Individuals who “cook” themselves, as the character Kramer so famously declared in an episode of “Seinfeld,” can get relief.
Sunburns can happen any time of the year, but during hotter summer months, when the sun’s rays hit the Earth at a steeper angle, chances increase for the painful condition. Individuals who “cook” themselves, as the character Kramer so famously declared in an episode of “Seinfeld,” can get relief.
However, suffering Kramers often choose the wrong methods to alleviate sunburns.
Men’s Health shared “5 Surprising Things That Will Make Your Sunburn Even Worse”:
1. Failure to hydrate. Drink at least eight glasses of water. (Avoid alcohol when sunburned; healthline.com in May pointed out that alcohol is a diuretic, causing the body to remove fluids from the blood through the body’s renal system.)
2. Taking a hot shower. What little oil is left in the skin is stripped out by heated water.
3. Taking orally or applying topically medications that cause additional skin sensitivity. Read labels.
4. Wearing cologne, body sprays or perfume.
5. Exposing skin to citrus juices.
Verywellhealth.com in May listed true treatment tips:
‒ Apply aloe or another cooling agent. “Do not apply butter or oil to any burn!”
‒ Take a cool shower or bath.
‒ Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen.
‒ Wear loose, light clothing made from natural fibers, such as silks or cotton.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends checking skin for blisters: “Blistering skin means you have a second-degree sunburn. You should not pop the blisters, as blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection.”
Finally, AAD also advises gentle drying of skin after a cool bath or shower, and then applying generously a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy to trap in moisture so sunburned skin can begin to heal.