If the skin gets too much sun exposure, without adequate protection from sunscreen or clothes, it can burn. This condition—sunburn—can result in stinging and extremely red skin. The first thing to do in such a situation is to move out of the sun, preferably indoors.

If you can, reach out to top dermatologist in Karachi for help. However, there are also certain remedies that you can do on your own to help.

Read on to know how you can reduce the discomfort of a sunburn:

  1. Take a shower

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends taking a cool bath or frequent showers to relieve the pain and discomfort of sunburn, depending on the area of skin burnt. For a large area of burn, a soothing bath can take the stinginess out, and reduce the pain. Once out of the shower, its best to pat the skin dry and leave some water on the skin and apply moisturizer to trap this water.

Alternatively, you can apply a clean, damp towel on the skin.

  1. Use aloe-based moisturizer

Aloe-Vera is especially known to help with sunburnt skin. Soy is also an ingredient that you can look for in a moisturizer. Be sure to reapply the moisturizer often, to help with the dryness.

  1. Drink lots of water

Sunburnt skin can become dehydrated quickly. Be sure to drink lots of water to maintain the hydration.

  1. Protect from further skin exposure

Sunburnt skin is already fragile, be sure to protect it from further damage. While the skin is healing, its best to stay out of the sun. If you can’t avoid going out, then use sun protection, and a large brim hat or cloth to shield from direct exposure.

  1. Let the peeling skin peel

Skin that has been damaged will slowly peel away. During this time, allow the skin to peel gently, and be sure to apply moisturizer. Peeling is a healthy sign, as the body gets rid of the top damaged layer.

  1. Take an over-the-counter anti-histamine

Healing skin can often itch, for which an over-the-counter antihistamine can help.

  1. Take a painkiller

     

An over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or aspirin can help treat the pain, as well as reduce swelling and redness associated with a burn.

  1. Allow blisters to heel

Skin blisters occur if there is second degree or deeper burn in the skin. In such cases, the skin blisters to aid in healing, and preventing infections. Do not burst these blisters, and allow them to heal gently.

In case a blister bursts, clean the area with mild soap and water, and then apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. A non-stick bandage can be applied to allow the skin to heal.

  1. Use a topic steroid

To battle the inflammation and redness associated with a mild to moderate burn, hydrocortisone cream can be applied on the region. Hydrocortisone is a safe, over-the-counter steroid that can be used safely in such scenarios. Be sure to stay away from ‘-caine’ products, such as benzocaine. The latter can cause a potentially serious allergic reaction. In case of a serious burn, it’s best to seek medical help from a top dermatologist in Islamabad.