Home care begins before sunburns happen. If you are prepared before going out in the sun, you surely won't need these advices and techniques.

Immediate self-care is aimed at blocking the UV radiation.

- Get out of the sun

- Cover exposed skin

- Don't use tanning beds

- Relief of the lesions becomes important.

- Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are helpful, especially when started early.

Minor sunburns can be treated by applying cool compresses with a mix of milk and water. You can also apply cold compresses with Burow's solution. You can find these at a drugstore. Dissolve 1 packet in 1 pint of water. Immerse gauze or a soft clean cloth in it. Carefully wring out the cloth and apply to the sunburned area for 15-20 minutes. Change or refresh the cloth and solution every 2-3 hours.

There are several commercially available brands of aloe-based lotions. This ingredient has been known to be beneficial for skin renewal and can be found in any local drugstore. You can also tear off a piece of the aloe plant, split open the leaf and apply the cool jellylike substance found inside the leaves to soothe your skin.

Cool (not ice cold) baths may also help. Steer clear of bath salts, oils, and perfumes because these may generate sensitivity reactions. Do not scrub or shave sun burned skin. Use soft towels and pat yourself dry. Do not rub. Once you have done this, apply a soft, fragrance-free skin moisturizer.

Avoid using lotions containing topical anesthetic medications because you can become sensitized and then allergic to that medicine.

Obviously, stay out of the sun while you are sunburned.

Medical Treatment for Sunburns

Silver sulfadiazine (1% cream, Thermazene) can be applied for treatment of sunburn with appropriate cautions about use on the face.

If your lesion is mild and not life threatening, the doctor may simply suggest plenty of fluids, aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Additional local measures like cool compresses, Burow solution soaks, or high-quality moisturizing creams and lotions may be recommended.

If your case is severe enough, oral steroid therapy (cortisonelike medications) may be prescribed for several days. Steroid creams placed on the skin show minimal to no benefit.

Stronger pain-relieving medication may be prescribed in certain cases.

If you have blistering, steroids may be withheld to avoid an increased risk of infection. If you are dehydrated or suffering from heat stress, IV fluids will be given, and you may be admitted to the hospital. People with very severe cases may be derived to the hospital's burn unit.