When the beautiful summer months in the Pacific Northwest emerge, most people love pursuing outdoor activities, including hiking, sunbathing, and water sports. However, because of so many months of clouds, people might not be as likely to remember how important sunscreen is.
In reality, even on cloudy days, UV light can have an effect on the skin, but its impact is certainly more powerful during the bright sunny summer days. That’s why UV protection, from sunscreen to clothing to wide brimmed hats, is important year-round.
Prevention is always the best policy when it comes to the sun. Still, there are important steps you can take to help heal a painful sunburn. Here are recommendations from the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Taking cool showers or baths can help alleviate the pain of a bad sunburn. Gently pat your skin with a towel, but leave a bit of water on the skin to help trap moisture with lotion. This can prevent the skin from drying out.
Aloe vera has been used for hundreds of years to help with the soothing pain of a mild to moderate burn. You can either grow aloe plants in pots in your household or buy aloe extract at the store. It’s best if you can find 100% aloe extract. Keeping bottles in the fridge can help keep aloe cool for when you most need it.
When you get a sunburn, fluids are pulled to the surface of the skin, so it’s important to rehydrate by drinking plenty of water.
As your skin is healing from a sunburn, take extra care to protect it from the sun’s rays. Wear clothing that provides UV protection (usually this is tightly-woven clothing, though you can also buy gear that is specifically labeled for UV-protection). Wear sunscreen, and continue to be gentle with your skin, especially if blisters form or if you experience peeling.
Remember, if your sunburn pain is severe, you may need to seek urgent care from a doctor. If symptoms don’t improve after 24 hours of care, or if you see blistering, experience weakness or have a fever, contact a healthcare provider. Learn more about severe sunburns from Seattle Children’s.
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