Overdone by the Sun? Try These Soothing Solutions

The American Medical Society states as fact that "tanning" can lead to burned skin which can equal skin cancer over the length of a person's life. So while the majority of us enjoy spending time in the sun, choosing to manage its rays with a slather of waterproof sunscreen needs to be approached logically because cosmetic "glow" is cover-up for UVB (i.e. 'burn ray' ultraviolet light) which realistically alters skin DNA, causing abnormal 'growth' in skin cells. Sunburn, for the most part, is an out-of-the-blue symptom in need of prompt care to prevent lasting damage to skin.

Sunburn is categorized as first-degree which is pink in color and typically not "blistering"; and second-degree which routinely does show blisters and ranges from deep rose to bright red in color. So what can you do when burned skin shows itself?

Stream cool water over sunburned areas for 10 minutes at a time or submerge self in a tub of tepid to cool water. Cold, wet compresses can also be used as needed on trouble spots. Never use ice as this encourages the skin to blister.

Soothe topical pain and itching with over the counter aloe vera gel (or liquid straight from the plant's leaves). Nonprescription pain relief (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can also help.

Avoid ointments/lotions/etc. such as cocoa butter or Vaseline. These actually trap the heat of a burn within the skin and can increase both pain and inflammation. Hydrocortisone cream can help with swelling and/or inflammation processes. Always make sure that your medical history does not include local or systemic reaction to over the counter products.

Fever, chills, nausea or GI upset? All signal sun gone-too-far. Call your physician immediately.