The Do’s and Don’ts of Sunburn:

The Do’s and Don’ts of Sunburn:

Sunburn is damage to the outermost layers of your skin. It’s an inflammatory reaction to getting too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

It can cause reddening, inflammation, and in extreme cases, swelling, blistering and then peeling of the skin. Peeling occurs when the body sheds its damaged skin cells and replaces it with new skin cells.

If you have sunburn, your skin may:
-feel hot to touch
-feel sore or painful
-flake or peel - this usually starts a few days after you get sunburn and can last a couple of weeks

Your skin may also blister if your sunburn is severe. If you have a paler skin type (skin type I/II), your skin will usually be red or pink. If you have a darker skin type (Type V/VI skin), the redness will not be as obvious.

Rehydrate! Replace body fluids with water, juice, or sports drinks.

Treat Symptoms:
-Apply generous amounts of over-the-counter moisturisers. They may also be kept in the fridge to help cool/soothe the skin
-Take a cool bath or shower to cool your skin.
-Apply cool compresses to soothe skin.

Do:
-Get out of the sun as soon as possible
-Rehydrate! Replace body fluids with water, juice, or sports drinks
-Cool your skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel
-Apply moisturisers every 4-6 hours
-Take painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain
-Cover sunburned skin from direct sunlight until skin has fully healed

Don’t:

-Do not use petroleum jelly immediately after a sunburn
-Do not put ice or ice packs directly onto sunburned skin
-Do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin
-Do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin

Do get urgent care if you've been out in the sun and:

-Your skin is extensively blistered or swollen
-Your temperature is very high, or you feel hot and shivery
-You feel very tired, dizzy and nauseous
-You have a headache and muscle cramps
-Your baby or young child has sunburn