What is the best thing to use on a sunburn?!
Question:
What is the best thing to use on a sunburn?
my dad says that if i shower under HOT water that it will draw the heat out and it will hurt alot less. idk about that but what else will work?
Answers:
ok! never put hot water on a burn this will increase the damage - if it does take away the pain you have passed out or caused a third degree burn and need a skin graft!
cold water is the best first aid, never ice this will also cause further damage.
a product called burn aid is also good if you can find it
never put milk or yogurt or any food substance as this may reduce pain but it increases chances of infection.
if you have blisters cover your burn with cling wrap then a cool towel and go to a hospital that has a burns unit
Adelaide - royal Adelaide hospital
Perth - royal Perth (i think)
Melbourne - prince Alfred
sorry thats all the hospitals i know
if it isn't that bad put on pure aloe vera (thanks everyone for drumming that in) but then as soon as you put on so much that your skin isn't absorbing all of the aloe cover your burn with paraffin wax or aqueous cream (paraffin wax and glycerine). the aloe will help re hydrate and the paraffin simulates the protecting layer of skin and oils your body normally produces (obviously it isn't in the case of a burn as the skin is damaged). this seals in fluids and moisture and protects your skin and relives the pain of wind and the other that really hurt becausse your skin is sensitised and unprotected. reapply the paraffin and aloe every 4-6hours and stay well hydrated. replacing lost water and salts is important. you may experience heart burn if you have a large area burnt = see a doctor who knows burns
so to sum up - only cold water -no ice - no oils - no hot water - nothing organic (milk or anything)
blisters equals partial thickness burn (second degree) which means you should prolly see a burns doctor (as for a consult/referral)
moisturise your skin and seal that moisture in!
drink water or power aide or gatoraide or similar
the test for a doctor knowing about burns is agreeing with this post or holding a textbook entitled 'total burn care'