Home care begins before a sunburn. 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 stopping the UV rays.

- Don't stay under the sun

- Cover exposed skin

- Get out of the tanning bed

- Relief of the discomfort 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 a mix of milk and water. You may also use cold compresses with Burow's solution. You can find this 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 apply the cool jellylike material found inside the leaves to soothe your skin.

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

Don't use lotions containing topical anesthetic medications because you may 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 appropriate cautions about use on the face.

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

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

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

Stronger pain-alleviating medication can be prescribed in certain cases.

If you suffer blistering, steroids can 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 grievous cases may be derived to the hospital's burn unit.