What should I do if my skin is sunburned and red?

Jul 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, the weather has been very hot, and the sun has been intense, causing my skin to turn red from sun exposure. I would like to ask the doctor, what should I do if my skin becomes sunburned and turns red?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Redness and swelling of the skin after sunburn is caused by an inflammatory reaction due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The key to treating sunburned skin involves soothing inflammation, moisturizing, and repairing the skin. The following measures may help: 1. Cold compress: Apply a cold towel or ice pack to the sunburned skin, which can help relieve pain and inflammation. Each cold compress should last about 15–20 minutes and can be repeated several times daily. 2. Antihistamines: Use of antihistamines such as cetirizine or ebastine may help reduce redness and inflammation. Always follow the usage instructions and dosage recommendations provided with the medication. 3. Moisturizers: Apply moisturizing products containing ingredients such as aloe vera or allantoin to help repair the skin and alleviate discomfort caused by sunburn. Avoid products containing alcohol, as they may worsen skin dryness. 4. Drink plenty of water: Sunburn can lead to dehydration; therefore, drinking ample water helps replenish bodily fluids and supports skin recovery. 5. Sleep: Ensuring adequate sleep promotes the body's natural healing processes.