How To Treat a Sunburn

Expand the description and view the text of the steps for this how-to video. Check out Howcast for other do-it-yourself videos from Stabbey and more videos in the First Aid category. You can contribute too! Create your own DIY guide at www.howcast.com or produce your own Howcast spots with the Howcast Filmmakers Program at www.howcast.com Did all that fun in the sun end with a nasty burn? Let's get you some relief. To complete this How-To you will need: A bathtub or cold, wet compresses Aloe vera plant or lotion, or hydrocortisone cream Aspirin Sunblock Baking soda or colloidal oatmeal Acetaminophen or ibuprofen An antibiotic ointment Step 1: Cool off your skin Cool off your skin with a cool bath or cool, wet compresses. If you opt for the bath, add a half cup of baking soda or several cups of colloidal oatmeal (available at drugstores). Soak for 10 minutes. Repeat as often as needed. Step 2: Apply something soothing Apply something soothing, like aloe vera from a plant or lotion, or 1% hydrocortisone cream. Tip: Do not use petroleum-based products or products with benzocaine; they'll just lock in the heat. Step 3: Take an aspirin If you're an adult, take an aspirin; its anti-inflammatory properties will help relieve the pain. Tip: Never give aspirin to children under 16; give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead. Step 4: Let your skin heal Let your skin heal. If blisters form, leave them alone; if they break, use an antibiotic ointment. Unfortunately, there's not much ...