how to remove sunburn from hands - #14194
I am really worried about my hands right now. Last weekend, I ended up spending way too much time at the beach without sunscreen (I know, rookie mistake!), and now I have this awful sunburn on my hands. It hurts like crazy and is super red – I mean, they look like lobsters! I've tried some aloe vera I had at home, but it doesn’t feel like it’s helping much. I've been searching for tips on how to remove sunburn from hands and nothing seems to work. Also, it’s starting to peel and honestly, I just wanna know how to remove sunburn from hands faster! I’ve heard about using cool compresses and moisturizing, but are those really effective for how to remove sunburn from hands? Or is there something else I should be doing? It's really aggravating because I can’t even properly grip anything without feeling that sting. And I’ve also read that staying hydrated helps, but man, I already drink lots of water... I'm just scared I might make it worse if I don’t treat this right. Any advice on how to remove sunburn from hands would be super appreciated!
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Doctors’ responses
Sunburns can be really uncomfortable, especially when they’re on your hands—those lobster-like hands can be painful to deal with. When it comes to easing the discomfort and maybe speeding up healing, there are several things worth trying. First off, stick with those cool compresses you mentioned. They often do help, as they can reduce the initial heat and inflammation. Using a clean cloth soaked in cool (not icy) water and applying it to your hands for about 15 minutes can provide relief. Moisturizing is key as well; you should be applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizing lotion to your hands regularly throughout the day. Keep avoiding anything with scents or alcohol which could cause further irritation or drying. Aloe vera is typically a good choice but if it’s not working for you, you might want to explore lotions with added hydrating properties like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Painwise, if it’s still quite bothersome, you could consider over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, which might help reduce pain and swelling. Do ensure you’re taking this with food to protect your stomach. Peeling skin often follows sunburn, and while it’s tempting to remove it, it’s best to let it come off naturally. This peeling is part of the healing process, and pulling it prematurely might lead to scars or infection. Hydration is more about helping the skin repair itself over time, so keep drinking water as usual. If, however, any worrying signs appear—like signs of an infection, intense pain, swelling, or blistering—seek medical attention promptly as those could be indicators that more advanced treatment might be necessary. In the future, protecting your skin with sunscreen and wearing protective clothing can significantly minimize these risks. After the burn heals, gradually introduce gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, helping your skin look and feel better. But for now, patience is vital as your hands heal, even if it’s inconvenient. Stay consistent with these approaches, and your hands should start to feel better soon.
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