How to Treat Stubborn Summer Sunburn Many people spend all winter eagerly waiting for the warm, sunny days of summer. However, with every sunny day, there is a bad case of sunburn waiting to happen. The best way to prevent sunburn is to always make sure that you are wearing sunblock when you are outdoors enjoying the summer weather. In extreme cases, you may even want to consider wearing a thin layer of clothing to prevent the painful, peeling, skin damaging effects of sunburn. Still, it is more than likely that you are going to get sunburn at some point and, when it happens, there are many things you can do to soothe your sunburned skin. If you feel the tingling of a burn when you are outside or see your skin reddening, get out of the sun and start treatment. What you perceive as a touch of pink in the moment could turn into a larger burn later, so it’s best to take action as soon as possible. Consider taking a dose of ibuprofen as soon as you see any signs of sunburn, as this can help reduce the imminent swelling and redness that is going to occur. You can continue taking ibuprofen for the next 48 hours if you feel it is necessary. Next, take a cool shower or bath. When you have finished, apply moisturizing cream or lotion to your skin. Applying a moisturizer frequently will help reduce peeling and flaking. Look for products that contain vitamin C and vitamin E as these can help limit skin damage. In extreme cases, a hydrocortisone cream can be used for one or two days to help relieve discomfort. In addition to skin treatments, make sure that you are staying hydrated. Sunburn draws fluid to the skin’s surface, taking it away from the rest of the body. Make a conscious effort to drink more water than you normally would and be aware of any signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, or sleepiness. Above all, be very health conscious when treating sunburn. If you are experiencing extreme symptoms, fevers, or chills, seek medical help immediately. For more tips on how to treat sunburn please visit http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/five-ways-to-treat-a-sunburn.