What do you put on a sunburn?

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying moisturizing cream or lotion to sunburns. Putting these on repeatedly helps make flaking less apparent. Applying hydrocortisone cream for a couple of days may also help with mild pain.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends staying hydrated because sunburn brings fluid to the skin and leads to dehydration in the rest of the body. Thirst, dizziness and fewer urination trips are signs of dehydration. Adults and children should take ibuprofen for a 48-hour period to help with reddening and swelling as well as possibly minimizing long-term damage. Acetaminophen can alleviate pain but does not help with inflammation.