Spending holidays on sun-kissed beaches are a part of every Melbournian’s life. Lazing under the sun while enjoying the coastline has its own charm. However, the harsh UV radiation from the sun can leave a mark on your sensitive skin.
Sunburn can happen quickly and takes only 15 minutes of your presence under the scorching heat to show its effect. It can affect any age group. Children are more prone to it because of their sensitive skin. It can range from mild inflammation to severe burning of the skin.
If you have been affected by UV radiation, you can visit a reputed skin clinic in Melbourne to soothe your skin. On the other hand, if you want to try a home remedy to relieve the pain and burning sensation, follow the ways mentioned below to eliminate the inflammation.
However, you must visit a dermatologist immediately to get the treatment if your skin has blistered due to sunburn. So, here are a few tips that will help you to reduce discomfort.
When you have spent the entire day outside in the sunlight, you are likely to get a sunburn. Soothing the inflamed skin should be your priority in such a situation. Begin the process by taking a bath with cold water.
However, the water should not be too cold as it can dry up the skin and cause further pain. You can apply a wet cloth to the sunburnt area to reduce the pain. Also, avoid using soap while bathing. In addition, do not jump into the pool to cool off as the chlorinated water can worsen the skin problem.
Another thing to avoid is the direct application of ice on the area as it can worsen the condition for people with sensitive skin, like children. You must first wrap the ice in a cloth and then place it over the skin.
Aloe vera is one of the best soothers when it comes to treating sunburn. If you have an aloe vera plant at home, you can pluck off a leaf and break it open from the centre. Apply the gel present inside the leaf directly on the skin.
If you are unable to find a plant, use a 100% pure aloe vera gel available at pharmacies to heal the burning sensation. Do not opt for cosmetic lotions and creams that contain a small percentage of aloe vera. These creams have other chemicals that can cause irritation of the burnt skin.
When you have a sunburn, it is better to wear loose and cotton clothing instead of tight and synthetic ones. The tight clothes can rub against your inflamed skin and further cause irritation. Also, apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or above when you are going out, as exposing sunburnt skin can cause a lot of discomfort.
Carry an umbrella or stay under the shade when going out. If you have some urgent work outdoors, make sure that you complete it before 10 am and after 4 pm because this is the peak heat period.
Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and keep beverages that can lead to dehydration at an arm’s length, such as coffee, alcohol, and soda. Dehydration can affect the healing of the skin. Thus drink 8 to 10 glasses of water in a day.
If the suburb has led to blistering of the skin, do not pick on them or try to burst them. Wash the area gently with water and apply an antibiotic cream before covering the skin with non-stick gauze. The skin usually starts peeling after sunburn is healing, and this is the time when it should be moisturised thoroughly.
Moisturising is one of the essential skincare products and should not be forgotten during the healing process. Utilise moisturisers that do not have dyes or scents to avoid allergies. Make sure to visit a dermatologist if the blisters get infected.
Dermatologists suggest using products containing hyaluronic acid as it helps in healing the skin. The hydrating substance is created naturally and aids in restoring the affected skin. Hydrocortisone creams are also effective in reducing itching and inflammation.
You must avoid petroleum jelly or lotions that can worsen the condition. Instead, opt for over-the-counter products that are specifically made for sunburn but make sure to read the label carefully as some chemicals can lead to allergic reactions.
There are many household items that can relieve the pain and inflammation of sunburn. You can mix baking soda or corn-starch into the water while taking a bath to soothe the skin. Another remedy is mixing ground oatmeal with bath water or adding cider vinegar to your bathtub to heal the skin.
Rolled oatmeal can also be utilised in the form of a paste when mixed with honey and milk to get relief from sunburn. Similarly, you can apply a paste made with baking soda/ corn-starch and water on the skin. If you have coconut oil at home, you can slather some on yourself after taking a cool bath.
Sunburn is a common skin problem in the sunny state of Victoria. Prolonged sun exposure can cause sunburn that can lead to pain, discomfort, and inflammation. You must visit a skin clinic in Melbourne to relieve the soreness or utilise the tips mentioned above to soothe your skin.