severe sunburn

[mrs*j*2011]

I need your home remedies ladies! I was in the sun all day on Saturday and foolishly didn't apply any sunscreen. I have ridiculously fair skin so this was probably the dumbest thing I could do! And I'm paying for it now as my shoulders, chest and neck are on fire and my skin is starting to tighten up.

 

I tried putting vinegar on the areas on Saturday evening and yesterday I actually started to feel better. I applied aloe throughout the day yesterday but had a terrible night sleep because I couldn't stand anything touching the affected areas.

 

Does anyone have any remedies to eliminate the tight, burning feeling? I've been taking ibuprofen all along too. It's so bad, I can't even raise my arms up to shave my armpits!!

[sammy2882]

There is a cream your dr. can get for you, but I can't remember what it's called. I know it's a pain contacting a dr., but the stuff works!

[sammy2882]

Apply cold towels to the area too.

[Fireweed]

It sounds funny but plain yoghurt is supposed to help sunburns as well. I know my mom put that on us as kids when we got burnt. Just slather some on your shoulders and back, it should feel nice and cool and leave to dry. Just google yogurt for sunburns and you'll find lots of info!

[Rolliedelta]

Oh no! Poor thing. I know you asked for home remedies, but if you have access to a Clinique counter, try their after sun lotion. I swear, it's a miracle worker and has prevented me from peeling and discomfort despite some pretty painful sunburns in the past.

[Jen1407]

I use aloe vera lotion when I get a bad sunburn and that helps with the burning and the tightening of the skin.

[mrs*j*2011]

Well my shoulders turned blistery so I hightailed it to the doctor yesterday. She prescribed prednisone but didn't give me any special creams, just said use aloe or lotion. The aloe, I've found, makes me sticky and tightens the skin even more so I'm sticking with moisturizing lotion, as much as I can tolerate touching the skin. That and Solarcaine, which is a spray.

 

I learned my lesson, that's for sure, and I'll be taking the rest of the summer to try out sunscreens so this doesn't happen in Jamaica!!

 

Rolliedelta - unfortunately I don't live in a very big town so no Clinique around here but I'll be on the look out for it on my next out-of-town shopping trip. I'll try but I'm sure this won't be the last time I get sunburned!

[teshy1]

Have you tried taking a bath with colloidal oatmeal like Aveeno? It can help reduce irritation and itching.

Also, I read that you can sprinkle cornstarch in your sheets to reduce chafing at night.

A bit messy, since you'll have to wash the sheets the next day, but if it helps, it would be worth it!