Sunburns are a common skin condition resulting from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leading to an acute inflammatory response in the skin. This damage manifests as redness, pain, and heat to the touch, and can sometimes involve blistering. Many individuals seek various home remedies for relief, often wondering if a hot shower can alleviate the discomfort.
How Hot Water Affects Sunburned Skin
Hot water does not help sunburns and can worsen the skin’s condition. When skin is inflamed from UV radiation, hot water causes vasodilation, widening blood vessels. This increased blood flow intensifies redness and burning.
Heat can also strip away natural oils, leading to increased dryness and itching. Adding heat and removing moisture can exacerbate damage, potentially worsening blistering and delaying healing. While some may feel momentary relief due to endorphin release, this sensation is fleeting and misleading.
Soothing Sunburn Discomfort
To alleviate sunburn discomfort, immediate skin cooling is recommended. A cool bath or shower helps lower skin temperature and reduce inflammation without stripping essential oils. Ensure water is cool, not cold, as extreme cold can shock the system or damage sensitive skin. After bathing, gently pat skin dry to avoid further irritation.
Applying moisturizers helps rehydrate skin and reduce inflammation. Products with aloe vera or hydrocortisone are often suggested. Aloe vera, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, soothes skin and provides a cooling sensation. Over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream also reduces swelling and pain for mild to moderate sunburns.
Drinking plenty of water is important, as sunburn can draw fluid to the skin’s surface, leading to dehydration. Staying hydrated helps prevent systemic symptoms and supports healing. For pain and inflammation, nonprescription pain relievers like ibuprofen can be taken orally soon after sun exposure.
Avoiding Sunburn
Preventing sunburn is always the best approach to maintain skin health. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is essential. Experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied generously and reapplied every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
Seeking shade, especially during peak UV hours, significantly reduces exposure to harmful radiation. These hours typically fall between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest. Wearing protective clothing also offers an effective barrier against UV radiation. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats that shield the face, ears, and neck.