Pain relief for non-blistered sunburns
Sunburn is all too common in Australia, with 1 in 8 adults and 1 in 5 teenagers being burnt on an average Australian summer weekend.
It’s easy to get sunburnt – on some days unprotected skin can take less than 11 minutes to burn. Even being outside on cloudy days can lead to sunburn, especially if you are exposed for long periods, for example, when gardening, visiting the beach or being active on the water.
Applying Xylocaine 5% Ointment to sunburnt (but not blistered) skin helps relieve the pain by taking the sting out.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage or burn your skin, even on cloudy days. Damage can occur in less than 11 minutes and becomes worse the longer you stay exposed to the sun’s UV rays.
There is no cure for a painful burn, your skin just has to heal itself. Mild sunburn (where your skin becomes pink or red and feels hot and painful to touch) can be treated at home.
You can help relieve the pain and itching of mild, non-blistered sunburn by applying Xylocaine 5% Ointment to the burnt area.
More severe sunburn with swelling, blisters or broken tender skin may need medical attention.
When it comes to sunburn, prevention is the best policy.
To help reduce your risk of burning and damaging your skin, use the following sun protection routine whenever you go out:
- Wear sun-protective clothing and cover as much skin as possible
- Apply a broad spectrum, water-resistant SPF30+ sunscreen (remember to put in on 20 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours)
- Use a hat with a brim that shades your face, head, neck, and ears
- Look for shade whenever you can
- Wear sunglasses – making sure they meet Australian Standards.
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