I got a really bad sunburn on Saturday and it's starting to blister. What can I do?

Question

I have a sunburn that is killing me. I got it on Saturday and it is mostly hurting on my shoulders. It's still really hurting. It's starting to blister. I've put vinegar on wash cloths and put it on my shoulders, and I've also used Aloe Vera. Now when I use the vinegar, it hurts so I don't do that anymore, and it's too sensitive to put more Aloe Vera on it. What can I do?

Answer 1

Plain Yougart With active cultures works like a charm

Answer 2

i've never heard of putting vinegar on your skin to be very healthy at all. in fact i think it may make your skin more sensitive.
i'd say stick with the the aloe vera and put the bottle in your fridge so it feels cool when u apply it and helps u feel better.
and remember, too much of a good thing can be bad. be careful with how much u apply, and next time, be sure to use sunblock.
if the pain and blistering continues for 3 days and doesn't seem to be getting any better, see a doctor to refer u to a good dermatologist. u may have 2nd or third degree burns and may not realize it..

Answer 3

I blister when I burn, too. I use Noxema because it feels cool and it moisturizes the skin so it won't peel so bad. If you have Neosporin with pain relief, put it on, too because it is a topical analgesic with an antibacterial which will keep the new skin under the blisters from becoming infected. Try to keep putting the Aloe Vera on it to help heal it faster. Good luck, you've got about a week of discomfort ahead of you.

Answer 4

Stick to wearing light and cottony clothing.
Instead of soaking your wash cloths in vinegar, just have it sit in a tub of ice water before applying on your skin a few times a day.
You might want to add a few drops of Lavender into the water or washcloth, since that's calming.
I'd continue with the Aloe Vera when your sensitivities stop. Leave it in the fridge first, so it's nice and cold on your skin.

Answer 5

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Whether it's from the sun itself or just a sunlamp, a sunburn can be painful and even debilitating. The lighter or fairer your skin, the more likely it is to burn; though even people with darker skin are vulnerable. Clouds offer little protection. You can get a bad sunburn on a cloudy day. Even sunlight reflected from snow, water, sand, or bright clothing can give you a burn. Sunburns usually take from 3 days to 3 weeks to heal, depending on their severity. Repeated sunburn can eventually cause wrinkles, brown spots on the skin, and skin cancer.
Signs/Symptoms

A typical sunburn includes redness, swelling, pain, blisters and peeling on the burned area. A severe sunburn may lead to fever, headache, upset stomach, vomiting, and dizziness.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

To ease the pain, take cool baths (showers usually are too painful) or put cool wet towels on the skin 3 to 4 times a day. You may add 2 or 3 tablespoons of baking soda to your bath water. An oatmeal bath may also help relieve the pain.
You may use over-the counter medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve the pain, swelling, or fever caused by the burn. For severe sunburn, one-half percent hydrocortisone cream or spray may be necessary. Later, it also will help reduce peeling and itching. Apply 3 times a day for pain or 1 or 2 times a day for itching.
Don't put first aid creams or sprays, ointments, or butter on the burn. You may gently rub in cold cream or baby lotion.
If the skin is badly burned, apply petroleum jelly to the burn so that nothing will stick to the blisters. Do not break the blisters. If they break anyway, wash the area 2 times a day with soap and water, then cover it with sterile gauze to prevent infection.
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water (soda-can sized) a day. Sunburn increases your chances of becoming dehydrated.
Peeling will begin in about a week. Put a moisturizing cream or baby lotion on the burn 1 or 2 times a day.
To keep from getting sunburned:
Try to stay out of the sun between noon and 3 p.m.
Stay in the sun for only short periods of time until you build up a tan. Start with 15 or 20 minutes a day and increase your exposure by 5 minutes a day.
If it is not too hot and you burn easily, wear shirts with long sleeves, pants, a hat, and shoes; or if you are going to be outside for a long time, bring this type of clothing with you. Wear sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) protection. Try not to wear bright-colored clothing on sunny days; it reflects light onto your face.
30 to 60 minutes before going outside, apply sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more. Reapply it every 3 to 4 hours and after swimming or sweating. Many suntan lotions and oils don't protect against sunburn.
Don't use tanning machines. Over time, they may increase your risk of skin cancer. If you do use them, cover your eyes. Closing your eyes or wearing regular sunglasses or cotton eye patches will not keep the sunlamps from injuring your eyes.
Some medicines can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Ask your doctor about the effects of any medications you are taking regularly.
If your children have short hair, put sunscreen on the tips of their ears and the back of their necks. And don't forget the tip of the nose; it can get sunburned easily.
Call Your Doctor If...

You develop a high temperature.
Your pain lasts more than 48 hours.
You start vomiting or have diarrhea.
Seek Care Immediately If...

You have eye pain or light bothers your eyes.
You feel confused or dizzy.

Answer 6

Use real aloe from an aloe plant. Break off a bit and use the clear substance on the burn. It doesn't hurt to put it on, its the best thing to soothe burns.

Answer 7

you can use Alvera lotion to stop the burning and heal the blister take a shower about 2 (twice) a day or 3 times yea 3 times a day for a week or 2 and after you get out put on the alvera lotion and nothing else and you can get that from cvs pharmacy

Answer 8

I have heard taking a bath with vinegar in it wil l greatly improve the sunburn. Give it a try

Answer 9

aloe is great for sunburn and vinegar does hurt for a bit it take the sting out of the burn and heels it.you could also try noxzema it cools the burn

kathy

Answer 10

STAY OUT OF THE SUN
Take a cool shower and more Aloe!