How To Treat Blistered And Peeling Skin Due To Sunburn

Prolonged exposure to the sun rays or more specifically to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun results in sunburn. Initially, the skin turns red followed by the appearance of pus filled blisters and finally peeling of the upper skin layer when blisters have dried up.

The first thing that needs to be done after getting sunburn is to take frequent cold showers, drink plenty of water, remain in cool environment, apply cool gels and creams, and get plenty of rest in order to soothe your body from inside. However, once water-filled blisters have been formed this is what can be done to treat the blistered and peeling skin.

Treating The Blisters

The first rule of caring for your burnt skin is that you should never touch those blisters, leave them alone. Clean your hands using a disinfectant before you touch them. Wear loose fitting and minimal clothing so that maximum area remains exposed to open air. Do not cover them in any way. If it is extremely necessary you may use a loose bandage to keep them covered lightly.

Accidental or intentional scraping may lead to popping of blisters and the released pus may cause further infection. Cucumber is great for the healing of blisters. It cools and moisturizes the skin providing relief. Mash the cucumber in a blender and apply the paste on the affected surface and keep for about half an hour.

You can also use natural healing baths to treat blisters. An oatmeal extract bath or essential oil bath may work wonders. However, care must be taken in keeping the bath water cool or slightly lukewarm in order to be fully effective.

Also, take care not to expose the body to the sunlight. This will augment your problem. If you need to step out in the sun even for an instant make sure to apply liberal quantities of sunscreen all over.

Remedies For Peeling Skin

When the blisters have dried off and our body starts to slough off the dead cells, peeling of the sunburnt skin occurs. There is nothing you can do to stop the process. However, you can speed up the healing. Continue with the regular cold baths, and pat dry your skin.

Don’t rub or you will cause irritation and may increase peeling. Use aloe vera based moisturizing lotion, prepared specially for treating sunburns. Lot of continuous hydration is necessary for complete healing. Drink lots of water, a minimum of ten glasses every day.

Your skin will repair and remedy itself. During peeling itching of skin is inevitable and so is the urge to scratch the itch. However, doing that will lead to permanent damage.

Use an ice pack to soothe the surface. It will give continuous moisturization relieving your skin. Similarly, do not try to forcefully remove the peeling skin which will lead to infection. You may remove the hanging peels with the help of a small scissor. However, don’t forget to cover that area by applying an antiseptic ointment.