You knew better. You should have slipped on a shirt, slapped on a hat, and slopped on some sunscreen. But you didn't and now you've got a sunburn. And it hurts.

"Any type of sun exposure contributes to premature wrinkling and aging," says Marta VanBeek, M.D., UI dermatologist. "A sunburn results in temporary and, in some cases, permanent damage to the skin and increases your risk of several types of skin cancer.

"For most people, a sunburn is nothing more than temporary discomfort--your skin is red, it may itch and blister, your muscles may be sore, and your skin feels like someone rubbed it down with sandpaper. And then, it peels.

Jason Wilbur, M.D., UI Family Care physician, said second- and third-degree sunburns should be evaluated immediately.

So what do you do to feel better?

• Start with acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain
• Avoid aspirin
• Take a tepid bath to help relieve the pain and help your skin retain moisture
• Place wet washcloths on the burn for 10 minutes
• Use a soothing lotion or moisturizer immediately after bathing to keep your skin from drying out
• Drink plenty of fluids

Avoid:

• Anesthetic creams or sprays containing benzocaine or Benadryl. They may cause skin irritation.
• Harsh soaps

For a complete list of UI Family Care physicians or UI dermatologists to help you find relief from your sunburn, please call UI Health Access at 319-384-8442, ext. 704, or 800-777-8442, ext. 704.

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