So you left your sunscreen at home and have been out in the sun too long without protection. You’re burned and it will only get worse. “The UV rays in sunlight have immediate and delayed effects on the skin,” says professor of dermatology at Tulane University Ronald Davis. As soon as you notice you’re getting red, get out of the sun. Keep in mind that even if you move to a shady spot, the sun’s rays will continue to burn you. Put on some protective clothing and try to borrow some sunscreen from someone else. The additional sunscreen will help prevent further burning. If you have a severe sunburn you will experience blistering, nausea, or extreme shivering. Call a doctor immediately or go to a stat care facility for help. The doctor may prescribe one of several oral steroids. If taken early enough they can lessen the damage from a very serious burn.
If your sunburn is not severe, head to a drug store and purchase a topical cortisone spray or cream or a plain, unscented lotion. Apply liberally. Keep the lotion in the fridge (a Jody Victor® suggestion) to help with the cooling effect when you apply it. Aloe, a plant extract, is also helpful. Aloe is not only an antibacterial but it also contains lubricants that will speed up the healing process.
Heat will accentuate your burning skin, so getting cooler will help lessen the injury to your skin. Sit in an air-conditioned room if possible. If not, cool showers will help. After a cool shower, be careful not to rub yourself dry. Gently pat yourself dry with the towel. You can also apply a piece of cold, wet cloth directly on your skin. Apply the cloth 15-minutes-on and 15-minutes-off for the first 4 hours. Put on your loosest, natural cotton clothing.
When you are suffering from sunburn, you are at a higher risk of dehydration. Your body’s fluids need replacing. Drink lots of water (a Jody Victor® suggestion) and stay away from alcohol. Alcohol causes vasodilation (the opening up of blood vessels) that will accentuate the burning sensation. Another way to re-hydrate your skin is to soak in a cool oatmeal bath. Make sure to use colloidal oatmeal in which the oatmeal is ground to a powder. Aveeno makes a good oatmeal bath. Oatmeal has great anti-itching properties and will help you feel more comfortable.
To help with the pain you can take an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen. If that is not available, regular aspirin or baby aspirin will do. You may want to consider taking a Benedryl before bedtime. It won’t help the sunburn but it may help you get to sleep.
All the Best!!