So what's the best thing to do for a WICKED bad sunburn?

Question

I've heard two things:
*Take a HOT shower (or bath) - this will allow the heat from the lower layers of the skin to escape, thus eliminating blisters.
*Take a COLD shower (or bath) - this will cool the skin and prevent blistering and peeling.

Ok, I know aloe vera is what to put on it after you shower...but what about the shower part?

Answer 1

Sunburn is better prevented than treated. Effective sunscreens are available in a wide variety of strengths. Most doctors recommend a sunscreen SPF level of 30 or greater.

Sunscreen should be generously applied. If out in the sun for a prolonged period of time during the day, wearing a hat and other protective clothing is recommended. Light clothing reflects the sun most effectively.

If you do get a sunburn:

Try taking a cool shower or bath or placing wet, cold wash rags on the burn.
Avoid products that contain benzocaine, lidocaine, or petroleum (like Vaseline).
If blisters are present, dry bandages may help prevent infection.
If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort.
Over the counter medications, like ibuprofen, may help to relieve pain from sunburn. (Aspirin should be avoided in children who are running a fever.)

Answer 2

A sunburn is like most any burn - you want to cool it down as quickly and effectively as possible. Take a cool bath and/or place cool cloths and/or ice bags on yourself. Bags of frozen vegetables are good. Take aspirin or another OTC analgesic. If the burn is painful enough to keep you from sleeping or working don't be shy about going to an ER or seeing your doctor. A serious sun burn is not a small thing and to have a bad sunburn is to depress your immune system. There are very good medications available these days to ease the pain of any burn, including sun burn. I would also suggest taking 2 grams, (2000 mgs.) of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) every 2 - 3 hours: this will speed healing in normal individuals by 50% and will protect your immune system.

Answer 3

Take cool showers and when you are done you should put Aloe Vera on your skin - this will be cooling. You could also try putting Noxezema on your skin - it will be cool also and your skin will suck it up - but you shouldn't use it if you have any blistering(open skin/bleeding) or if you have super sensitive skin.

Answer 4

Go see a doctor. I'd see a dermatologist. I had sunburn so bad on my face while skiing that my face swelled up. It healed quite nicely in about a week. I just used Noxzema, but I was stupid. Should have seen a doctor. Spend the money and invest in beautiful, attractive skin. With other sunburns I've had I tried, I think it was Solarcaine. It didn't do much good.

Answer 5

Don't do either of those. Use room temperature water, apply aloe constantly and take aspirin. Next time use a higher SPF - the more times you have a severe burn, the more likely you are to develop skin cancer.

Answer 6

Aloe vera

Answer 7

a nice cool shower or bath, aloe, then lie down and try not to move for as long as possible.

Answer 8

take an aspirin which will help with the pain, drink alot of water as a sunburn will definetly be dehydrating, and moisturize as much as possible... be careful always in the sun because you don't wana get skin cancer! hope this helps

Answer 9

Take a bath in water as hot as you can stand it, it will burn pretty bad, but it will take most of the pain and sting out of the burn, trust me i burn like crazy

Answer 10

do not take a hot shower.... that's ridiculous.. ..
take a luke warm bath with vinegar (a cup or so should be plenty) it will relieve the burn
PS/ it will not hurt to add more vinegar if you feel you need to..