10 Ways to Soothe Sunburned Toes with Home Remedies

If you have sunburned toes, check out these 10 home remedies for soothing that burn. Contact our office if you need more help with finding relief!
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Introduction

One of the most common (and painful) summer injuries is a sunburn. Sunburns can leave your skin feeling hot, itchy, and dry, and can even cause blistering. Sunburns are easily avoided with proper sunscreen and sun safety, but they can still happen. Sunburns are common on your feet because it is a place that we often forget to lather up with sunscreen. And once you’ve forgotten, you’ll notice right away as the friction from shoes can make the pain even worse.

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to soothe your sunburned toes at home and help them heal! Here are ten ways to do just that:

1. Put Your Feet Up

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. When you have a sunburn, it’s important to keep the affected area elevated as much as possible to help reduce swelling. So, put your feet up on a stool or ottoman whenever you can. Resting also reduces pain, since you are not rubbing anything against the injured skin.

2. Soak Your Feet in Cool Water

This will help to cool down the sunburned skin and reduce pain and swelling. You can either soak your feet in a tub of cool water or wrap them in a cool, damp towel. This works by constricting the blood vessels, which can help to reduce inflammation.

3. Apply a Cooling Cream or Gel

There are several over-the-counter cooling gels and creams that can help to soothe sunburned skin. Look for products that contain aloe vera or menthol, which can help to cool and numb the skin.

4. Take an Anti-Inflammatory Medication

If the pain from your sunburn is severe, you may want to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. This can help to reduce both pain and inflammation.
10 Ways to Soothe Sunburned Toes with Home Remedies

5. Apply a Moisturizer

After you’ve taken a cool bath or shower, gently pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer. This will help to hydrate your skin and prevent further irritation. Choose a moisturizer that is fragrance-free and contains ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin, which can help to soothe the skin.

6. Wear Loose, Breathable Shoes

Tight shoes can irritate sunburned skin, so it’s important to wear shoes that are loose and breathable. This will help to reduce friction and allow your skin to heal. The best shoes to wear are sandals or open-toed shoes that don’t rub directly against the sunburned skin.

7. Avoid the Sun

This one is pretty self-explanatory, but it’s worth repeating. When your skin is sunburned, it’s important to avoid further exposure to the sun. This will help to prevent the sunburn from getting worse and will give your skin a chance to heal.

8. Drink Plenty of Fluids

It’s important to stay hydrated when you have a sunburn. This will help to prevent dehydration and will also help your skin to heal. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can dehydrate the skin.

9. Protect Your Skin From the Sun in the Future

The best way to avoid a sunburn is to protect your skin from the sun in the first place. This means wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during the peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm. Putting sunscreen on a sunburn will also help protect it from further sun damage.

10. What to Do With A Severe Sunburn

If you have a severe sunburn, it’s important to see a doctor. Signs of severe sunburn include blistering, swelling, and fever. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. If you get a sunburn blister, don’t pop it. Apply a bandage over the blister with an antibacterial ointment like Neosporin and it should heal on its own. If a blister pops without warning, just make sure to keep the area clean with soap and water, apply antibacterial ointment, and put a bandage over it.

If your sunburned skin starts to itch, try to avoid scratching which can create scars and lead to infection. Instead, apply a hydrocortisone cream which should help relieve the itchiness.

If you have neuropathy, make sure to keep an eye on any open blisters, cuts, or wounds, and get treatment immediately if an infection starts.

Need Help With Your Sunburned Feet?

If you find yourself with a sunburned toe (or two), don’t despair! If you need help in treating your sunburn, give our office a call at (916) 961-3434, or contact us online. With a little TLC, your sunburned toes will be feeling better in no time.

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