HOW TO TREAT A SUNBURN

Dawn Boyle

If you live in the Northeast it's like someone turned the switch and all of the sudden it's summer! As we kick off the unofficial start of summer this weekend, my milky white skin will be exposed for 3-4 solid days of sun. No matter what number sunblock I use (I use 50), I am destined to get burned this weekend. If you know me or are a reader here at DRL, you may have read my story about my daughter and our melanoma scare a few weeks ago. While searching for information for my daughter, I came across information about treating a sunburn that I want to pass on to all of you.

Of course the best way to avoid a sunburn is to not be outside during the day from like 10 til 4, but since that is highly unlikely here is what may help you if you get a little pink this weekend or at anytime during the next few months!

• Keep it cool. Apply cold compresses — such as a towel dampened with cool water — to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath.
• Keep it moist. Apply aloe or moisturizing cream to the affected skin. Avoid products containing alcohol, which can further dry out skin. Beware of sunburn treatment products containing anesthetics, such as Benzocaine. There's little evidence that these products are effective. In some cases, they may even irritate the skin. Benzocaine has been linked to a rare but serious, sometimes deadly, condition that decreases the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. Don't use benzocaine in children younger than age 2 without supervision from a health care professional, as this age group has been the most affected. If you're an adult, never use more than the recommended dose of benzocaine and consider talking with your doctor.
• Leave blisters intact. If blisters form, don't break them. You'll only slow the healing process and increase the risk of infection. If needed, lightly cover blisters with gauze.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. If needed, take anti-inflammatory medication — such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) — according to the label instructions until redness and soreness subside. Don't give children or teenagers aspirin. It may cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease.
• Treat peeling skin gently. Within a few days, the affected area may begin to peel. This is simply your body's way of getting rid of the top layer of damaged skin. While your skin is peeling, continue to use moisturizing cream.

Consult a doctor for sunburn treatment if:

• Severe sunburn covers a large portion of your body with blisters
• Sunburn is accompanied by a high fever or severe pain
• Severe sunburn doesn't begin to improve within a few days

My story about my daughter and Melanoma
http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-is-melanomaskin-cancer-detection.html