Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes approximately 33,000 sunburns in the United States each year, as reported by emergency rooms to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The areas of your skin that tend to be exposed and thus most prone to sunburn include your face, tops of ears, neck, arms, and legs.
A sunburn typically results in these symptoms:
- Skin redness and warmth
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Pain
- Itching
If you sustain a sunburn, be careful – healing takes time and proper medical treatment. Let’s talk about some key things not to do if you have been sunburned, and where you can go in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch, FL to get sunburn relief from an outstanding primary care doctor.
What Not to Do for a Sunburn
Many people end up worsening their symptoms and increasing skin damage by not properly treating their sunburns. Keep the following tips in mind if you have a sunburn:
Don’t Scratch, Rub, or Excessively Touch Your Sunburn
Particularly if you have blistering forming on your sunburn, your skin is very damaged and fragile. So, refrain from putting too much pressure on it in order to avoid increased pain and causing an infection.
Don’t Shower or Bathe for Too Long
A cool bath or shower helps to soothe skin irritation. However, don’t soak for a long time, as this only further dries the skin and makes it more vulnerable to breakage.
Don’t Apply Moisturizer Right Away
Having a sunburn dries out the skin, and you will indeed need to moisturize it – but don’t apply the moisturizing cream immediately. Instead, wait until your body cools down and stops sweating, so you don’t increase the pain and inflammation during the application of the lotion.
Don’t Wear Tight Clothes
Avoid wearing tight elasticized waistbands and heavy sleeves or slacks when you have a sunburn. Instead, choose light, loose clothing which does not rub against your damaged skin. You will be more comfortable and will heal more quickly.
Don’t Forget to Keep Drinking Plenty of Water
Additional hydration alleviates skin dryness and promotes quicker healing for sunburned skin. So, keep the water bottle close at hand everywhere you go.
Don’t Use the Wrong Skin Preparation
Avoid applying heavy, petroleum jelly-based ointments onto your sunburn, because they will only increase your skin’s temperature. Also, avoid topical anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine), as they dry the skin and may cause allergic reactions. Select a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer, and apply it according to your physician’s directions.
Sunburn Relief from Primary Care Doctors in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, FL
Here at Intercoastal Medical Group, we provide effective skincare for sunburns and other acute and chronic skin conditions. We are a multi-specialty practice with locations across the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch area, and dozens of board-certified physicians – including primary care physicians (PCPs), family doctors, and specialists – such as dermatologists. We can help you treat your sunburn and help you and your family stay safe in the sun.
Contact the Intercoastal Medical Group location nearest you, or request an appointment online now via our confidential form. We look forward to serving you!
