Please don't tell me that despite your best intentions, you find yourself with a dreaded case of sunburn. Yes, I know, it's hard to think of Memorial Day during the summer. If you didn't think to apply sunscreen (and I shudder at that thought because, after all, we're supposed to wear it daily all year long) - take heart.

There are steps you can take to both soothe the burn and reduce the level of UV damage to the skin. While you might think that the damage from a sunburn is complete once you go indoors, beneath the skin's surface, chemical reactions continue to take place for up to 24 hours after sun exposure. Even though the healthiest choice is to avoid the burn in the first place, quick thinking may reduce the day's damage.

• Swallow Your Pride

  Research shows that taking a member of the NSAID family (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, etc. can help reduce the inflammatory process and prevent sunburn from blossoming into its full glory.

  More importantly, NSAIDs also act as Cox-2 inhibitors. This enzyme is produced by inflammation as well as precancerous tissue so it stands to reason that preventing the formation of this enzyme may in fact reduce the ability of ultraviolet light to result in precancerous changes within the skin. Researchers at the University of Alabama are currently researching the use of the arthritis drug Celecoxib (an NSAID) in the treatment of precancerous actinic damage.

  So if you find yourself with a sunburn you can't hide from the world, turn to your medicine cabinet for some relief. Ideally you should take this as soon as you realize you've had a little too much fun in the sun, but taken within 8 hours of sun exposure you can still realize some benefits.

• An Antioxidant A Day Keeps The Sunburn Away

  No, you won't find drinking your orange juice will prevent a sunburn, but applying a soothing cream, lotion or gel filled with a sun kissed antioxidant like vitamin C can indeed help soothe the burn and help cut down on free radical damage. Ultraviolet light creates free radicals that cause cellular DNA damage (hence wrinkles and skin cancer).

  Look to Ole Henriksen All Purpose Aloe Vera Gel is a cooling oil-free gel that helps sooth skin irritations with chamomile. A refreshingly, light as a feather gel for skin that "acts up" caused by a rash, cut or sunburn.

• I'd Like That Dressing On The Side

  My strongest olfactory memory of childhood is smelling like a freshly tossed salad during the summertime. Back in the dark ages of the 60's when one's summertime goal was to soak up as much sun as possible and sunscreens were unheard of, I had more than my share of unnecessary preteen sunburns. Every night mom opened the kitchen cupboard and pulled out her bottle of plain old distilled white vinegar. Dousing us liberally, she unwittingly was using home therapy with some real science behind it.

  The acetic acid in white vinegar is essentially a topical NSAID. Of course this helps reduce the inflammation, the pain and hopefully some of the UV damage occurring in the skin. Unless you have a pentient for the gourmet-flavored variety, pick up some inexpensive white vinegar to keep on hand for that unexpected burn.

• A Spot Of Tea?

  Compressing with cool water is helpful in reducing the temperature of the skin and helps reduce some of the pain. But add something active to that water and you've got an entirely different approach. Compresses made with green tea are helpful pain relievers. Green tea acts as an antioxidant and helps reduce inflammation. The active ingredient in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Brew up a pot of green tea using loose tea leaves or the bags, strain and compress with CHILLED tea for best results. A little teatime is good for one's soul, and one's skin!

  Another option - DERMAdoctor Body Guard Exquisitely Light SPF 30 For Face & Body. Believe it or not, it's the ideal after sun treatment, too. Not only can I get you to apply sunscreen (which can help reduce your risk of getting sunburned again), but it contains high levels of green tea. And I can give a personal testimonial that it works.

  I'm the one you see at the beach who is totally covered up with a hat, sunglasses and cover-up sitting under an umbrella. And chasing after my children with sunscreen all afternoon. But, even the best intentions don't always work out. While it's literally painful to admit, I got my first sunburn in years when I went snorkeling in Hawaii. Yes, dermatologists can make mistakes, too. Apparently not enough sunscreen was applied thoroughly to my back and that area burned. A night of DERMAdoctor Body Guard Exquisitely Light SPF 30 For Face & Body and the discomfort and redness were dramatically improved.

• Just Numb It

  If what you want is something which simply takes the ouch factor away, there are a number of topical anesthetics that can fit the bill. Avoid the use of products that contain known skin sensitizers. When skin is inflamed, these sensitizing ingredients are more likely to cause an allergic reaction. Active ingredients such as lidocaine, a topical anesthetic along with other agents like neomycin, benadryl and silver are things to avoid when you have a sunburn.

  PrameGel, Prax Lotion, and Aveeno Oatmeal Anti-itch Concentrated Lotion contain the active ingredient Pramoxine HCL, safe to use on sunburned skin. Repeated use is necessary to stay comfortable throughout the day (or night).

• Moisturize With An Antioxidant

  When you find yourself peeling the burn, look to VITEC Vitamin E Lotion for Sensitive Skin to help hydrate dry, flaking skin and help heal with another antioxidant, vitamin E. Moisturize at least once a day after getting burned helps reduce that all too common annoying itching. VITEC Vitamin E Lotion for Sensitive Skin is a good option especially for anyone with sensitive skin concerns.

• Water, The Elixer Of Life

  Drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is good for you. It helps keep you healthy, keeps your appetite down (important during bathing suit season) and when you've got a sunburn, helps keep you from getting dehydrated. A sunburn allows vital elements, electrolytes and water to escape and can rapidly lead to "sun stroke." Rehydration helps prevent this. So make sure you get adequate water while out in the sun and throughout the day.

  Drinking your water also allows you to drink some antioxidants to help fight the free radical damage due to that burn. Dr. Brandt Anti-Oxidant Water Booster - Original Green Tea also comes in Lemon and Pomegranate and is a great way to boost your antioxidant load.

• On Call

  Second degree sunburns will blister. A single blister may not be the end of the world, but if you find yourself covered with blisters, this is when you should call your doctor and check in.

  Symptoms of nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and severe headache may be indicators of heat stroke. Left untreated this condition can result in delirium, coma or death. If you or the ones you're with experience these symptoms, this is cause to seek medical attention immediately.

This summer, consider sunburned skin a fashion faux pas. But if you find yourself a sun scorched victim, don't despair. Relief is on the way.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. I hope you have found it informative.

Audrey Kunin, M.D.

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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