O/T...Sunburn?!

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
O/T...Sunburn?!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2008

    Oh-oh....waaaaaay too much sun today! Spent 7 hours out on New Guy's boat in blistering 100+ degree heat and I'm almost purple with sunburn (so much for the base tan I had acquired) Embarassed. I want to take something before bed to mitigate the effects, but can't remember whether aspirin, tylenol or ibuprofen is best. I also have a headache and some slight chills. Suggestions?

    What a jerk...but it was an awesome day!!! Laughing

    ~Marin

  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited June 2008

    Ib is an anti inflammatory that may reduce swell, as does aspirin.  Tylenol is considered the safest most of the time, but does nothing for swelling.

    If you can find a place open, go get some solarcain, or such, topical anesthetic to help reduce the pain.

    Aloe is also great to treat it.  And some aloe comes with the topical numbing meds.

    I have hidden from the sun all my life cause I burn to a crisp in about 20 min.  Then I hurt and then I peel.

  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited June 2008

    Oh, yikes - definitely aspirin or ibuprofen, pure aloe vera gel and chilled moist compresses. If the chills and headache worsen, go to emergency, you could have sunstroke. There is latency in exposure and you continue to develop even after coming in from the sun.

    You are gonna pee-eel!SurprisedWink

    Lisa

  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited June 2008

    Ouch! -- Dottie and Lisa have good advice. 

    I must admit I'm intrigued by the suggestion on this Wikipedia page to put cool milk on your sunburn (dip a clean washcloth in cool milk and use it as compress: "In addition to the cool temperature, a protein film will form to soothe the pain and the lactic acid will help reduce inflammation.")

    Oh -- the milk compress is also recommended by UMDNJ!

  • Jaybird627
    Jaybird627 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited June 2008

    Aloe!!! Slather it on for days as it is a great healer. And anything that reduces swelling or pain should help also.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2008

    Thanks, you guys! I took tylenol because I went to bed before anyone posted. It probably did nothing except cured the headache, but I was so tired from those many hours in the sun that I slept waaaaay deeply. Still pretty burnt on the face, shoulders and knees, but the pure aloe gel is working. Ya know, Anne, I've always been intrigued by the cold milk compress idea too, but freaked out by the possibility of going around smelling like sour milk once it dries. I think I'll stay with the aloe!

    ~Marin

  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited June 2008

    Glad you're feeling better Marin.  I always used the aloe, too.   I don't know if I'll ever get a sunburn again -- but just this morning on the Today Show, a dermatologist was recommending the cold milk compress to Ann Curry!  Must be a fad!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2008

    Ok, so you got a sunburn. Just remember how hot you looked in the bikini walking up to the marina.  Priorities, remember the priorities!

    (hope you're feeling better!)

  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited June 2008

    put the aloe vera in the fridge-- it will feel great on your burnt skin.  Also tea bags are great for your face and eyes.   

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2008

    Everyone has already given the best advice, but as a red-head, (ok, with blonde hilites!), I just have to say I feel your pain. Sorry this one thing had to run an otherwise fun day!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2008

    You should be peeling by now ... how is your skin?

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2008

    Well, the aloe was the best idea! I have a wide streak in the center of my forehead down to and including my nose that has peeled and looks raw, but otherwise everything is looking okay....and tan! I do itch though, so I keep slathering on the gel.

    Tomorrow I'll be back out in the sun because it's the day of our Race for the Cure. My run starts very early (7am), but I'll be staying to cheer on others in the recreational run/walk and to join the survivor's procession at the end, so more sun. I'm keeping my cap on this time!

    ~Marin

  • Miss_Lolli
    Miss_Lolli Member Posts: 560
    edited June 2008

    For future reference....my grandma used to rub my sunburns with a vinegar-saoked cottonball. It stings for a sec, but then it seems to cool the burn down.

    Marin....is this is new one meaning since P? I'm nosy. lol

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