Sunburn is always annoying, but those affecting the lips are even more so. However, it is possible to use various types of products (including numerous easily available balms and ointments) to protect them and make them heal. Over-the-counter medications, ice, and cold packs are all effective ways to relieve the pain of a sunburn. If you avoid exposure to the sun, do not tease any blisters that may form and apply a conditioner regularly, the burn should heal without any problems. However, if you notice severe pain, chills or fever, go to the doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Balms and Ointments
Step 1. Apply aloe vera to your lips
Use fresh juice from an aloe vera leaf or buy a gel. Massage the product on your lips and let it dry. In addition to cooling the area, aloe also helps heal the burn.
- If you don't have a plant at home, you can buy aloe vera leaves from the fruit and vegetable department of some hypermarkets. To obtain juice, just cut the outer layer of the plant, in order to expose the inner part and facilitate the escape of the gel.
- Do not apply aloe vera gel on the lips if the product instructions advise against it.
- Apply the gel whenever you feel the need.
- Store the gel in the fridge to make it even more refreshing.
Step 2. Use a lip balm
Several commonly used balms are very effective for treating burned lips. Look for one made with shea butter or cocoa with SPF protection. This will help you treat the burn while protecting your lips from the sun.
- Lip balms are available in the form of tubes, sticks and pastes. To apply it, massage the stick directly on the lips (or spread the paste with the help of your finger) until you create a homogeneous and thin coating.
- Repeat the application when the product goes away.
Step 3. Rub an antibiotic ointment on the affected area if you have open blisters
Look for an ointment specifically designed for the lips, as many topically applied antibiotics (and hydrocortisone creams) cannot be swallowed. Just massage the product on the lips once a day until they are evenly coated.
Step 4. Apply an oatmeal paste
Cook oats and let them cool. Pat it on your lips once a day and rinse it off. Oats are traditionally used to treat various skin ailments. By being effective on sunburn, it will help you heal your lips.
Step 5. Do not use petroleum jelly or an analgesic lotion
Since petroleum jelly and products containing petroleum jelly can make burns worse, avoid them. Lotions based on pain relievers such as benzocaine or lidocaine can also irritate burned skin rather than provide relief and are therefore not recommended.
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Pain Caused by a Burn
Step 1. Take a pain reliever
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or naproxen. While healing, it is effective in relieving the discomfort caused by sunburn.
- To take a pain reliever, follow the instructions on the package insert. Avoid taking too much.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can have interactions with other medications, whether they are prescription or not. If you are taking other medicines, ask your doctor to recommend pain relievers that are suitable for your needs.
Step 2. Make a cold pack
Take a clean cloth and soak it for a few minutes in a container filled with ice water. Squeeze it out and let it sit on your lips until it's hot. Packing during the healing process helps you find relief quickly and easily.
Step 3. Relieve pain with chamomile tea
Infuse chamomile tea bags in hot water, then remove them and let them cool. Leave them on your lips until they are warm.
Chamomile is an effective natural product for relieving pain caused by a burn. As long as they stay cold, the sachets are great for soothing discomfort
Method 3 of 3: Protect Your Lips
Step 1. Hydrate
Drink lots of water during the healing process. The skin needs water to stay healthy, especially when the body has the task of regenerating the epidermis damaged by overexposure to the sun.
Step 2. Avoid the sun
While you are healing, try to spend most of your time indoors. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade or wear a hat to protect your lips. When burned skin is further exposed to sunlight, it risks worsening the problem and prolonging the healing process.
If you really need to go out, apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher
Step 3. Don't tease the affected area
Avoid touching your lips. To find relief, apply a conditioner or ointment. It is normal to be tempted to peel off dead skin or squeeze blisters, but this will only make the problem worse. Teasing the burn area will expose it to potential bacterial overgrowth, which can lead to infection.
Step 4. Contact a doctor if you experience severe symptoms
Home remedies are effective for treating a mild to moderate burn. However, if you notice any of the following warning signs during the healing process, see your doctor:
- Intense pain that you cannot relieve with normal treatment;
- Chills;
- Fever;
- Weakness;
- Dizziness;
- Blisters affecting large areas of the body.
