As the weather warms up, the hours of sun throughout the day and the overall strength of UV rays that you’re exposed to when you go outside increase dramatically. Although the warmer weather typically draws people outdoors, it’s important to take preventative measures against getting sunburns. If you are sunburnt and wondering how to heal quickly, this article will review a few tips and tricks for healing a sunburn quickly and reducing discomfort during the healing period.
For severe sunburns or cases of sun poisoning, AFC Urgent Care Franklin is available 7 days a week to provide rapid care. Our clinic accepts walk-in patients and has short wait times. Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot in advance below.
Levels of Sunburns and When to Seek Medical Care
Sunburns are extremely common in the summer. While most sunburns do go away on their own with a little time, there are cases where your burn is so severe that you may need medical treatment. It is important to identify how severe your sunburn is and take the necessary care steps to have a flawless recovery. Although sunburns are typically thought of as separate from burning yourself on a hot pan, all burns can be categorized using a burn scale.
First-Degree
Sunburns that appear red and are a little uncomfortable are usually first-degree sunburns. These are the mildest burn levels and cause the mildest level of discomfort. First-degree burns will go away after a day or two.
Second-Degree and Higher
Any burn more severe than a 1 degree burn usually requires medical care to treat. Without proper treatment, burns are extremely prone to becoming infected. Second-degree burns can be characterized by blistering of the skin and severe discomfort. They take over a week to resolve and require daily care to ensure they don’t become infected.
Tips for Healing a Sunburn
If you have spent too much time in the sun and are suffering from a sunburn, it can be pretty uncomfortable. Knowing how to appropriately handle them can help speed up your recovery and reduce discomfort. Follow these tips for a faster recovery time:
Take a Break from the Sun: If you are sunburnt, it is important to take a break from the sun. Always wear sunscreen, but take a day to stay indoors so your skin avoids further damage.
Moisturize: Burnt skin needs hydration to heal. Make sure you moisturize well by applying several layers of moisturizer or aloe, morning and night.
Take Cool Showers: Hot water can be painful on burnt skin and dry out the burn more, which can delay healing. Taking cool showers will help you stay more comfortable, reduce swelling, and keep your skin hydrated.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Burnt skin is damaged skin. Using harsh chemicals like retinoids or other active ingredients can cause further damage. Take a break from any active ingredients and exfoliants while your skin is healing.
Walk Into AFC Franklin for Same-Day Sunburn Treatment
If you are sunburnt and your burn is severe or is causing significant discomfort, you may need medical care. Severe burns can require more advanced care to properly heal and prevent infections. At AFC Urgent Care Franklin, our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to evaluate minor burns and take any necessary action to help you recover smoothly.
Our clinic accepts walk-in patients and is open every day, including on weekends, from 8am to 8pm. We work with most medical insurance providers and have competitive rates for self-paying patients. For more information, walk into the clinic or give our team a call at (508) 446-9400.
