Enjoying some sun and waves on one of Galveston’s relaxing beaches? We hope you are, but we also hope you’ve come prepared for the hot Texas sun with lots of sunscreen and water on hand. When you’re having fun splashing around in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s easy to forget just how powerful the sun can be. In fact, there are 33,826 ER visits for sunburn in the US every year, according to Reuters. Sunburns are not only painful, but they can lead to nausea, dizziness, dehydration, and fainting, which can ultimately land some folks in the ER. More serious burns can lead to blisters that can become infected if not properly treated.
You may not realize you’ve gotten sunburned until 6 hours later. If you’re looking for easy remedies before seeking a doctor for treatment and medication, here are some things you can try at your home or hotel.
Galveston Emergency Room Offers Home Remedies for Soothing Sunburn
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to fight off the drying effects of sunburn on your body. You can also eat plenty of juicy fruits that contain high amounts of water, like watermelon and honeydew. These fruits contain anywhere from five to nine ounces of water per serving.
- Reduce pain and swelling: Taking a cool bath can help you feel better, but we recommend leaving out the bubble bath and soap until your sunburn has healed. Soap contains irritants that can make your sunburn worse. Instead, try adding some baking soda, which may help with itchiness and inflammation. Aloe vera also helps with soothing all kinds of burns.
- Moisturize your skin: After your bath, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion containing Vitamin E. For added relief, you can put your lotion in the refrigerator for a few minutes before you apply it on your skin.
- You can also try a milk compress. The fat, pH level, and protein reduces inflammation of the skin. Mix 1 cup milk, 4 cups water, and some ice cubes together. Dip a clean washcloth in the mixture and apply it to your skin for about 20 minutes and keep repeating every couple of hours. You can also add some cornstarch to make a paste to apply to your sunburn for pain relief as needed.
If you’re experiencing nausea or dizziness, go to the nearest ER in Galveston. Hospitality Health ER is open 24-7 at 4222 Seawall Blvd.
