As soon as you notice that you are having a sunburn, getting very red or blistered, you should immediately leave the sun, staying in a cool place and in the shade. If you are still on the beach, take a swim in the sea or go to the shower to cool the skin and then return to a covered location such as a bar or kiosk.
The ideal is to return home as soon as possible, so you can take care of your skin with the right products, but still on the beach, in the river or in the pool, after cooling the skin you can apply your own sunscreen to keep your skin protected and hydrated.
When you get home you should take another bath by letting the ice cold water fall on your body, avoiding using soap. If possible let the body dry naturally, or use a soft towel without rubbing the skin, but pressing the towel gently across the body to absorb the water. Then apply a cream or ointment suitable for skin regeneration.
Best sunburn creams and ointments
Some great options of creams and ointments that can be passed on the skin in case of sunburn are:
- Caladryl, moisturizing lotion that you buy at the pharmacy or drugstore;
- Bepantol for the reddest areas;
- 1% cortisone cream, such as Diprogenta or Dermazine;
- Water paste just above the bubbles, being careful not to burst;
- Lotion after refreshing sun of aloe vera.
It is also important to drink plenty of water to rehydrate the body, avoid the sun and wear loose clothing to relieve discomfort. To combat itching you can take a cold bath and pass a lot of moisturizing in the affected regions, because by scratching the skin the blisters of the burn can burst causing more pain.
The chances of having a skin cancer, such as melanoma that is severe, fold when you have 5 sunburns, so it is very important to protect your skin from the sun, avoiding exposure in the hottest hours of the day, using sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to go to the emergency room if you or your child have large blisters in case of fever, chills, headache and difficulty in thinking, because these signs may indicate insolation and medical treatment is necessary.
When the skin begins to peel in the next 6 to 8 days, what you can do is a homemade scrub to remove dead cells. Simply mix half a cup of sweet almond oil with 2 tablespoons of crystal sugar and rub across the body, with circular motions, and take a bath to follow. One should also avoid sun exposure and protect new skin with a good sunscreen.
