When the Sun Gets the Best of You | Chattanooga, TN Walk-In Clinic

The team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga wants you and your family walking on sunshine all summer long. But for the days where you forget the sunscreen or don’t reapply as often as you should, here are some ways to help find fast relief from a sunburn.

Sunburn Relief 101

Please note that it’s important to avoid sunburns at all costs. According to one study, Caucasian women who suffer five or more sunburns that result in blisters can increase their risk of melanoma by up to 80 percent. As a result, it’s vital to apply sunscreen on all exposed skin throughout the day—even on cloudy days—and that the sunscreen have at least a 30 SPF.

However, sunburns do happen sometimes. Therefore, it’s important to know how to find relief as soon as possible.

Start by placing a cool compress on your skin. This should help provide immediate relief.

Next, if possible, take a cool bath and add about one cup of apple cider vinegar to help promote healing of your burned skin. This can help take the sting out of your sunburn. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar but are able to take an oatmeal bath, choose this option over a shower since an oatmeal bath can help stop any itching caused by your sunburn.

Third, stay away from any lotion or perfume with a strong scent, as it can irritate your burn. Instead, use aloe vera lotions that can help soothe and moisturize the skin that has been burned, as well as can help relieve some of the pain.

While it’s important to hydrate during the summer months anyway, drinking lots of water can also help to rehydrate your skin, which loses fluids as it tries to heal your sunburnt skin.

If you’re still feeling the pain, try an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen, to help reduce inflammation and ease the ache.

Is your recent sunburn resulting in blisters? Visit AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga to ensure your skin doesn’t need additional first aid to help it heal.