Sunburn Question!

[Beaucoupfishies]

About 8 months ago, I started telecommuting to my work since we were moving to Tampa. As a result, I don't get outside as much as I used to.

Well about 5 days ago we went down to Siesta Key and laid out on the beach for a while and all ended up getting sunburned to various degrees. The sunburn itself has mostly cleared, but on the spots where I got hit worst I have been having issues with itching and small white bumps that come and go.

I started using green aloe right when we got home and have been alternating that with actual lotion, so the skin has been well taken care of. I tried oatmeal soap, OTC anti-histamines as well as a white vinegar/water mixture to try to get rid of the itching. Finally went out and bought some Solarcaine which helps, but only temporarily. Anytime I break down and actually scratch it flares up like bad poison ivy.

Any other suggestions I could try? I looked online and it sounds like they're basically an allergic reaction I'm having to the skin damage. Thanks in advance!

[Murloc]

the wife was born and raised in Daytona Bch so I went to the expert (any time I ask her for advise I get brownie pts)...she says that you have 2 problems going..the pain from sunburn and possible infection from the blisters (hence the white bumps)....

treat the sunburn and keep a close eye on the blisters as when they break the chance for infection increases, and of course if it progresses see a Dr

many treatments help with the sunburn, she prefers an lotion with lidocaine in the ingredients to help with pain (solarcaine for example but like you said it doesn't last long)...cool water soaks with baking soda also may help..any anti inflamatory such as advil also does wonders...and also the old standby of a jar of noxima in the fridge will soothe sunburn

the blisters are the issue as for the infection possibility....she says to expect them to get bigger or spread and you're gonna want to watch the area.....this is where the solarcaine comes into play as it will fight the infection so even though it may not last long for pain relief it will actually help more in fighting infection so a approach with a couple of remedies might bring you the best relief

[Beaucoupfishies]

Originally Posted by Murloc

the wife was born and raised in Daytona Bch so I went to the expert (any time I ask her for advise I get brownie pts)...she says that you have 2 problems going..the pain from sunburn and possible infection from the blisters (hence the white bumps)....

treat the sunburn and keep a close eye on the blisters as when they break the chance for infection increases, and of course if it progresses see a Dr

many treatments help with the sunburn, she prefers an lotion with lidocaine in the ingredients to help with pain (solarcaine for example but like you said it doesn't last long)...cool water soaks with baking soda also may help..any anti inflamatory such as advil also does wonders...and also the old standby of a jar of noxima in the fridge will soothe sunburn

the blisters are the issue as for the infection possibility....she says to expect them to get bigger or spread and you're gonna want to watch the area.....this is where the solarcaine comes into play as it will fight the infection so even though it may not last long for pain relief it will actually help more in fighting infection so a approach with a couple of remedies might bring you the best relief

I'll take a few anti-inflammatories since I haven't in a few days. I used them a few days ago in conjunction with a bunch of anti-histamines, so I didn't know if it actually helped at all.

I also have no problem keeping up with the Solarcaine since it's been the biggest help so far. I didn't know it helped with infection though, so that's a definite bonus. Tell your wife I said thank you and also thanks to you for asking.

[divechaplain-sara]

Benadryl would be my recommendation if you think it is an allergic reaction.

[Bert]

lots of aloe, drink lots of water and asprin

[elijahb]

The solarcaine or other caine products numb the area you spray so I have used it for crazy bug bites. If you think your sunburn is getting worse see a doctor as it could be infected!!!

[Beaucoupfishies]

Hey guys!

Keeping up on the solarcaine, lotion, benedryl and anti-inflammatories seems to be helping. Or maybe I'm just too drugged up to care?

In any case, I'm keeping an eye on things and will go to the doctor if I need to. The last time I put off going to the doctor it turned out I had a fracture that I was just making worse. Oops!

[matt151617]

I'd go see a dermatologist. That doesn't sound like a normal reaction to a sun burn... it shouldn't be that persistent.

[JTMoney]

Whenever I get sunburned badly it'll itch like crazy for a couple days. Then it starts to peel and I'm a-okay. It's been a while since I got a bad sun burn though, mainly because I've been keeping pretty tan. Gotta have my vitamin D.

[harb99]

they are not sweat / water spots under the areas that might be getting ready to peel are they? Sometimes when I get burnt, right before i start to peel, i will get water bumps under the skin if i get out and work up a sweat