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

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

- Get out of the sun

- Cover nude skin

- Get out of the tanning bed

- Relief of the lesions becomes important.

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

Mild sunburns can be treated by applying cool compresses with equal parts of milk and water. You may also use 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. Gently wring out the cloth and apply to the affected 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 products. 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 use 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 to gently dry yourself. Do not rub. Once you have done this, use a soft, fragrance-free skin moisturizer.

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

Needless to say, avoid the sun while you are sunburned.

Medical Treatment for Sunburns

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

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

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

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

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

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

Damage inflicted by sunburns or other factors can now be minimized applying a natural skin care solution created to rejuvenate your skin and recover its old functionality.