My SUNBURN on my back is giving me some serious pain! ADVICE?

Mild sunburn can cause redness, pain, and slight swelling for about three to seven days. Skin may peel and be itchy.

Here are some home remedies that may provide relief from a mild sunburn.

1) Hydrotherapy

Brief baths, showers, and towel compresses can help to keep the sunburn cool and hydrated. The temperature of the water should be cool to lukewarm. Water that is too hot can strip the natural oils of the skin.

For a mild sunburn, try taking a cool bath or shower. Or place wet, cool towels on the affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day.

2) Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe is a plant native to Africa. The long green leaves contain aloe gel. Aloe gel is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and is used topically to soothe burned skin and to help heal wounds. Pure aloe vera gel can be found in many drug stores and health food stores. The fresher the gel, the more effective it is believed to be. You can even use a real aloe plant--cut off a spear, split it open, and rub the clear gel from the inside of the leaf on the sunburn. Avoid the sticky yellow latex. Aloe gel should not be used for severe burns or wounds.

Plain white vinegar is a popular sunburn remedy. Although there is no evidence behind this folk remedy, many people who try it say it helps to relieve pain when applied to the skin.

Vinegar can be applied as a compress. Soak clean towels in a half water, half vinegar solution. Wring the towels and apply on the affected areas, avoiding contact with broken skin and the eye area.

Another option is to fill a clean spray bottle with the half vinegar, half water solution and spritz it onto skin.

4) Stay Hydrated

It is important to drink plenty of fluids, because we lose more water when we're out in the heat and the sun. Dehydration can cause headaches and fatigue.

See a doctor immediately if there are signs of shock or heat exhaustion, such as:

dizziness

rapid pulse

rapid breathing

nausea, fever, or chills

severe skin blisters

extreme thirst, diminished/no urine output

Oh being a fair skinned red head, this brings back memories. In the future, make sure you were a T-shirt in the sun so as not to get such a bad sunburn. However, in the meantime, DO NOT use wet towels on your back as some have suggested. The towels are much too rough and will make it more painful for you. The best thing to do is take a cold bath and add some vinegar to the bath water. Pat your back dry and put some Aloe Vera gel. Take some Ibuprofen and Benadryl to help with the pain and itching. Finally take an old soft COTTON sheet, and cut it into pieces that will fit across your back. Make a cooler full of ice water and soak the sheet pieces in the ice water. Use one at a time to lay across your back. As one gets hot, switch it with one that is in the ice water. Noxema works well also, but can get messy if you are trying to sleep. However, it works well if you are planning on going outside the next day to protect the areas that are already burnt. I lived through many a days as summer camp with Noxema across my face and sholders.

Sounds painful! Try some Advil or Tylenol which will help reduce the inflammation/swelling from the sunburn. Take a cool bath, or maybe cover your back with damp towels. As your back heals, the itching will probably increase, when this happens an oatmeal bath is very helpful.

If you have a fever or you have blisters, you may want to visit your doctor.

Take care!

well, before you go to bed rub a bunch of aloe vera on it, that's what I do for my sunburns. Also ask your doctor about pain meds if it hurts that much. cool water on it once and a while might be a good thing. avoid hot, high pressure showers and stay out of the sun.

hope you get better

First off, you need to talk a cold shower and keep the water on the burn to take the heat out of it. Do this for a while. Or take a cold bath. You need to stop it from continuing to burn first. Then get yourself some medicated aloe burn relief and keep putting it on every 45 minute to 1 hour. If you have access to an Aloe plant and can put pure aloe on it, it will heal MUCH faster.

Try vinegar. The vinegar will make the skin tight, but should relieve the itching. To keep the skin from becoming dry, after the vinegar has had about 30 minutes to work, rub in a good helping of aloe vera. This combination works great.

The Aloe Vera plant is the best remedy for sunburns.

Just peel open the plant and rub the juice on the burn and it will help soothe the burn and make it go away in a few days.

Go to the drug store, and get some aloe with lidocaine in it. You can have someone apply it liberally to your back, or get a small nap paint roller, and a 2' pole, and put it on yourself. I just got back from Maui, and had same problem. This feels great, and it will heal much faster.

Aloe vera gel, put some in the refrigerator to make it cold and apply, take some aspirin for the pain, and wear a loose fitting, good, cotton t-shirt.

Call your doctor & make an appointment.

In the meantime, get some spray w/ lidocaine or aloe vera gel w/ lidocaine @ a local drugstore.