You arrive at the beach, ready for a day of fun in the sun. But you notice that you forgot to pack your sunscreen. Exposing your skin to the sun's harsh rays without protection will only lead to one thing: sunburn blisters.
Sunburn blisters can be extremely painful. They can complicate the simplest of tasks. Sleeping, sitting, and showering become painful everyday tasks with sunburn blisters.
But what exactly are sunburn blisters? How can you avoid sunburn blisters? Are there all-natural, DIY remedies for treating sunburn blisters?
We'll cover all these questions in more as we take a look at sunburn blister prevention and treatment.
How to Prevent and Avoid Sunburn Blisters
Before we dive into prevention, let's take a look at what sunburn blisters are.
Sunburn blisters occur when the skin is damaged by the suns UV rays. Blisters are more likely to happen when the body is exposed to especially intense or prolonged periods of sun exposure.
Blisters may not appear immediately. They may start to appear between two and 24 hours after exposure. Blisters can cause pain that is anywhere from mildly uncomfortable to extremely painful.
Within 48 hours, you should see improvement and the pain should lessen. However, full recovery can take up to a week. Even after that, you may be left with discolored spots on your skin from the blisters. While this discoloration can be permanent, it usually fades after six to 12 months.
The good news is that sunburn blisters are easily preventable.
The easiest way to avoid sunburn blisters is to protect your skin from the sun. This can be done in a variety of ways.
If you prefer not to have to reapply creams and sunscreens, you can use clothing to protect your skin. There are many different types of clothing that are made to keep you cool and cover your skin.
For example, rashguards are great options for sunburn blister prevention. Rashguards can be found in short and long sleeve options. Full sleeves protect your arms and shoulders from the sun. These are the areas most prone to burning when you are out playing under the summer sun. Look for rashguards that are made out of special sun-proof material. There are many options available that block UVA and UVB rays. Keep cool and stay protected with a rashguard.
If you're planning a trip to the beach, try bringing a sand umbrella to prevent sunburn blisters. Umbrellas are a great way to keep your skin out of the sun. Create your own shade and stay cool on hot days with a sand umbrella.
Although clothing and umbrellas can help prevent sunburn blisters, topical creams are the most effective.
There are many different sunscreens available. Whether you plan on spending all day in the water or simply reading a book on the beach, there's a sunscreen that fits your needs. If you feel like sunscreen is too heavy or oily, look for a noncomedogenic option. You can also find sunscreens that are specially designed for your face.
The most important factor in choosing a sunscreen is its SPF. Opt for sunscreens that are at least SPF 50 or greater. The sunscreen should also offer protection from UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen is the easiest way to prevent sunburn blisters.
Treating Sunburn Blisters Naturally
Struggling with the pain of sunburn blisters can make you feel desperate for a remedy. What if the remedy was as simple as all-natural products that you probably already have around your home?
You're in luck! There are many all-natural, DIY remedies that you can make from household items.
You can use ice or cold water to help cool down the surface of your skin. This coolness will bring welcome, but temporary, relief. Do not place the ice directly on your skin. Wrap the ice in a towel. Do not use gauze or other loosely woven materials. These items may shed and leave debris in the blisters. This can increase the risk of infection.
Honey is also a great all-natural sunburn blister ointment. Honey is one of the oldest burn remedies. It was a common ointment to apply to burns during the reign of the Ancient Egyptians. Honey has natural anti-bacterial properties that can help speed blister healing. Honey can also moisturize the skin while still allowing it to breathe freely during the healing process.
Milk can also be used to treat sunburn blisters. The proteins in milk form to create a protective and nourishing layer over the sunburn blisters. This layer can help reduce pain and lower skin temperature. This is a great way to make the healing process more tolerable and speed up recovery.
You can also take a lukewarm vinegar bath. Fill the tub with lukewarm water. Make sure that the water is not too warm. Cooling off the temperature of the skin promotes healing. Add in a cup of vinegar to the bath and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Vinegar contains acetic acid. This acid helps reduce pain and inflammation of the sunburn blisters.
Witch hazel is an all-natural astringent that can be used to treat sunburn blisters. Witch hazel is a good anti-inflammatory agent. Use a cool, damp washcloth to apply the witch hazel. Repeat this process for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day.
Other Products and Ways to Treat Sunburn Blisters
Sliced of aloe vera leaf
Aloe vera is a tried and true sunburn blister remedy. The aloe gel cools the skin and provides much-needed moisture. Aloe can be harvested directly from the plant if you have one at home. You can also purchase aloe vera at most drug stores and supermarkets.
You will also need to stay hydrated while you recover from sunburn blisters. Sunburn severely dehydrates the body. The blisters will swell and fill with liquid. You may also experience chills or fever. Staying hydrated is key to a quick recovery.
You can also find an over-the-counter sunburn lotion at most drugstores. These lotions can rehydrate your skin. They can also help alleviate the pain associated with sunburn blisters.
Try an over-the-counter corticosteroid. These multipurpose creams work to soothe pain and reduce inflammation. As the blisters heal, the itching will set in. Using a corticosteroid will help reduce the itching and ease the healing process.
A topical burn cream can also ease pain and discomfort. Creams with ingredients, like lidocaine, will numb the skin and reduce the pain from the sunburn blisters.
It is also a good idea to take ibuprofen to help with the pain. Ibuprofen can also help reduce any swelling or inflammation from the sunburn blisters.
While your skin is healing, it is essential that it is protected from the sun. Pick clothing that covers the sunburnt area. The clothing should be made of tightly woven fabric. Fabric with a loose weave will allow the sunlight to filter through. A tight-woven fabric will block the sunlight and prevent further damage to the skin.
Sunburn blisters can be extremely painful. They can ruin your outdoor adventures quickly. However, sunburn blisters are very easy to prevent. Take preventative steps and wear protective clothing and sunscreen while you are outside. If you are unfortunate enough to become sunburned, treating sunburn blisters is simple. Stay hydrated and treat your skin delicately to return it to full health. You can even try simple, all-natural remedies to speed healing and recovery. You can also supplement these natural, at-home remedies with drugstore creams and lotions. Now you've got everything you need to know about sunburn blisters.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/sunburn-blisters
https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/outdoor/sunburn-remedies/
Home Remedies for Skin Pores