9 best tips to treat sunburn: Doctor’s advice

As sun smart as Aussies generally are now, we can all still get caught out having had too much sun and end up with painful sunburn to show for it. So, what is the best way to treat sunburn?

What causes sunburn?

Too much exposure to the sun or from sunlamps will see the UV light damage the skin’s outermost layers. The body’s immune system then goes into overdrive to try to heal the damaged areas by increasing the blood flow to the affected parts of the body. This is what causes the inflamed skin or sunburn. 

Depending on genetics, some people are more prone to sunburn, such as people with fair skin. Regardless, everyone can get burned if they are exposed for long enough.

Sunburn doesn’t only occur on hot, sunny days. If the skin is unprotected then UV rays are just as likely to damage the skin on a cloudy overcast day, or even when the rays bounce off snow or sand. Repeated sunburn can increase the risk of a variety of other skin conditions ranging from changes in pigment and freckles, to wrinkles, all the way through to skin cancer.

What are the symptoms of sunburn?

Sunburn usually takes a few hours to present on the skin after the initial over-exposure to UV rays. Once the sunburn takes hold it can be very painful for the sufferer. The skin is inflamed and feels hot to the touch because the blood is pumping to get the cells that are in ‘trauma’. 

The skin will also be redder than the unaffected areas of the body and can become very itchy. Depending on the severity of the sunburn, the skin can blister quickly or over the next few days. Some people will experience a rash and raised rough skin. When the skin flakes and peels off this is the body’s way of getting rid of the damaged cells. 

How do you treat sunburn?

Once you have sunburn there are a variety of ways you can alleviate the immediate pain.

• Make sure you stay out of the sun
• Cool the skin with a wet face cloth, cold shower or bath
• Apply a cooling gel to the affected area
• Drink more water to help rehydrate the body
• Treat any blistered area of the skin carefully and don’t force the skin to peel
• Use ice packs placed gently on the burned area
• Natural remedies including the gel fresh aloe plants which can be very soothing.

In very extreme cases of sunburn you may also get a headache, fainting, vomiting or a very high temperature. If you have any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention to treat the sunburn and symptoms.

If you would like to speak to a doctor about any symptoms you or a family member may be experiencing, you can access a Telehealth consultation seven days a week. We are also open during the holidays!

How to prevent sunburn?

The best way to avoid sunburn is to wear high factor sunscreen and make sure it is reapplied regularly if you are in the sun for an extended period or in and out of the water.

Wear protective UV clothing, a hat and sunglasses that filter the rays. Be mindful of the time of day you are in the sun as the UV rays are strongest from 10am to 3pm. 

You should also make sure to drink lots of water and stay in the shade as much as possible on those truly hot Aussie summer days.