If there are blisters, dry bandages may help prevent infection. If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort. DO NOT use butter, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or other oil-based products. These can block pores so that heat and sweat cannot escape, which can lead to infection.
Don't slather on petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or other oil-based ointments. Although we love petroleum jelly for wound healing and post-surgery care, it tends to clog up the pores, preventing heat and sweat from escaping. Therefore, it's best to avoid using it on sunburned skin, Dr. Naka explains.
That said, if Vaseline is used on the skin and then exposed to sunlight, it could potentially attract more UV rays due to its thick, greasy texture. This could lead to increased sun exposure in those areas, which might contribute to tanning or darkening over time.
Products like hydrocortisone, aloe vera gel, or Solarcaine will help cool off the skin and reduce redness. If you are shopping for sunburn treatment products: Aloe vera from a plant works slightly better than gel, but either one will help. Look for products that contain hydrocortisone or mentholated ingredients.
Apply a soothing medicated cream.
For mild to moderate sunburn, apply nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area three times a day for three days. Try cooling the product in the refrigerator before applying.
Moisturize the burn area using non-dyed, non-perfumed lotions, such as Aquaphor or Aveeno. Take an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, at the first sign of sunburn to reduce pain and inflammation, as long as you don't have any health reasons to not use these medications.
Apply Aloe
Aloe is a tried-and-true remedy that will soothe your sunburn almost instantaneously. This succulent is known for its moisturizing, cooling and anti-inflammatory effects, providing the much-needed relief you are after.
Hell's Itch is an inciting dermatologic reaction that can occur after sun exposure and is often characterized by symptoms such as intense pain, itching, paresthesia, and suicidal ideation.
Management and Treatment
Covering your sunburned skin while it heals, especially when outside. Cool, damp cloths may help you feel better. Using topical cooling and hydrating gels and creams like hydrocortisone cream or aloe vera gel.
While Vaseline helps seal moisture into the skin, some experts have suggested that it may also trap in oil and dirt. As such, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) warn that people who are prone to acne may experience breakouts after applying Vaseline to the face.
The fingertip test. Fingertip test for checking that skin blanches which is a normal skin reaction. Skin that does not blanch when gently pressed is damaged. Remove finger and there should be a blanched (pale) area where the finger was.
To relieve pain, try a cool shower or bath, but not for too long, as it can dry out the skin. Avoid harsh soaps and don't exfoliate your skin, either, as both could further irritate the skin. After bathing, gently pat yourself dry but leave your skin slightly damp to help trap the moisture as you apply a moisturizer.
In addition to being occlusive, it is non-sterile, promotes bacterial proliferation on the surface of the wound, and may lead to infection.1,2 We propose that the manufacturers change their labelling system, to clearly state that Vaseline is not to be used as an immediate first aid measure for burns, but can be used as ...
Second-degree burns (also known as partial thickness burns) involve the epidermis and part of the dermis layer of skin. The burn site appears red, blistered, and may be swollen and painful.
“A sunburn is the result of acute damage to the skin due to immediate overexposure to UV rays and does not transition into a tan. A tan is a more gradual process that develops as the skin responds to UV and tries to shield it from further harm. ”
The key to using vinegar for your sunburn cure is to make sure it is decently diluted with water. Some critics of the use of vinegar on sunburns say it's too acidic and could make the sunburn worse. Vinegar that's properly diluted can help a sunburned patient with itching, pain and inflammation, according to MD Now.
Solar purpura is a skin disorder characterized by areas of purple or red discoloration, found most commonly on the arms, forearms, and legs of elderly people. It is often caused by minor traumas to sun-damaged skin, and it is diagnosed by a thorough medical evaluation.
Apply Aloe vera liberally
This handy plant naturally contains the anti-inflammatory properties and cooling sensation needed for instant sunburn relief. It also helps to rehydrate skin, quickening your recovery time and minimising that maddening itching!
Cool the burn. Hold the area under cool — not cold — running water for about 10 minutes. If this isn't possible or if the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases. For a mouth burn from hot food or drink, put a piece of ice in the mouth for a few minutes.
If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort. DO NOT use butter, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or other oil-based products. These can block pores so that heat and sweat cannot escape, which can lead to infection. DO NOT pick at or peel away the top part of the blisters.
Hydrocortisone creams help calm itching and irritation, and over-the-counter options are a great place to start when looking for sunburn treatments, says Farber.