Sunburn care myths
Several treatments that people use for sunburn can exacerbate symptoms and skin damage.
- Do not apply butter to a burn on the skin.
- Do not use petroleum jelly.
- Do not apply ice or ice packs.
The best way to avoid sunburn is to reduce the way you expose your skin to sunlight. You can do this by:
- sitting in places with shade
- wearing clothing that covers the body, preferably that is made of tightly-woven fabric
- wearing a wide-brimmed hat
- protecting the eyes with sunglasses
- do not go out in the hottest part of the day
- always wear sunblock of SPF 30+ and reapply it regularly
- considering extra protection for the face, neck, trunk, and parts not usually exposed to the sun
Some sun exposure is important for the body to synthesize vitamin D. However, the American Cancer Society does not recommend sun exposure without protection because of the risk of skin cancer. Instead, they recommend dietary contributions, such as fatty fish and fortified foods.
You are more likely to have sunburn if you have:
- vitiligo
- alopecia
- albinism
Photosensitivity caused by:
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- porphyria
- the use of some medications, which include tetracycline
- certain genetic conditions
Sunburn is more likely to happen in the following situations:
- in locations near the equator
- at high altitudes
- when the sun is high in the sky
- when the sky is clear
- when UV light is reflected, for example, by water, ice, or snow
- when using a sunlamp
You should be extra careful in these situations.