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10 ways to treat a sunburn at home

Sunburn are common – and sometimes severe results – excessive sun exposure. Although many natural remedies can help soothe the skin at home, it is essential to consult medical care if the damage is serious or blisters.

Jump at the main dishes to remember.

1. Cool the burn

Since the skin burned by the sun retains heat, cooling the affected area helps to alleviate discomfort. Apply a cold compress or a cold package to small areas, or take a fresh shower or dip in a fresh water bath for large areas. Type the skin dry to minimize irritation.

An oat bath is a great way to relieve the symptoms of sunburn. Studies on colloidal oats suggest that this can help reduce inflammation and itching.

2. Hydrating, Aloe Vera and Calamine lotion

Apply a moisturizer with aloe vera or soybeans daily on the skin burned by the sun to keep the skin hydrated and prevent the skin from peeling off. Use perfume -free and colorless products to avoid new skin irritation.

Aloe vera can soothe a slight sunburn. A research review in 2024 reported that the topical Aloe Vera application promoted wound healing at a faster rate compared to antimicrobial agents. Although aloe vera is an effective solution, it is best to consult a doctor for serious sunburns.

Dermatologists also recommend the Calamine lotion to relieve discomfort.

3. breathable clothes

Wearing soft and breathable clothes can help protect your damaged skin when recovering sunburn. Cover the affected area while the outside can help reduce additional exposure to potential skin damage.

4. Hydration

During the skin healing process burned by the sun, it is essential to reconstruct the lost humidity due to sun exposure. Sunburn can also cause water emissions from other parts of the body on the surface of the skin, potentially leading to dehydration. Drinking enough water helps maintain hydration and supports the recovery process.

5. An pain reliever

Aspirin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by sunburns. Follow the dosage instructions for pain relievers.

6. Apply manuka or raw honey

Some studies indicate that Manuka honey or raw honey may be useful for superficial burns and parts with light to moderate. Although these results do not specifically treat sunburn, these types of honey contain proteins and enzymes that contribute to wound healing. Honey can also help reduce inflammation and skin swelling.

To use honey on the skin burned by the sun, apply it directly to small areas. For the largest affected areas, apply honey to a bandage before placing it on the skin.

7. On -the -counter hydrocortisone cream (OTC)

A topical Corticosteroid in OTC which can reduce itching and inflammation linked to sunburn. Studies suggest that topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, can help reduce the acute symptoms of sunburn and promote skin recovery by reducing inflammation.

They are more effective when used early and for a limited time depending on the product instructions. It is not recommended to use topical steroids for long periods to avoid possible side effects such as acne, skin thinning and discoloration.

8. Free -free topical anesthetic

Topical anesthetics, including creams and gels with lidocaine, are used to relieve pain associated with skin burned by the sun. These products work by numbing the affected area and can help you rest a good night.

9. Topical chamomile tea

Some studies suggest that chamomile can help manage skin inflammation. Although research on the effects of chamomile tea for sunburn is limited and based on older studies, the topical application could relieve light sunburns in a small area.

To use it, brewed chamomile tea as usual and let it cool. Once cooled, dip a toilet glove in tea and gently apply it to the affected skin area.

People allergic to daisies, lice grass or concerns should avoid chamomile.

10. Plan healing time

Blins need time to cure naturally. Popping bulbs can increase the risk of infection. Keep the area of affected skin clean and apply oil jelly to blisters that opened can support the healing process.

Grave sunglasses can cause blisters, skin discoloration and loss, recovery taking up to two weeks.

When should you ask for medical care?

Although light sunburns are often management at home, serious sunburns need medical care. See a health care provider if your sunburn:

  • Is serious, with blisters or covers large areas
  • Delivered with fever, headache, intense pain, dehydration, confusion, nausea or chills
  • Shows signs of infection (swelling, pus or red streaks)
  • Does not improve with home care

Sunburn is a burn by radiation from an exposure to excess ultraviolet (UV), either sun or tanning beds. They generally appear as hot and tender skin. The burn is red for lighter skin tones, but a color change may not be easy for darker skin tones.

Risks and sun prevention

Each sunburn damages and ages the skin and increases the risk of rash, hyperpigmentation and melanoma and other skin cancers. To avoid sunburn:

Main to remember

  • Sunburn is caused by excessive exposure to sunlight or other UV sources, such as tanning beds.
  • Most sun strokes can be managed at home using fresh water, aloe vera, over -the -counter topical agents, adequate hydration and other support therapies.
  • Look for medical care if the sunburn does not improve with home care, are serious, are accompanied by fever or other significant symptoms or show signs of infection.
Very well health uses only high -quality sources, including studies evaluated by peers, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to find out more about how we check the facts and keep our content precise, reliable and trustworthy.
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  2. Reynertson Ka, Garay M, Nebus J, et al. The anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oats (Avena Sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in the treatment of itching associated with dry and irritated skin. J Medicines Dermatol. 2015; 14 (1): 43-48.

  3. Huang Yn, Chen Kc, Wang JH, Lin Yk. Effects of aloe vera on burning injuries: a systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J burn care. 2024; 45 (6): 1536-1545. Two: 10.1093 / JBCR / IRAE061

  4. Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F. Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research. Pharmacognosy Res. 2017; 9 (2): 121-127. DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.204647

  5. Panjaitan A, Haroen M. Topical Corticosteroids in the treatment of high -wrapped sunburns: a systematic review. Jidaleth. 2024; 7 (3): 1068-1072. DOI: 10.47108 / Jidhealth.vol7.iss3.346

  6. Gudin J, Nalamachu S. Utility of lidocaine as topical pain relievers and improvements in fixed delivery systems. Post-note with. 2020; 132 (1): 28-36. DOI: 10.1080 / 00325481.2019.1702296

  7. Sah A, Naseef PP, Kuruniyan MS, Jain GK, Zakir F, Aggarwal G. A complete study of the therapeutic applications of chamomile. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022; 15 (10): 1284. Doi: 10.3390 / PH15101284

  8. Myhealthalbeta.ca. Other home treatment measures for first degree burns or sunburn.

  9. Ostovar M, Rezaee Z, Najibi SM, Hashempur MH. Chamomile: a systematic review of undesirable events. Complement ther med. 2025; 91: 103192. Doi: 10.1016 / J.CTIM.2025.103192

  10. Burn centers and reconstructive America. How long does the sunburn last? That knowing about the short and long -term effects of sunburn.

  11. Harvard Health. Summer symptoms in the sun: signs that you have too much sun.

  12. Yale Medicine. Photo-photo (damage caused by the sun).


By Lana Barhum

Barhum is a medical writer with 15 years of experience by emphasizing life and management of chronic diseases.

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