What should you know about Aveeno for sunburn?

A colloidal oatmeal bath product or a bland moisturiser can reduce the dry, tight feeling as uncomplicated sunburn settles. Check the exact label because the brand includes many formulas. Avoid fragranced products, exfoliants and anything that stings on application.

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction after excessive ultraviolet exposure. Redness, warmth, tenderness and later peeling are common presentations. A moisturiser helps hold water near the surface, while colloidal oatmeal may calm discomfort; neither reverses ultraviolet injury that has already occurred.

Blisters indicate a deeper burn and need protection. Do not pop them, peel loose skin deliberately or apply thick greasy material while the skin still feels very hot, as trapped heat and broken skin can increase discomfort or infection risk.

Move indoors or into shade, then cool the area with a cool shower, bath or damp cloth. Pat rather than rub. Apply a thin layer of a simple fragrance-free moisturiser while the skin is slightly damp, and reapply when it feels dry. A lukewarm colloidal oatmeal bath is another option; rinse gently if residue irritates.

Drink fluids, wear loose clothing and keep the burned area out of direct sun while it heals. Once exposure resumes, combine shade, covering clothing and suitable sunscreen. If you are considering pain relief, check with a pharmacist when you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, take blood-thinning medicine, are pregnant or are treating a child.

Seek prompt medical advice for widespread blistering, severe swelling, worsening pain, fever, dizziness, confusion, vomiting, faintness or signs of dehydration. A baby with sunburn, or anyone with a weakened immune system and a significant burn, should also be assessed promptly.

Medical review is needed if blistered skin develops spreading redness, pus, increasing warmth or worsening tenderness. Get emergency help for breathing difficulty, collapse or marked facial swelling after using a skin product.

Describe the body area involved, whether blisters are present, when the exposure happened and any fever or dizziness. Ask how to dress broken blisters, which pain medicine is suitable for you, and when it is safe to restart your normal skin products.