How to ensure sunburn doesn’t ruin your trip
Nothing ruins a summer holiday like a pair of pink shoulders. But just because you’re starting to resemble a piece of bacon, doesn’t mean your holiday is completely toast.
As Dr Rob Matthews from Cremorne Medical states, “As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure, however if you are unlucky enough to get sunburnt there are a number of things which you can do to help manage the symptoms.”
Here are a few tips for managing sunburn on holidays. If you’re starting to look like a British backpacker after a day at Bondi beach, here’s the best thing to do.
1. Stay cool and hydrated
Once sunburn has struck, the name of the game is to keep cool and stay well hydrated to give your skin the best chance to heal. As Dr Matthews states, “Simple things like cold compresses, lots of water and a good moisturising cream will be your best friends.”
Still no relief? Well, if you’re still feeling ordinary Dr Matthews adds, “If the sunburn is particularly painful I would recommend taking some paracetamol.”
2. Aloe Vera gel
Thousands of sunburn sufferers around the world have sworn allegiance to Aloe Vera as the best way to calm skin suffering from sunburn. The best way to apply Aloe Vera on sunburned skin is by using your fingertips, leaving it on until it’s dry and absorbed.
It’s recommended that you repeat the process two to three times a day, although if the gel is starting to feel uncomfortably sticky you can rinse if off with cool water.
3. Avoid the sun (at least for a little while)
If you look less like yourself, and more like a fire engine, heading straight back out into the frypan doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Rather than heading straight back into the rays, consider taking an afternoon off and lounge around in the shade.
If you do have to head out and you can’t avoid the sun, make sure you really take care to slip, slop and slap this time, otherwise you’re only going to make matters worse.
4. Consider a travel concierge service
A travel concierge service is perfect for people with who are concerned about exposure to the sun, providing that extra little bit of assistance to make life easier. Companies like Medical Travel Companions offer a range of services, like providing access to a registered nurse for the course of your journey who can help assist with your movement.
Have you ever had a nasty case of sunburn while you were on holidays? If so, what happened? Let us know in the comments section below, we’d love to hear from you.
Medical Travel Companions are like the guardian angels for those who love to travel but require assistance or reassurance. Whether you – or someone you love – could benefit from a little assistance, Medical Travel Companions has a range of services that ensure no one has to miss out on doing the things they love.
For more information or to book your own travel concierge, click here.
Related links:
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How to manage poor vision while on holidays