Home care begins before a sunburn. If you are prepared before going out in the sun, you surely won't need these advices and techniques.

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

- Get out of the sun

- Protect nude skin

- Avoid the tanning bed

- Relief of the discomfort becomes important.

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

Minor sunburns can be treated by applying cool compresses with a mix of milk and water. You can also apply cold compresses with Burow's solution. You can buy these at a drugstore. Dissolve 1 packet in 1 pint of water. Soak gauze or a soft clean cloth in it. Carefully 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 many commercially available types 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 material found inside the leaves to soothe your skin.

Cool (not ice cold) baths may also help. Avoid bath salts, oils, and perfumes because these may produce sensitivity reactions. Do not scrub or shave sun burned skin. Use soft towels and pat yourself dry. Do not rub. Once you have done this, apply a soft, fragrance-free skin moisturizer.

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

Needless to say, stay out of the sun while you are sunburned.

Medical Treatment for Sunburns

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

If your case is mild and not life threatening, the doctor may 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 may be recommended.

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

Stronger pain-alleviating 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, IV 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 using a biological skin care product designed to regenerate your skin and restore its old functionality.