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In order to get immediate relief from the stinging pain and preventing permanent skin damage, sunburns should be treated as soon as possible. Many compare sunburn to burns from scalding hot oil. Sunburn is believed to be very painful. |
One must cover the affected area with sterile gauze and tape it to prevent any exposure. It is better to avoid applying greasy sunburn creams, since they keep the heat trapped in the skin. These creams usually have a lot of water, emollients and mineral oil, which does not get absorbed into the skin.
The best medication that one can use for sunburns is aloe vera lotion. This is an absolute must for any outdoor first-aid kit, especially in the summers. Pure aloe vera jelly is far more effective in healing sunburn than any other water-based cream available in the market. On application the aloe vera jelly, it soothes and gives immediate relief to the affected area of the skin. It is easily absorbed into the skin, and immediately starts healing the damaged tissues. One should apply an amount of a quarter of the aloe vera gel on the burn, and extend it to two inches around it. This will ensure that even the skin around the burn is also soothed.
One must continue to apply the aloe vera gel on the affected are at regular intervals. This gel is colorless and odorless, and does not contain artificial dyes and pigments. Therefore, it is ideally suited for sunburns and does pose an infection risk. Also, one should check if the gel is temperature stabilized, since heat can deplete it of its healing properties. It is a good idea to check the manufacturing date of the product. The newer, the better.
Solarcaine spray, containing aloe, is very effective in treating sun burnt skin. It is important to remember that the best sunburn cream should contain calamine or aloe as its base. Undiluted lavender essential oil is also extremely effective as a first aid cream for sunburns.
In case of the skin breaking into blisters, anti-bacterial cream should be applied to avoid secondary infections.
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