Backpacker Magazine – August 2005

The Cure: Beating Sunburn

Hot first aid tips for treating sunburn

by: The Backpacker Editors

Tags:
• Health & first aid
|
• Skills
|

---

A serious sunburn is like a hangover: You don't truly feel the pain until the morning after. You may get a hint of what's to come, but it takes about 12 hours to feel the full fire of overexposure. Mild (first- and second-degree) burns leave your skin hot, red, and sore and may blister, but the pain usually subsides in 24 hours. Severe third-degree burns can cause chills, headaches, and fever; the soreness often lasts for days. Here's what to do in either case.

Prevention

» Apply SPF 30 sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

» If you have sensitive skin, consider wearing pants and a long-sleeved shirt. And check your outdoors store for SPF-rated hiking clothes designed for alpine treks and people with fair skin.

» Use a lip balm that has sun protection.

» Get out of the sun during breaks, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when ultraviolet rays are strongest.

» If you're taking any prescription drugs, check labels for warnings on sun exposure. Some antibiotics (such as tetracycline) increase the skin's vulnerability to sunburn.

» Heed the above advice with extra care when 1) traveling on snow or water, as reflected rays increase your exposure; and 2) hiking above 5,000 feet, where the strength of UV rays intensifies by 5 percent with every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.

Treatment

» Apply a wet cloth (cold if possible) to the sunburned area to relieve pain and minimize swelling.

» Take a painkiller such as ibuprofen.

» Gently wash blistered skin with cool water to prevent infection.

» Keep burned areas out of the sun.

» Smear on aloe vera or a sunburn cream, but choose one without alcohol, which can sting and dry the skin.

» It's only necessary to leave the trail and see your doctor if you have blisters on your face, which can sometimes lead to scars.

Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter