into the skin.)

Sunburn Treatment: Take a Pain Reliever.

Over-the-counter pain relief medications, particularly anti-inflammatory compounds, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can relieve some of the pain of sunburn. Be sure to read product labels carefully for dosages and frequencies, and avoid giving aspirin to children, even for sunburn treatment.

Sunburn Treatment: Drink Plenty of Water.

Dehydration is a known danger in hot weather and especially for those who become sunburned. Sunburn tends to dry out the skin. Drinking lots of water helps is essential, particularly if you have a sunburn. Water tends to cool the entire body, and rehydration helps sunburned skin repair itself.

Sunburn Treatment: Stay Out of the Sun.

Certainly, a sunburn hurts more in heat. Perhaps the most obvious treatment for sunburn is simply to stay out of the sun. You can aim for the shade, or stay indoors until the sunburn has healed.

If you must be outdoors after a sunburn, you can cover your skin with soft, light, loose-fitting clothing. Even so, however, the heat of the sun may cause discomfort with sunburn.

Sunburn Treatment: Seek Medical Attention, If Needed.

Of course, if your sunburned skin begins to blister, see a doctor immediately. Do not try to cover or wrap the burn blisters. Try to keep sunburned skin areas clean and dry until medical professionals have examined and treated them.

Older children and adults may require medical attention, if severe sunburn extends over most of their bodies. Overheating, dehydration and skin cancer may be concerns in such cases.

Babies and very young children must be protected against any sunburn. If a little one should experience significant sunburn, it is important to obtain medical assistance immediately.

Sunburn Treatment: Prevent Future Sunburns.

The ideal treatment for sunburn (and skin cancer) is pre-treatment. Dermatologists and other physicians unanimously instruct patients to protect skin against the sun's harmful rays. Sun-block or sunscreen creams, loose-cotton protective clothing and shade can all help to prevent sunburn.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
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