmlhttp://www.homemademedicine.com/home-remedies-sunburn.htmlhttp://www.fitnesstipsforlife.com/sunburn-remedies.htmlArticle Info Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Sun and Sunless Tanning

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