April 19, 2007

Health Tip: Soothing a Sunburn

(HealthDay News) -- A bad burn from too much fun in the sun can be very uncomfortable and painful.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions on how to soothe sunburned skin:

• Take a cool shower or bath, or apply cool compresses on burned areas. Putting baking soda in the bathwater also can help soothe sunburn.
• Keep your skin moist with lotion.
• Apply aloe vera gel, as it can help cool the skin and relieve pain.
• Adults can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like aspirin or ibuprofen. Aspirin should never be given to children.

-- Diana Kohnle

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