Utilizing clothing, shade, and sunscreen is essential to preventing sunburns and reducing your risk of skin cancer. But how should you care for your skin in the event you end up with a severe sunburn, often referred to as sun poisoning? As a team of expert dermatologists in High Point, NC, Central Carolina Dermatology Clinic highlights the most important steps to promote healing.

When you’re left with a bad burn, the amount of pain and discomfort you experience will depend on how you treat it from the start. Cover it immediately and head indoors as soon as you can. Next, you should:

• Cool & Moisturize: To reduce the heat of the sunburn, dermatologists recommend taking a cool shower or bath. If that’s not possible, use a cold compress. After you pat the area dry, you should apply a water-based moisturizer and aloe to soothe the pain and reduce dry, itchy, peeling skin.
• Take a Pain Reliever: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate the discomfort of a sunburn and ease any headaches you may have. These anti-inflammatory medications will also sooth swelling.
• Drink Extra Water: Sunburns increase your risk of dehydration because the drying, healing skin relies on more fluids. To keep your body hydrated—and help moisturize your skin internally—drink more water than you usually would. 

Even when you follow these steps, you may still experience pain and discomfort in the days following. Although many sunburns will heal on their own, there are times when you may need to seek help from a medical professional. If large areas of your skin blister, you develop a fever, you feel nauseous, or are in serious pain, visit an emergency room for immediate treatment.

In any case, you should visit a dermatologist after experiencing a severe sunburn to make sure your skin has recovered properly. Since these burns can increase your risk of skin cancer, be sure to also keep up regular dermatology appointments for complete evaluations.

To discuss your skin cancer risk or receive advanced skincare in High Point, NC, turn to the specialists at Central Carolina Dermatology Clinic. Caring for patients in the Triad area for more than 60 years, this team of licensed dermatologists is well-equipped to protect, treat, and heal your skin. To schedule a convenient appointment, call the office at (336) 887-3195.