| Few things hurt like a burn. One of the worst | | | | If you do get a sunburn, there are two things |
| things about a burn is the pain can seem almost | | | | you should do. First, slather on some aloe vera |
| constant, only to become sharp and pronounced | | | | gel. Research shows that aloe vera helps minor |
| whenever it's exposed to more heat. | | | | burns to heal better. Aloe vera has anti-mutagenic |
| Some burns also wear you out. I don't know if | | | | effects that help your skin to repair damage done |
| you've ever noticed how tired you feel when | | | | to cells. This function can help prevent the |
| you're sunburned. It's a real drain on your energy. | | | | formation of cancerous cells. Look for the highest |
| Burns can have long-term consequences, too. If | | | | purity aloe vera gel you can find. Choose one that |
| you don't treat them properly they can lead to | | | | does not contain alcohol because alcohol can dry |
| scarring. Sunburns lead to cellular damage that can | | | | the skin, contributing to your discomfort, and |
| increase your chances of skin cancer later on. | | | | countering the good effects of the aloe. |
| I've noticed in my own practice that most people | | | | The second thing to do is take Vitamin C and find |
| don't seek a doctor's help for minor burns. For the | | | | a topical skin cream that contains Vitamin C. Your |
| most part, minor burns are something you can | | | | body uses Vvitamin C to build collagen, the |
| treat on your own. With summer just around the | | | | supporting structure for your skin. A sunburn can |
| corner, the incidence of burns is about to rise. | | | | damage your collagen, prematurely aging your |
| Whether you spend too much time in the sun or | | | | skin. By taking Vitamin C internally and using it |
| get a smaller burn from a barbeque or a | | | | topically, you can rebuild your collagen and repair |
| campfire, it's important to know how to respond. | | | | sunburn damage. |
| Proper care can relieve the pain and discomfort. It | | | | How to Treat a Burn Injury |
| can also reduce scarring and long-term damage to | | | | With summer barbeques and many outdoor |
| your skin. | | | | activities there's always a higher chance of getting |
| The Best Care for Sunburns | | | | a minor burn injury. Minor burns are local surface |
| The most common minor burn is a sunburn. | | | | burns. They hurt like heck, but they aren't serious. |
| Sunburns doesn't pose an immediate threat, but it | | | | A minor burn will turn red and will swell a little bit. |
| can have serious consequences for your | | | | It may blister, but blistering should be minimal. |
| long-term health, especially if you allow yourself to | | | | If you get a minor burn, the best thing to do is |
| burn often. | | | | run cool water over it until the pain subsides. |
| Before I get into the best way to treat a sunburn | | | | After running cool water over the burn, wrap it |
| and reduce the long-term damage it does, I want | | | | lightly in gauze or use a second skin burn pad to |
| to emphasize the importance of prevention. | | | | cover it. I prefer the second skin burn pads. In |
| Sunburn prevention is important to the long-term | | | | my own practice, I've found that they provide |
| health of your skin. By avoiding sunburns you'll | | | | better pain relief to and speedier healing. |
| reduce your chances of developing skin cancer | | | | If a burn is more severe-if the skin turns deep |
| later on. You'll also keep your skin from aging | | | | red and blisters-or if the burn is over a wide area |
| prematurely. | | | | of skin, it's a good idea to seek medical attention. |
| The best way to prevent sunburn is to be smart | | | | Larger or more severe burns are more prone to |
| about your sun exposure. The sun's rays are | | | | infection and complications. A doctor's advice can |
| most intense between 10am and 4pm. If you plan | | | | help you heal better without scarring and avoid |
| to be out in the sun for more than 20 minutes | | | | infections. |
| during this period, use sunscreen. If you're going | | | | With summer time nearly upon us, knowing how |
| to be outside for more than two hours, take | | | | to respond to a burn if it happens can keep you |
| your sunscreen with you and reapply it every 90 | | | | and your family safe during this time of the year. |
| minutes. | | | | |