Are you a proud member of Team Peel? Not to kill your vibe, but every sunburn increases the risk for melanoma. Get it together with these tips from physician assistant Laura Martin:
:: The sun is strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stay out of it. That doesn’t mean under an umbrella or in the shade, where UV rays can still reach you.
:: Keep the kiddos covered. Babies under 6 months shouldn’t wear sunscreen, so make sure to buy protective clothing.
:: Sand and water reflect. You’re also (duh) closer to the sun in the mountains. Act accordingly.
:: Check your drugs. Certain prescriptions can make you burn faster.
Is it too late for you? Sunburns are dehydrating, so drink lots of water. Cool compresses, aloe vera and calamine lotion also helps. If you have blisters, don’t pop them. That’s gross, and can lead to infection.
Have skin irritation of a different kind?
It’s probably just a bug bite. Buuuut, it could be an abscess. You’re welcome.
If you have trouble breathing, fever or body aches, it’s time to call your doc.
If it’s just mildly itchy, take Claritin or a derivative, not Benadryl. According to Laura, the medicine is more effective against bites — and it won’t make you drowsy (unless that’s what you’re going for).
