First Aid on How to Treat a Sunburn

Pain and reddened color of the skin after prolonged exposure under the sun is a positive sign of sunburn. Having exposed under the sun even less than 15 minutes unprotected by any source of protection will also give you other symptoms of sunburn such as itching, peeling skin, rash, nausea, fever, blisters on shoulders, and syncope (fainting) are also the symptoms of sunburn.

Usually, the later symptoms can also be a sign of dehydration. Since sunburn in unnoticeable while you are under the sun, you will can only see and feel that you have sunburn once you are out of the sun and indoors. Since the damage has already be don, might as well give solution to the current situation. Here are some first aid treatments you can do on how to treat a sunburn.

Sunburn affects the upper layer of the skin, considering it as already an example of a first degree burn. Just like any other burns, the first thing that any individual should do is to stop the burning process. This can be done by simply applying cool compress on the affected part of the skin for 10 minutes.

Use aloe vera plant extracts and rub it gently on the burned areas. The gelatinous part of the plant has a cooling effect to cool down the burned areas. Use a milk and unscented lotion at night to keep your skin moisturized.

If the pain is intolerable, you can consult your physician regarding what kind of analgesic will you take. Do not self- medicate and try pain relievers recommended by any individuals because you might not know what side effects it can give your body. The physician will consider the past and present medical condition you might be having and your allergies.

Soak a cool and clean wash cloth in skim milk and put it over the affected area to make a protein coating to the skin. Protein helps in repairing and restoring the skin and minimizes the discomfort, as well. Hydrate yourself with lots of fluids.

Drink water, fruit juices or sports drink as to replace the fluid loss during the burning process of the skin. Fruits juices also contain lots of vitamins and minerals as to help in the healing process of the burned skin.

Another way on how to treat a sunburn is by application of a paste, which is a mixture of baking soda and water on the burned skin. This can hasten up the healing process of the affected area.

It is not only important to know how to treat a sunburn, you should also know how to protect yourself from having sunburn. It is possible to prevent sunburn before it happens, in the first place. Before exposing yourself under the heat of the sunlight, make sure you are protected with a good sunscreen.

The higher SPF, the better it can protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. also, you can protect yourself from sunburn by wearing hat, sunglasses or covering the exposed areas of your skin.